Sourcing Aerospace Components: 4 Key Considerations

In aerospace, much like every other industry, partnering with the right suppliers can be instrumental in achieving success. Materials Management & Purchasing professionals are charged with finding suppliers who can meet the strict requirements for parts and remain competitive on price. In this blog, we’ll review the key factors aerospace businesses should consider when sourcing aerospace components either domestically or internationally.

ISO9001:2015 & AS9100 Rev D Certified

ISO9001:2015 & AS9100 Rev D certifications are standards defined by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) and the International Aerospace Quality Group (IAQG), respectively, that ensure suppliers and manufacturers of components for aerospace & defense organizations have adequate quality management systems in place.

For all components that will be used in a finished aerospace product, Material Management and Quality Specialist teams should have a list of approved suppliers with an AS9100 Rev D Certificate of Registration on file to source from. That means for every single part, down to the smallest screw, your suppliers must have AS9100 Rev D certificate. While it can be tempting to order standard parts like copper wire from a non-certified partner if they are in-stock and you need it fast, it isn’t worth the regulatory and compliance risk especially when working with government contracts. Hand soap, printer paper, and other supplies that will not be included in aerospace builds do not have to be sourced from vendors with an AS9100 Rev D Certificate.

Full Traceability to OEM

Due to increases in the production and distribution of counterfeit parts, it is extremely important to ensure your supplier maintains full traceability to the OEM. Partnering with a supplier, who purchases only from manufacturers rather than a mix of third party suppliers limits the opportunity for fraudulent activity, shortens the supply chain, and ensures a high degree of traceability. OEM parts are sold to suppliers with a Certificate of Conformance to enhance the end-buyer's confidence that the parts purchased are OEM parts rather than after-market or counterfeit components.

Reputation & Stability

ISO9001:2015 & AS9100 Rev D Certificates are not easy to obtain and can definitely provide some peace of mind when selecting a partner for aerospace components, but they aren’t the only things to consider. A good reputation among manufacturers in the industry, and a longstanding history serving customers in the space are good indicators to consider when weighing the partners to add to your Approved Supplier List (ASL). Consider asking the partners you’re vetting to share customer testimonials from other aerospace companies they’ve worked with currently or previously.

Reliable Lead Times

Aerospace components can be very custom and you shouldn’t expect that your supplier will have every item you need in stock at all times, but you do want to choose a partner that has reliable lead times so you can plan your ordering appropriately. The cost of stocking too much inventory is a real concern for aerospace companies but finding suppliers that have reliable lead times and consistent on-time delivery isn’t easy. Inventory management is a balancing act and a good parts supplier can help you navigate the parts they keep in stock, the parts with short lead times and the parts with longer lead times so you’ll know what to order when to keep production moving.

At Titan Electronics, we’ve made a name for ourselves as a reliable partner for our customers in the Aerospace & Defense industries. With over 15 years in the space, we deeply understand the needs and requirements of Aerospace businesses. We are ISO9001:2015 & AS9100 Rev D Certified, purchase only from trusted manufacturers including TechFlex and Systems Protection (formerly Federal Mogul), and provide reliable lead times so you can make purchasing decisions effectively. Learn more about what it means to partner with Titan Electronics, contact us today.

About The Author

Joe Wigginton is a seasoned Sales Manager with a rich background in the aerospace and defense industries. With over 20 years of experience in the cable and cable protection sector, Joe initially served as a manufacturers' representative for 5 years before taking the entrepreneurial route. For the past 15 years, he has successfully owned and operated a business dedicated to supporting customers with top-quality products and solutions.

Beyond his professional achievements, Joe has traveled extensively worldwide to forge meaningful relationships and source the best products to meet our customers' needs. His global perspective and commitment to excellence make him a valuable asset to our team and clients alike.