Question 1

What services does ATC Quality provide, and which organizations does it work with?

Accepted Answer

ATC Quality supports organizations in establishing, developing, and effectively managing their quality management systems in line with the requirements of international standards. Through its consulting, training, audit, and source inspection services, it helps businesses manage their compliance processes, keep their operational risks under control, and improve their quality performance.

With more than 38 years of experience, it serves organizations of different sectors and sizes, primarily in aerospace, defense, and manufacturing. It offers solutions for quality, environmental, occupational health and safety, and energy management systems, with ISO 9001 and AS9100 at the forefront.

Its approach is not limited to meeting the requirements of the standards. It aims to integrate these requirements into the organization's daily operations, keep processes working effectively, and manage risks systematically. In this way, the quality management system makes a sustainable contribution to the organization in terms of both audit readiness and operational efficiency.

Question 2

How long does it take to prepare for management system certification?

Accepted Answer

The time required for management system certification depends on the size of the organization, the maturity of its existing processes, its documentation structure, and how far it already meets the requirements of the relevant standard.

For organizations with no existing management system, the preparation period can vary with the scope of the standard and the organization's current state. When setting the timeline, it is therefore necessary to consider not only the certification target but also establishing the required processes, putting them into practice, and evaluating their effectiveness.

We begin by assessing the current state. We then build a roadmap covering the gaps identified, the priorities, and the actions required. This lets your organization see clearly the stages of the certification process and the steps needed to reach the targeted audit date.

Our goal is not only to prepare you for the certification audit, but to support you in building a management system that meets the requirements of the relevant standard and works sustainably in daily operations.

Question 3

We are ISO 9001 certified. How extensive is the work needed to move to AS9100?

Accepted Answer

Holding ISO 9001 certification is a significant advantage for the transition to AS9100. However, AS9100 adds requirements to the existing quality management system that address the needs of the aerospace and defense sector. The scope of the transition therefore depends on how effectively your current system is implemented and how far it already meets the new requirements.

In particular, areas such as configuration management, product safety, operational risks, traceability, and supplier control need to be assessed. Once it is clear how well existing processes align with AS9100 requirements, the necessary adjustments can be planned.

At ATC Quality, rather than rebuilding your existing system from scratch, we aim to build on the processes that already work, identify the gaps against AS9100 requirements, and prioritize the improvements needed.

For organizations with a well-structured ISO 9001 system, the transition can proceed in a more controlled and efficient way. The duration and scope of the project are determined by the results of the initial assessment.

Question 4

How can we prepare for surveillance and recertification audits?

Accepted Answer

Preparing for surveillance and recertification audits should not be reduced to a check carried out just before the audit date. The management system needs to meet the requirements continuously, processes need to be applied effectively, and the necessary records need to be kept up to date.

At ATC Quality, we assess your existing system and your audit readiness, and provide support in areas such as planning internal audits, identifying nonconformities, following up corrective actions, and management review.

We address the gaps identified according to their significance and risk level, and clarify the work that must be completed before the audit. Your team then knows which topics to prioritize and can manage the preparation in a more controlled way.

You can limit our support to a single audit period, or receive regular consulting to maintain the effectiveness of your system and support continual improvement.

Question 5

How does the consulting process with ATC Quality work?

Accepted Answer

We start the consulting process by understanding your organization's current state and goals. In the first stage, we assess your processes, documentation, organizational structure, and practices against the requirements of the relevant standard.

Following this assessment, we identify the differences between the current state and the targeted level of compliance, and prepare an implementation plan covering the priorities and the work required.

During implementation, we support your team wherever needed, such as developing processes, creating or improving documentation, training employees, and preparing for internal audits. We review progress at set intervals and follow up the necessary steps together.

Because every organization's operational structure and needs are different, we shape the work plan accordingly. Working with a consultant dedicated to your organization keeps responsibilities clear and communication uninterrupted.

Our aim is to provide the support needed throughout the consulting process while also helping your organization reach the competence to maintain its management system effectively with its own resources.

Question 6

How many on-site visits are needed during the consulting process?

Accepted Answer

The number of on-site visits is determined by the size of your organization, its operational complexity, the maturity of its existing management system, and the scope of the project. Rather than applying the same visit plan to every organization, we create a work program suited to the need.

In consulting projects, on-site visits may cover activities such as assessing the current state, reviewing processes, employee training, and internal audits. Additional visits can also be planned depending on the progress of the project and the needs that arise.

Alongside on-site work, we also use online meetings to keep project follow-up and communication going. This allows us to review progress regularly while taking your organization's operations and time into account.

The scope and frequency of visits are clarified after the initial assessment. This establishes a shared framework at the start of the project for the working arrangement, the responsibilities of each party, and the contributions expected.

WeBuildPracticalQualityManagementSystems

Turning standards into working systems.

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Standards Alignment

Process-Based System Design

Risk-Based Thinking and Evidence-Based Decision Making

Audit & System Control

Supplier & Subcontractor Audit

Continual Improvement

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Developing quality capability within your organization.

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