ECE Global provides consulting services for the assessment and implementation of quality systems that meet the requirements of the Association of American Railroads (AAR) Specification for Quality Assurance, M-1003. As stated on the AAR website, the specification applies to new, reconditioned, repaired, modified, requalified, and secondhand materials and products for use in North American Railway Interchange service.
M-1003 was created to ensure the safety, interchangeability, and cost-effectiveness of materials, products, and services. Another objective is the reduction of variation and waste, benefits that the final customer enjoys. Over the years, AAR has updated the M-1003 specification to resemble the requirements of the ISO 9000 standards.
An organization that supplies a commodity or service that is on the AAR register is required to obtain M-1003 certification. ISO 9000 certification and registration are optional.