Document Management Software for ISO9001 & AS9100 Manufacturers

Control documents, automate approvals, manage revisions, and maintain complete audit readiness with Document Management Software designed specifically for ISO9001:2015 and AS9100 manufacturers. Eliminate outdated documents, improve compliance, and ensure employees always have access to the latest approved procedures, work instructions, drawings, forms, and specifications.

Our Document Management Software provides a complete electronic document control system for manufacturers that need reliable revision control, automated review workflows, electronic approvals, document distribution, and full audit traceability. Whether your organization is preparing for ISO9001 certification, maintaining AS9100 compliance, or simply replacing paper-based document control, this system helps streamline every stage of the document lifecycle.

Built on an open-source Microsoft Access platform with optional SQL Server integration, the software is fully customizable to match your organization's document approval process, naming conventions, revision requirements, and security policies.

1. Centralized Document Control

Prevent the use of outdated or obsolete documents with a centralized, access‑controlled system. This ensures consistent use of the correct revision across all departments, shifts, and facilities.

• Ensure users always access the latest released documents
• Prevent accidental use of obsolete or superseded files
• Maintain full traceability for audits and compliance

This module integrates seamlessly with Inspection Control Plans and Corrective Action Software for complete QMS alignment.

Why Document Control Is Critical for ISO9001 & AS9100

Every manufacturing organization depends on accurate documentation. Procedures, work instructions, engineering drawings, inspection records, forms, customer specifications, and quality manuals must all be properly controlled. Using outdated documents can result in production errors, customer complaints, failed audits, and costly nonconformances.

Our Document Management Software ensures employees always access the latest approved revision while maintaining complete historical records of previous revisions for audit purposes.

• Maintain a single source of truth
• Prevent obsolete document use
• Maintain revision history forever
• Support ISO9001 Clause 7.5
• Support AS9100 document control requirements
• Improve employee productivity

Document Types You Can Manage

The software can manage virtually any controlled document throughout your organization.

• Quality Manuals
• Operating Procedures (SOPs)
• Work Instructions
• Engineering Drawings
• CAD Files
• Inspection Procedures
• Control Plans
• Forms
• Customer Specifications
• Supplier Documents
• Calibration Procedures
• Training Documents
• Safety Procedures
• Manufacturing Travelers
• Photos and Videos
• PDF Files
• Excel and Word Documents

Complete Document Lifecycle Management

Every document follows a structured workflow from creation through retirement, ensuring nothing is lost and every revision is fully traceable.

1. Create new document
2. Assign document owner
3. Submit for review
4. Electronic approvals
5. Automatic release
6. Employee notification
7. Revision management
8. Archive obsolete revision
9. Maintain complete audit history

2. Document Library

Search, retrieve, and manage documents with ease. The library provides fast access to all controlled documents, including procedures, work instructions, forms, drawings, and customer‑specific files.

• Fast search using multiple filters
• Submit new documents through multiple methods
• Single‑click to view documents or document details
• Single‑click to start the revision process
• Print or download documents instantly

3. Document Information & Metadata

Define each document with detailed metadata for full traceability. Metadata ensures proper classification, routing, and audit‑ready documentation.

• Document number, revision, description, type, owner, keywords
• Reason for submission and review requirements
• Review options: no review, single reviewer/approver, or custom list
• Release options: same file, PDF version, or alternate file
• Optional fields: customer, vendor, project, part number, PO number
• File type and size captured automatically

4. New Document Submission Process

Automate the entire review and approval workflow. This ensures consistent, documented, and compliant document control practices across the organization.

• Document enters the library as “submitted” and “under review”
• Select review process (none, single, or custom)
• Automated emails to reviewers and approvers
• Owners notified immediately if a reviewer rejects the submission
• Document control notified when all approvals are complete
• Single‑click release of approved documents

Every action performed on a document is automatically logged. Administrators can determine exactly who reviewed, approved, downloaded, printed, viewed, or revised a document, providing complete accountability throughout the organization.

Powerful Search Capabilities

Finding the correct document should take seconds—not minutes. Our intelligent search tools allow users to locate documents using multiple criteria.

