The goal of the AS9101 rewrite is to provide requirements on process auditing and development of  the AS9100 audit approaches and tools that focus not only on conformity, but also on effectiveness of a quality management system (QMS). The AS9101 proposal is to develop an enhanced audit process for evaluating process-based management systems that aligns with ISO 17021 and consists of:

• Process-based information gathering.
• Assessment or analysis and audit planning.
• Development of performance-based and process-oriented audit methods and techniques.
• The ability to capture objective evidence of process conformity and effectiveness.

The AS9101 Rev D has aligned itself with the process approach for quality management systems as indicated in the 9100-series of standards.  There are four basic questions asked when evaluating quality management systems which is linked to each process which is being audited:

0. is the process identified and appropriately defined?
0. are the responsibilities assigned?
0. are the procedures implemented and maintained?
0. is the process effective in achieving the desired results?