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.

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.

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.

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

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:

• Access back‑end (ACCDB) — ideal for single‑user or light‑use environments
• SQL Server Express back‑end — highly recommended for multi‑user manufacturing environments requiring speed and stability

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.