AQAP made easy
- Petteri Saisto
- 4 days ago
- 3 min read
Updated: 2 days ago
A well-built AQAP quality assurance system is like a customized turbocharged ISO 9000 for a company, using enriched fuel and equipped with a state-of-the-art safety cage and other safety features. All systems have been serviced and inspected, and up-to-date data can be found in the glove compartment. In addition, the drivers of this vehicle have driving licenses and maps for new roads.
Is building AQAP quality assurance a big job? Does the system require rebuilding the entire operation? Yes and no. Not everything needs to be done from scratch if the company has a functioning ISO 9000 series quality management system in place. However, the topics go deeper and certain requirements are easier to overcome with suitable IT systems, trained personnel and functioning infrastructure. The size of the work depends on the company's starting level. A functioning ERP system tackles many AQAP requirements. Completed and described security arrangements also make it easier to achieve the goal. Still, the AQAP project requires reviewing, evaluating and rebuilding several areas.
How to start an AQAP project?
You are already well on your way if your company has decided to move to an operations management system to access NATO supply chains. At this point, it is time to start the countdown to the dusty quality maps!
First, you create a project and agree on the people who will start promoting this work. If your company has a quality manager, he or she will take on a larger role and map out with management what resources, systems, or infrastructure solutions are needed. If you don't have a quality manager, you need to recruit one now. You also need other responsible people who are committed to carrying out the project in your company and bringing to your attention and deciding on issues that will promote the implementation of the quality project. Such responsibilities include, for example, configuration and security arrangements.
Your company has already taken care of occupational safety. Now, security throughout the organization takes on a major role, which means security arrangements for the information processed in the company and physical security against intentional harm.
AQAP project phases
Required to start
Full management commitment
Identifying weaknesses
Project plan
Then we will move to
Infrastructure
Configuration
Instructions/training/plans
Finalizing
Let's put the systems into operation
Training staff
Real-time reporting is done
Continuous maintenance and development work is carried out
Requirements are being passed on to subcontracting chains
Staging and testing
It is worth phasing the project and initially training the staff in smaller groups, so that impact is achieved in layers throughout the organization and that learning is also done while doing things. It is worth testing reporting and requirements management, even if there is no customer project that requires it yet. The AQAP system has benefits in many projects, but it is worth considering carefully in which context it produces added value. The investments made in the implementation of the system and training will come back in the form of customer satisfaction, when a functional and easily auditable system guarantees smooth operations and transparency. I also argue that work done well produces fruit more cost-effectively and the company can breathe easier again.
What to focus on?
To make a project a success, it is worth focusing on preliminary planning and selecting the right people, as well as investing in document management. This way, the quality project gets off to a good start right away. Communication is also essential so that the matter is not only known to a small dedicated group.
For me, the AQAP 2110 is like a good electric car: low maintenance, self-updating, easy to control, fast and safe. The driver needs to know the basics, the car helps and guides you to your destination.
It's a good idea to bring experience to the AQAP project right from the start. Get in touch and let's see how we can help!
Peter Saisto,
+358 40 138 0300