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Quality Management System Implementation Boosts Productivity and Sales
With the help of: New York Manufacturing Extension Partnership (NY MEP)
About
STI-CO is a leading supplier of custom antenna solutions. Based in Orchard Park, NY, STI-CO designs and produces mission-critical communication systems using advanced manufacturing techniques. Their clients include government agencies, transit organizations, and the military. Their products are durable and reliable antennas tailored for specific program needs.
The Challenge
STI-CO has been ISO 9000 certified since 2006, but customer growth and a desire to support additional markets prompted them to seek AS9100D certification. An additional challenge was that the existing ISO 9000 certification would expire before sufficient time to implement and certify the new quality system.
The dual challenges of maintaining the ISO certification along with preparing for AS9100 certification were difficult to juggle. Insyte Consulting kept us focused on the important aspects of these efforts.
MEP's Role
To effectively upgrade their quality management system, STI-CO partnered with Insyte Consulting to develop and implement the necessary components for the system to meet the requirements of AS9100D. The first step was to conduct a gap analysis to identify areas of the quality management system that did not comply with the AS9100D standard. After completing this, the analysis was reviewed with management. The tasks of updating the system documents were assigned to appropriate personnel, and the completed documents were reviewed by the quality manager and Insyte staff.
Following this, members of the organization were trained on the requirements and process of internal auditing. As the new documentation was released, internal audits were initiated. While updating the documents for AS9100D, the ISO recertification was conducted. Several findings were identified that needed to be addressed to maintain the existing certification. This delayed the progress toward finalizing the AS9100D-compliant system.
Once the existing ISO system was recertified, the focus shifted back to implementing the new AS9100D system. Documentation was completed and presented to company personnel, and internal audits were conducted. After several weeks of addressing audit findings and enhancing the system, the AS9100D certification audit was scheduled.