Quality Management Consulting

Expert Quality
Leadership for Small
Business

Affordable AS9100, ISO 9001, and API Q1/Q2 consulting — plus Fractional Quality Manager services that give you a seasoned QM without the full-time cost.

Consulting & Management Services

We implement quality management systems that work — helping small businesses achieve certification, maintain compliance, and continuously improve.

Fractional Quality Manager Services

Your business needs quality leadership. Hiring a full-time Quality Manager costs $90K–$130K per year. Our Fractional QM service gives you that same expertise at a fraction of the cost.

  • Manage and maintain your Quality Management System (QMS)
  • Lead management reviews and corrective action programs
  • Conduct internal audits and prepare for certification audits
  • Develop quality metrics, KPIs, and performance dashboards
  • Train and mentor your quality team and staff
  • Supplier qualification and audit oversight
  • Flexible hours — scale up or down as your business needs change
Learn More About Fractional QM
60%
Average cost savings vs. full-time QM hire
20+
Years of quality management experience
100%
Dedicated to small business success
5+
Industry standards supported

Expertise Across Key Sectors

We bring deep quality management expertise to manufacturers, aerospace suppliers, petroleum companies, and beyond.

Aerospace & Defense
Manufacturing
Petroleum & Natural Gas
Engineering Services
Distribution
Packaging
Service Industries
Petrochemical

Our Proven Process

We keep it simple. From first contact to long-term support, every engagement is structured for your success.

 

Discovery & Gap Assessment

We start by understanding your business, reviewing current documentation, and performing a gap assessment against your target standard.

 

Custom Implementation Plan

We develop a tailored roadmap — documentation, training schedules, audit calendars, and milestone targets — built around your timeline and budget.

 

Build & Train

We create or update your Quality Manual, procedures, forms, and work instructions — then train your team to own and operate the system.

 

Audit & Certify

We conduct internal audits, address nonconformances, and prepare you for your certification audit — with ongoing support through the entire process.

Quality Management Technology — Built In-House

We develop our own software tools so your quality system and your software work together seamlessly — configured to your company, not the other way around.

Proprietary In-House Software

QMS Pro — Quality Management Software Built by Us, Customized for You

QMS Pro is a complete Quality Management System developed in-house by Key Management Consulting. It is not an off-the-shelf product — it was built from the ground up by the same consulting team that implements your AS9100 or ISO 9001 system, and it is configured to match your company's specific processes, terminology, and requirements.

Because we own the software, we can modify it to fit you — adding, removing, or reconfiguring modules based on your certification scope, industry, and operational complexity. No workarounds. No one-size-fits-all setup.

  • Centralized document control with version tracking and approvals
  • Internal audit scheduling, findings tracking, and CAPA management
  • Corrective and preventive action workflow from identification through closure
  • Risk assessment and management (Clause 6.1 aligned)
  • Training records, competency tracking, and certification expiry alerts
  • Management review support and quality metrics dashboard
  • Runs in your browser — no servers, no subscriptions, no IT required

QMS Pro Modules

Document Control & Revision Management
Internal Audit Management
Corrective Action (CAPA) Tracking
Risk & Opportunities Register
Training & Competency Records
Calibration Equipment Tracking
Nonconformance Register (NCR)
Quality Metrics Dashboard
Management Review Support
Workload Queue & Priority Tracking

Available in AS9100, ISO 9001, and API Q1/Q2 variants  ·  Customized per client

Proprietary In-House Software

TracePoint ERP — Full ERP + QMS for Aerospace & Defense Manufacturers

TracePoint is an all-in-one ERP and Quality Management System developed in-house by Key Management Consulting, built specifically for small aerospace and defense manufacturers. It combines shop floor production management, scheduling, job costing, BOM/MRP, and full AS9100 quality compliance in a single browser-based system.

Where QMS Pro focuses on quality management, TracePoint covers your entire manufacturing operation — from quoting and work orders through shipping and customer delivery — while keeping your AS9100 and CMMC 2.0 compliance fully integrated and audit-ready.

