First Article Inspection (FAI) Management Software for ISO9001 & AS9100 Manufacturers

Manage all First Article Inspections (FAIs) across receiving, in‑process, and engineering operations with a flexible, proven system designed for ISO‑certified manufacturing environments. Our FAI Management Software centralizes inspection data, captures results, manages approvals, and integrates seamlessly with your inspection and nonconformance processes.

This FAI Management Software for ISO9001 & AS9100 manufacturers provides a complete, audit‑ready workflow for documenting First Article Inspections in compliance with ISO9001:2015 and AS9100 Rev D requirements. It supports receiving, in‑process, and engineering FAIs, ensuring consistent documentation, traceability, and approval across all departments.

What Is a First Article Inspection (FAI)?

A First Article Inspection (FAI) verifies that a manufacturing process can consistently produce a part that meets all engineering, customer, and regulatory requirements. It is commonly performed on new parts, design revisions, tooling changes, supplier transfers, or after significant manufacturing process changes.

For aerospace manufacturers, FAIs are typically performed in accordance with AS9102 First Article Inspection requirements, while many ISO9001 manufacturers adopt similar processes to improve quality, traceability, and customer confidence.

• Verify dimensional characteristics
• Confirm material and process certifications
• Validate manufacturing processes
• Create permanent inspection records
• Provide complete audit traceability

1. Flexible First Article Inspection Management

FAIs occur across multiple departments — receiving, in‑process, engineering, and product design. This system captures all required details regardless of where the FAI originates, ensuring a consistent and repeatable process.

• Supports FAIs from receiving, in‑process, and engineering inspections
• Centralized module for all First Article records
• Consistent, repeatable, and audit‑ready process

FAIs can also be linked to Inspection & NCMR Software for full nonconformance lifecycle management.

When Is a First Article Inspection Required?

Organizations typically perform a First Article Inspection whenever a change could affect product conformity. Establishing clear triggers helps ensure consistent compliance and customer satisfaction.

• New product introduction
• Engineering drawing revision
• New tooling or manufacturing process
• Supplier changes
• Production restarted after an extended shutdown
• Customer contractual requirement
• Quality concerns requiring process validation

2. First Article Inspection Search

Quickly locate any FAI using powerful search and filtering tools. This is especially useful during audits, customer inquiries, and internal reviews.

• Search FAIs using multiple filter options
• Single‑click to view FAI details
• Single‑click to start a new FAI record

3. Automatic FAI Creation from Receiving & In‑Process Inspections

When an inspection is marked as a First Article in the Inspection/NCMR module, a corresponding FAI record is automatically created. This eliminates duplicate data entry and ensures consistency.

• Automatic transfer of all relevant inspection details
• Eliminates duplicate data entry
• Ensures consistency between inspection and FAI records

4. First Article Inspection Record & Results

Record FAI results with a flexible structure that supports multiple inspection types and requirements. Capture all required information for traceability and compliance.

• Part number, revision, FAI date, status, and result
• Nonconformance number if the FAI fails
• Buyer, customer/supplier, due dates, destructive test info
• Customer PO, sales order, work order, internal PO
• Last manufacturing date
• Quantity required and disposition of inspected units
• Approval team assignment and acceptance tracking
• Unlimited file attachments (drawings, photos, specs, reports)
• Action item creation and tracking

FAI records can also be linked to Corrective Action Software when failures require CAPA or SCAR activity.

Integrated FAI Workflow

Our software integrates First Article Inspections with other quality processes to eliminate duplicate data entry and improve traceability throughout the organization.

1. Create or automatically generate the FAI
2. Record inspection measurements
3. Attach drawings, certifications, and photographs
4. Assign reviewers and approvals
5. Generate action items for any deficiencies
6. Link failed inspections to Corrective Actions
7. Maintain a permanent audit history

This integrated workflow helps quality teams complete First Article Inspections faster while maintaining complete documentation for customer and regulatory audits.

5. Supports All FAI‑Related Processes

FAIs may be required across multiple operational areas — this system supports them all with a unified workflow.

• Receiving inspections
• In‑process inspections
• Product design and engineering inspections

Benefits of Digital FAI Management

• Reduce paperwork and manual filing
• Improve inspection consistency
• Accelerate customer approvals
• Increase traceability across departments
• Reduce duplicate data entry
• Quickly retrieve historical FAI records during audits
• Improve communication between Engineering, Quality, and Manufacturing
• Support continuous improvement initiatives

Designed for ISO9001 & AS9100 Manufacturers

Our First Article Inspection software is designed specifically for regulated manufacturing environments where documentation, traceability, and repeatable processes are critical.

• Aerospace manufacturers
• Defense contractors
• Machine shops
• Precision machining companies
• Electronics manufacturers
• Medical device manufacturers
• Fabrication companies
• Industrial manufacturers

6. Open‑Source, Fully Customizable, and Built on Microsoft Access

Our First Article Inspection Management Software is delivered as an open‑source Microsoft Access application, giving your organization full control and complete customization capability. You receive the actual Access database file — including all forms, tables, queries, and VBA modules — allowing you to tailor the system to your exact ISO9001 or AS9100 FAI processes, documentation requirements, and approval workflows.

You can deploy the software using:

• Microsoft Access (ACCDB) — ideal for single-user or small teams
• SQL Server Express — recommended for most multi-user manufacturers
• Microsoft SQL Server Standard/Enterprise — for larger organizations
• Azure SQL — optional cloud deployment for remote users

This hybrid architecture allows you to start quickly with Access and scale seamlessly to SQL Server Express (or full SQL Server) as your FAI program grows.

Because the system is open‑source and built on Microsoft Access, you can:

• Add new data tables and fields
• Customize existing forms and reports
• Create new workflows, logic, and automation
• Integrate with your existing QMS modules
• Maintain full ownership of your data and configuration

This ensures your FAI program adapts to your unique manufacturing processes, audit requirements, and compliance needs — not the other way around.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the software support AS9102 First Article Inspection?

Yes. The software provides the flexibility to manage First Article Inspection records required by AS9102 while maintaining complete traceability and supporting your existing quality procedures.

Can I attach drawings and inspection reports?

Yes. Unlimited attachments can be associated with each FAI record, including drawings, photographs, certifications, inspection reports, and supporting documentation.

Can failed FAIs generate corrective actions?

Yes. Failed inspections can be linked directly to Corrective Action records, allowing your quality team to investigate root causes and document corrective actions without duplicate data entry.

Can the software be customized?

Absolutely. Because the application is open-source, you can customize forms, fields, reports, workflows, and automation to match your organization's specific First Article Inspection process.