Quality management in military applications

The Vogel Group supports defense and military technology projects with processes based on international standards and supplemented by the requirements of AQAP 2110 and AQAP 2113. This allows us to meet the expectations of military clients regarding process reliability, documentation, verification, and traceability. Our quality management system is based on ISO 9001, but in safety-critical projects, it is extended by AQAP-specific requirements, for example, regarding responsibilities, the involvement of government quality assurance bodies, and formal acceptance processes.

Quality Management System (QMS)

Our QMS provides the framework for all activities in development, production, and service. It defines clear responsibilities, establishes the structure of processes, and integrates defense-related contractual requirements into project planning at an early stage. This includes internal audits, management reviews, and the systematic handling of nonconformities. Upon request, we ensure complete transparency regarding our quality-relevant processes for regulatory bodies—such as GQA organizations. This includes regulated access to documentation, test reports, and production-related procedures.

• Clearly defined responsibilities and contact persons

• Standardized processes for defense projects

• Transparent access for GQA/regulatory bodies

 

Risk and opportunity management

Sound decisions in the defense sector require early and structured risk management. From the very beginning of a project, we analyze potential risks related to technical requirements, supply chains, changes, and configuration statuses. This analysis is continuously updated, and necessary measures are documented and monitored. In addition to minimizing risks, we also consider opportunities, such as process optimizations or alternative technical solutions that can improve the project's progress.

• Ongoing risk monitoring throughout the project

• Focus on supply chain and change risks

• Opportunities are actively evaluated and leveraged

 

Configuration management

Clear and traceable product configuration is essential in the defense industry. We ensure that all changes, versions, and technical statuses are meticulously documented. This includes configuration management plans, defined release processes, and complete transparency throughout the product lifecycle. Systematic status records and traceable change logs enable clients and testing organizations to precisely assess the current configuration status at any time.

• Documented change and version statuses

• Verifiable configuration history

• Lifecycle support with clear processes

 

Management of external suppliers

Since the supply chain is a crucial component of quality assurance, we also transfer the relevant requirements to our sub-suppliers. This includes the transfer of contractual obligations, the evaluation and monitoring of partners, and measures to ensure conformity and traceability. Particular attention is paid to preventing counterfeit materials, which is why we employ appropriate testing and verification procedures. Furthermore, we grant government quality assurance bodies the necessary access to supplier processes, provided this is contractually stipulated.

• Mandatory flow-down of safety-relevant requirements

• Regular supplier evaluations

• Mechanisms established to prevent counterfeiting

 

Production processes and service provision

Our production follows clearly defined testing, measurement, and release procedures. Testing equipment is regularly calibrated and documented, critical characteristics are recorded separately, and all products are clearly marked. Through standardized processes in manufacturing, storage, and shipping, we ensure that product quality remains unchanged until delivery. The preparation of certificates of conformity or participation in acceptance tests by government agencies is also part of our service scope, if contractually required.

• Defined testing and release processes

• Traceable identification of critical characteristics

• Support for official approvals

 

Documentation and verification

Reliable documentation is a key component of defense technology quality assurance. Therefore, we maintain detailed test reports, configuration records, validation documents, and supplier records that are fully traceable at all times. Documents are managed in an auditable manner, older versions are archived, and current versions are made available in a controlled manner. Clients have access to all relevant documents, enabling acceptance tests, audits, or GQA inspections to be carried out without delay.

• Audit-proof document management

• Access for clients at any time

• Comprehensive test and validation reports

 

Internal Audits, Reviews, and Improvement

To maintain robust quality management, we regularly conduct internal audits specifically focused on safety- and contract-related processes. Trained auditors assess the effectiveness of these processes, document the results, and initiate optimization measures. Management reviews support these activities through the systematic evaluation of key performance indicators, resources, and measures. This ensures that our system not only meets formal requirements but also continuously improves.

• Audit Program for Defense-Relevant Processes

• Qualified Auditors

• Continuous Improvement Firmly Embedded

 

Contract Requirements and Tailoring

Defense-related contracts often differ significantly in their quality requirements. Therefore, we conduct targeted tailoring at the beginning of each project: We analyze the relevant sections of the standard, derive specific requirements for the project, and integrate these into our planning and production processes. This also includes the creation or implementation of quality plans in accordance with relevant guidelines, if contractually stipulated.

• Project-specific adaptation of requirements

• Integration of relevant standard sections

• Quality plans according to client specifications

 

Traceability, product safety, and acceptance testing

All materials, components, and assemblies are managed in such a way that they remain traceable throughout the entire process. Product safety is ensured through the analysis of critical characteristics, functional dependencies, and potential failure effects. Acceptance processes by clients or regulatory quality assurance bodies are based on verifiable test and documentation records and can be supported both on-site and digitally.

• Complete traceability

• Analysis of critical characteristics

• Acceptability through complete documentation

 

Special requirements in the defense sector

In addition to traditional quality assurance, we also consider security and regulatory requirements, such as those relating to export controls, confidentiality, or NATO-specific regulations. Furthermore, we support clients in accessing defense-related markets, for example, through documented evidence of our quality management and established processes for dealing with regulatory bodies. Our clear focus on AQAP requirements enables seamless collaboration on sensitive projects.

• Consideration of export and confidentiality regulations

• Support for defense market requirements

• Clear interfaces with authorities and GQA