  • Shop floor MES — real-time work center status, operator tracking, job travelers
  • Production scheduling, BOM management, and MRP material planning
  • Job costing, quoting, and work order management
  • PPAP documentation, First Article Inspection, and FMEA
  • SPC control charts and statistical process control
  • NCR/CAPA tracking with full AS9100 clause alignment
  • CMMC 2.0 readiness dashboard with domain-by-domain compliance tracking
  • Unlimited users — no per-user fees

TracePoint ERP Modules

Executive Dashboard & KPI Reporting
Work Order & Production Management
Shop Floor MES & Time Tracking
BOM Management & MRP Planning
Job Costing & Quoting
NCR / CAPA Quality Register
PPAP & First Article Inspection
SPC Control Charts & FMEA
CMMC 2.0 Compliance Dashboard
CUI Handling & NIST 800-171
Starting Price
$149 /month
Unlimited users  ·  No per-user fees  ·  No long-term contract required

Ready to Strengthen Your Quality Program?

Contact us today for a free consultation and no-obligation quote.

Request a Free Quote

We Have Walked in Your Shoes

Small business consulting is our specialty — because small business is where we came from.

30+ Years of Small Business Experience

Our background is working for small businesses under 100 employees. We understand all the daily interruptions, multiple responsibilities, and everything that goes along with running a small business. That is why we focus only on small businesses — that is where we came from.

We have experience as Quality Managers and Operations Managers, dealing with the daily requirements of those jobs. We have taken companies from start-up all the way through the certification process. That background and first-hand experience will help you achieve your goals.

Key Management Consulting is based in central Texas and performs consulting, training, and management services for all of North America as well as international locations.

Billy Matthews

Quality Management Consultant & Small Business Specialist

30+ years of experience in ISO 9001, AS9100, API Q1 & Q2 quality management for small businesses across manufacturing, aerospace, oil & gas, and more.

Simplicity & Agility

Our systems are simple but effective. We can increase the complexity to match whatever the requirements are, but we start basic and build from there.

Simple but Effective

We build systems that are as straightforward as possible while meeting every requirement. Because we're a small company, we respond quickly and efficiently to your needs.

We've Been There

We have held the positions that require daily management of small businesses — from Operations to Quality. We know what is expected of you from your customers.

Work Smarter, Not Harder

Our philosophy is to set up systems that are both effective and empowering for employees, while improving bottom-line profitability. Quality should make work easier.

Partners, Not Vendors

We integrate with your team, understand your products and processes, and provide hands-on guidance throughout your quality journey.

The Key Management Consulting Difference

  • Over 30 years of small business quality & operations experience
  • Affordable programs scaled to your budget and size
  • Passionate about small business success
  • Hands-on, not just consulting from a distance
  • Experience from start-up through certification
  • Agile and responsive — small company, fast answers
  • Guaranteed registration support
  • Your partners, not just your consultants

Ready to Work Together?

Contact us for a free consultation — no obligation, no sales pressure.

Get a Free Quote

Quality Management Consulting & Training

Expert consulting for ISO 9001, AS9100, API Q1, and API Q2 — from your first gap assessment to your final certification audit.

ISO 9001 Quality Management System Consulting

ISO 9001 is the world's most recognized Quality Management System standard. Our ISO 9001 consulting service takes you from where you are today to a fully implemented, audit-ready QMS — working hand-in-hand with your team to build a system that meets every requirement and that your people will actually use and maintain.

  • Gap assessment against ISO 9001 requirements
  • Quality Manual, procedures, flowcharts, and forms development
  • Quality Management System training for all staff levels
  • Internal audits and nonconformance management
  • CAPA (Corrective and Preventive Action) system development
  • Certification body selection and registration assistance
  • Management review support and documentation
  • Fractional Quality Manager option for ongoing management
Get an ISO 9001 Quote

ISO 9001 at a Glance

StandardISO 9001:2015
Issued byISO
IndustriesAll industries
Typical timeline3–12 months

AS9100 Consulting for Aviation, Space & Defense

AS9100 is the QMS standard for the aviation, space, and defense industries, building on ISO 9001 with additional aerospace-specific requirements. We also support AS9110 (Aviation Maintenance) and AS9120 (Distributors). Audits are performed to AS9101.

