SC21 leader AWS Electronics Group speaks at IAQG conference

A|D|S who facilitated this conference at York (UK), dedicated conference time to a discussion on their UK led initiative SC21 which is aimed at improving aerospace supply chain. Although awareness is growing globally, this was an opportunity to provide an international quality audience with the view from the UK. A|D|S invited AWS as the EMS provider is the leading supplier in the SC21 program with Silver award for two consecutive years. AWS was joined in the presentation by Paul Egan, Purchasing Manager, Thales UK as one of the leading prime contractors using SC21.

Mike Berridge – AWS Group Director of Business Improvement commented: “As a medium size business within the aerospace supply chain it was an honour to speak about how we are helping to change the way the UK Aerospace is working in front of an audience of quality directorates from the worlds leading primes. The emphasis at the IAQG conference was on quality systems and accreditation. My message to the primes is that this alone will not create the change they are looking for. The SC21 program has, at its heart, accreditation with EN AS 9100 and NADCAP - these are prerequisites to starting the programme and they are all managed by the IAQG”.

The message is clear: it’s not either or with the QMS…..but rather that SC21 extends beyond accreditation. It uses manufacturing excellence, business excellence and relationship management diagnostics that start at the top of the organisation, it forces and understanding of managements commitment to improve performance. Paul Egan echoed AWS’ view that through implementing SC21 you differentiate yourself. Thales is not mandating suppliers to be on the SC21 program, but if you are a prime about to short list or consolidate your supply base then knowing that a company has been through the SC21 program sets it apart.

An Executive Panel Q & A session was conducted at the end of the conference with Boeing, Sikorsky, Thales, A|D|S, BAe and AWS representatives on the stage. Given the number of questions directed to AWS as part of this Q &A, interest was certainly stirred concerning both the company’s approach and success with SC21.