• Document Number
• Description
• Revision
• Keywords
• Department
• Owner
• Document Type
• Customer
• Supplier
• Part Number
• Project
• Status

Designed for Manufacturing Companies

Unlike generic document management systems, our software was built specifically for manufacturing companies operating under controlled quality systems. It integrates naturally with inspection, corrective action, employee training, contract review, calibration management, and other Quality Management modules.

• Machine Shops
• Aerospace Manufacturers
• Defense Contractors
• Medical Device Manufacturers
• Electronics Manufacturers
• Fabrication Shops
• Precision Machining
• Industrial Manufacturing

Integrates with the Complete QA Suite

Document Management becomes even more powerful when integrated with our complete Quality Management System.

• Corrective Actions automatically reference controlled documents
• Training records ensure employees acknowledge new document revisions
• Inspection records link directly to specifications
• Calibration procedures remain revision controlled
• Internal audits verify document compliance
• Contract Reviews reference customer specifications

Organizations can purchase this module individually or as part of our fully integrated QA Suite.

5. Document Revision Process

Manage revisions with full traceability and automation. The system ensures obsolete revisions are properly archived and cannot be used in production.

• Current revision marked as “being revised”
• New revision enters the library as “under review”
• Review and release process mirrors the original submission
• Automated emails to reviewers and document control
• Single‑click release of new revision and obsolescence of old revision

6. Document Tracking

Maintain a complete audit trail of all document activity. Every event is logged with user, timestamp, and action details.

• Logs for review, approval, release, obsolescence, and rejection
• Logs for viewing, printing, and downloading
• Each log includes event, user, date/time, and computer name

These logs support ISO9001 and AS9100 surveillance audits, customer audits, and internal audits.

7. Simple Navigation

Access documents and tasks quickly with intuitive navigation. Designed for speed and clarity in manufacturing environments.

• Single‑click search and retrieval
• Summaries of documents in review, approved, or awaiting release
• Single‑click review, approval, or rejection

8. Reporting

Generate powerful, filterable reports for audits and daily operations. Reports are ideal for management review, internal audits, and customer audits.

• Document history
• Document usage logs
• Document revision history

9. Automation

Automate communication and workflow steps to reduce administrative burden and ensure timely document control.

• Emails for newly submitted documents
• Emails for completed reviews and approvals
• Emails for document release
• Reminder emails for pending reviews

10. Document Review Progress / To‑Do List

Provide users with a clear summary of documents requiring their attention. This ensures timely review and prevents bottlenecks.

• Documents awaiting release (no review required)
• Dual‑review documents requiring review or approval
• Custom review documents requiring department or owner review
• Documents ready for release

11. Setup & Personalization

Configure the system to match your document control program. The software adapts to your existing QMS structure and terminology.

• Add company name and logo
• Manage employees and temporary workers
• Define document types (forms, WI, procedures, drawings, etc.)
• Manage customer and supplier lists
• Define reason codes for submissions and revisions
• Configure ITAR access and storage locations

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

Our Document 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 document control processes, approval workflows, and revision management requirements.

Unlike subscription-based SaaS document management platforms, our software is licensed to your organization and delivered as open-source Microsoft Access software. You own the application, your data, and your customization, with no vendor lock-in or recurring per-user licensing fees.

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

This hybrid architecture allows you to start quickly with Access and scale seamlessly to SQL Server Express or full SQL Server as your document control 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 document control program adapts to your unique manufacturing processes, audit requirements, and compliance needs — not the other way around.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does this software support ISO9001?

Yes. The software supports ISO9001:2015 document control requirements, including document approval, revision control, distribution, and retention.

Does it support AS9100?

Yes. The software is designed specifically for manufacturers operating under AS9100 quality systems.

Can we customize the workflow?

Yes. Because the software is open source, approval workflows, forms, reports, tables, and business rules can all be customized.

Can documents be stored on SQL Server?

Yes. The application supports both Microsoft Access and SQL Server back-end databases for improved scalability and multi-user performance.

Can employees access PDF drawings?

Yes. The system supports PDF files, Microsoft Office documents, CAD drawings, images, videos, and many other file types.