By Marie-Claude Turcotte, B.Ed., MBA
In the manufacturing sector, quality is not just an asset: it is a requirement. For companies wishing to position themselves in highly regulated markets such as aerospace, AS9100 certification represents a real strategic lever. But taking this step is no small feat. Scholer Industrial successfully rose to the challenge, moving from ISO 9001 to AS9100 with the help of specialized support. Here is their story.
Why switch from ISO 9001 to AS9100?
ISO 9001 is the most widely used international standard for quality management systems. It establishes the necessary foundations for ensuring customer satisfaction and continuous improvement. However, for companies targeting the aerospace sector, this standard is not enough. AS9100 goes much further: it incorporates the requirements of ISO 9001 while adding criteria specific to the aerospace industry, such as traceability, risk management, and rigorous documentation.
For Scholer, this transition was essential. “We knew that to attract customers in the aerospace industry, we had to demonstrate impeccable quality and the ability to manage complex parts,” explains Christian Coupal, a member of the management team. And the results were not long in coming.
The concrete benefits of AS9100 certification
During our meeting in August 2025 with Jérémi Palardy and Christian Coupal, several benefits were highlighted:
- Process traceability and repeatability : AS9100 imposes a rigour that ensures that each step is documented and reproducible. This reduces risk and builds customer confidence.
- Increased employee awareness : The standard has helped establish a stronger culture of quality, where every team member understands their role in compliance.
- New markets : Since obtaining certification, Scholer has secured at least two new customers in the aerospace industry, with projects involving particularly complex parts.
These gains clearly illustrate that certification is not just an administrative exercise: it is a strategic investment that opens doors.
Why not jump straight to AS9100?
One question comes up often: why not aim for AS9100 from the outset? For Scholer, the answer is clear: the transition from ISO 9001 was a wise choice. “If we had started from scratch, the hurdle would have been much higher,” emphasizes Jérémi Palardy. By building on the solid foundations of ISO 9001, the company was able to reduce the workload and tackle the additional requirements with greater peace of mind.
This gradual approach allowed existing processes to be consolidated before adding aerospace-specific elements, such as risk management and enhanced controls.
Support that makes a difference
Obtaining a certification such as AS9100 is not just a matter of filling out forms. It is a complex project that requires a detailed understanding of the standard requirements and the ability to integrate them into the operational reality. This is where support comes in.
As a BDC consultant, I had the privilege of guiding Scholer through this process. My role? To ensure that each step was understood and applied in a pragmatic way. Here's what the team particularly appreciated:
- Practical training in internal audits : Rather than sticking to theory, we focused on the practical application of the requirements.
- Clear and accessible communication : “We're not into dogma,” Christian told me. My approach aims to simplify without distorting the standard.
- Greater autonomy : The goal is not to create dependency, but to give teams the tools to manage compliance themselves.
- Tangible results : During the external audit, the number of non-conformities was very low, according to the external auditor, proof that the preparation had paid off.
Beyond technical skills, Christian emphasized the importance of the human factor: “I really like your pragmatic approach and your sense of humour. It makes the process much less burdensome.”
The keys to success at Scholer Industriel Inc.
The success of this project is not based solely on standards or support. Several internal factors played a decisive role:
- Management commitment : The direct involvement of the president sent a strong signal to the entire organization.
- Technological tools : The use of UniPoint quality management software was key to success. This choice was made because it could be integrated into the existing ERP system and is a Canadian product. This solution made it possible to effectively centralize quality-related data, such as non-conformities, maintenance, audits, FAI, OHS, and document management.
- Documentation rigour : Scholer implemented robust practices for documenting customer complaints, even those that did not involve returning materials.
These elements demonstrate that successful certification is the result of a comprehensive strategy that combines technology, culture, and leadership.
An investment that pays off
Switching to AS9100 takes time, resources, and a good deal of perseverance. But the benefits are undeniable: access to high value-added markets, improved internal quality, reduced risk, and increased credibility with customers.
For Scholer, this process has been a catalyst for growth. And for any manufacturing company that aspires to stand out, the message is clear: quality is an investment, not an expense.
Are you considering certification?
At Accademia Qualitas, we know that every company is unique. Our mission is to support you with pragmatism and expertise, whether for AS9100, ISO 9001, or any other standard. We offer training, internal audits, and personalized support to transform your goals into concrete results.
Contact us today to learn more about our services and discover how we can help you boost your competitiveness.
For your CNC machining and precision manufacturing solution needs, visit Scholer Industriel inc.
To go further
Discover another case study on the integration of sustainable development: https://www.accademia.com/en/etude-de-cas-integration-developpement-durable/