TS EN 9103
Aerospace series - Quality management systems - Variation management of key characteristics
1.1 General This document is primarily intended to apply to new parts and products intended to be produced in an on-going production phase but can also be applied to parts currently in production (e.g., manufacturing, maintenance). This document is applicable to all production processes that influence the variation of KCs, as well as maintenance and service processes in which KCs are identified. It applies to organizations for assemblies and all levels of parts within an assembly, down to the basic materials including castings and forgings, and to organizations that are responsible for producing the design characteristics of the product. The variation control process begins with product definition, typically stated in the design documentation (e.g., digital model, engineering drawing, specification) which identifies KCs, and leads to a variation management process for those KCs. This process may also be used for producer-identified KCs (e.g., process KCs, additional/substitute product KCs). Producers and their subcontractors are responsible for flow down of the standard requirements to those external providers, who produce design characteristics and provide production and service provisions, to ensure that KCs conform to the customer’s requirements. 1.2 Purpose This document is designed to drive the improvement of manufacturing and maintenance processes through adequate planning and effective management of KC variation. This focus is intended to improve uniformity (less variation or minimum variation of product KCs) and acceptance probability of the end-product. NOTE Control of a product or process KC per this document does not constitute, nor imply acceptance of the resulting product. If variation management, under this document, is to be part of an acceptance decision, the requirements need to be specified in the applicable product acceptance plan or contract. 1.3 Convention The following conventions are used in this document: – “shall” indicates a requirement; – “should” indicates a recommendation; – “may” indicates a permission; and – “can” indicates a possibility or a capability.
Available Formats:
- Availability: Immediate Download
- Language: English
- License Type: Single User
- Updates: Not Included
- Availability: Request Quote
- Language: English
- License Type: Enterprise / Multi User
- Updates: Included
About This Item
TS EN 9103 is the aerospace quality management standard focused on variation management of key characteristics (KCs). Its central aim is to reduce unwanted spread in critical product and process features through better planning and control, supporting more uniform manufacturing and maintenance outcomes. In practical terms, it addresses how variation is understood, monitored and managed across the life of a product, rather than treating inspection alone as the main control mechanism.
Key characteristics across the product life cycle
The document starts from product definition: the characteristics identified in design records such as digital models, engineering drawings or specifications, and then connects them to a variation management process. In general technical terms, key characteristics are those features that have a notable effect on fit, form, function, safety or performance. The standard also allows for producer-identified KCs, including process KCs and additional or substitute product KCs, where those are relevant to controlling variation.
Where the standard is intended to be used
Its intended use extends beyond new parts in ongoing production and can also apply to parts already in production, including manufacturing, maintenance and service processes where KCs are identified. It is relevant to assemblies, all levels of parts within an assembly, and basic materials such as castings and forgings, as well as organizations responsible for producing design characteristics. The requirement flow-down to subcontractors and external providers is part of the documented approach, helping keep KC-related expectations aligned throughout the supply chain. One important distinction is that variation management under this standard does not by itself constitute acceptance of the product; if it is to support an acceptance decision, that must be defined in the applicable product acceptance plan or contract.
- Publication Date: 8.11.2023
- Standard Status: U (Yürürlükteki Standard/Standard)
- Publisher: TSE
- Document Language: en
- ICS Classification: 03.100.70 Yönetim Sistemleri; 03.120.10 Kalite Yönetimi ve Kalite Güvencesi; 49.020 Uçak ve Uzay Taşıtları (Genel)
- Pages: 37
- Source Standard: EN 9103:2023
- International Equivalents: EN 9103-EQV
Need This Standard?
Request a personalized quote today to receive the latest edition in PDF or other available formats.
Need This Standard?
Request a personalized quote today to receive the latest edition in PDF or other available formats.
Summarize with AI
Get quick summaries using your favorite AI engine.
Online Standart Disclaimer
OnlineStandart.com is an authorized reseller of international standards, operating through partnerships with authorized distributors. We do not own the copyrights or trademarks of the standards we sell, including but not limited to those of API, ASHRAE, BSI, SAE, ASTM, IEEE, IEC, ASME, ISO, and others.
All product names, logos, and brands are the property of their respective owners and are used for identification purposes only; their use does not imply endorsement. OnlineStandart.com is not affiliated with or endorsed by any standards development organization unless explicitly stated. The content of this document is for informational purposes only and is intended to promote our licensed reselling services.
Online Standart does not host, distribute, or link to free, unlicensed, or uncertified copies of copyrighted standards. Every document we deliver is a licensed copy obtained through authorized channels and supplied with full licensing documentation. The “Free PDF Download” option on our product pages refers to this free informational document — never to a free copy of any standard.