  • AS9100, AS9110, and AS9120 gap assessments
  • Quality Manual and all required documentation
  • Risk management system development
  • Configuration management processes
  • Internal audits to AS9101
  • Key Characteristics and First Article Inspection support
  • Continual improvement program development
  • Certification body coordination and audit preparation
Get an AS9100 Quote

AS9100 at a Glance

StandardsAS9100D / AS9110C / AS9120B
Issued bySAE International / IAQG
IndustriesAerospace, Space, Defense
Audit standardAS9101
Typical timeline6–18 months

API Q1 & Q2 Consulting for Petroleum & Natural Gas

API Q1 specifies quality program requirements for petroleum manufacturers and is required for the API Monogram program. API Q2 covers service supply organizations. We provide full-cycle consulting from gap assessment through license application assistance.

  • API Q1 and API Q2 gap assessments
  • Quality Manual, procedures, risk assessments, and contingency plans
  • API Monogram program application assistance
  • Internal audits to API Q1/Q2 requirements
  • Management of change (MOC) process development
  • Continual improvement and CAPA systems
  • API license compliance maintenance
  • Fractional Quality Manager option available
Get an API Q1/Q2 Quote

API Q1 & Q2 at a Glance

StandardsAPI Q1 9th Ed. / API Q2 1st Ed.
Issued byAmerican Petroleum Institute
IndustriesPetroleum, Natural Gas
Typical timeline4–12 months

Internal Audits & Gap Assessments

Internal audits are one of the most important — and most often neglected — requirements of any QMS. A well-run internal audit program identifies problems before your certification body does and drives continual improvement. We conduct thorough audits to ISO 9001, AS9100, AS9110, AS9120, API Q1, and API Q2.

  • Internal audits to applicable standard(s)
  • Supplier qualification and supplier audits
  • Gap assessments with detailed findings report
  • Nonconformance documentation and CAPA initiation
  • Corrective action effectiveness verification
  • Pre-certification audit preparation assessments
  • Audit schedule development and management
Schedule an Audit

Audit Services

Internal auditsISO 9001, AS9100, API Q1/Q2
Supplier auditsAll supported standards
Gap assessmentsPre-implementation or pre-audit
DeliverableWritten report + CAPA
FormatOn-site or remote

Everything We Do

Quality Documentation

Quality Manuals, procedures, work instructions, flowcharts, and forms — created to your standard and your business.

QMS Training

Training for all staff levels — from shop floor to executive — on QMS requirements, quality principles, and their roles.

Quality Metrics & KPIs

Development and tracking of meaningful quality performance indicators that drive real improvement decisions.

CAPA Systems

Corrective and Preventive Action system design, root cause analysis methods, and effectiveness verification.

Management Reviews

Facilitation and documentation of management review meetings that satisfy standard requirements and drive action.

Certification Body Assistance

Help selecting the right certification body and guidance on what to expect throughout the registration process.

Lean Enterprise

Waste elimination and process efficiency methods that complement your QMS and improve bottom-line profitability.

Phone & Email Support

Ongoing consultation support between scheduled visits — questions answered, guidance provided when you need it.

Ready to Get Started?

Contact us for a free consultation and no-obligation quote on any of our consulting services.

Request a Free Quote

Fractional Quality Manager Services

Senior quality management expertise for your small business — on a part-time, fractional basis. Get the leadership your QMS needs without the cost of a full-time Quality Manager.

Get a Free Consultation

Expert Quality Leadership — Without the Full-Time Cost

A Fractional Quality Manager is an experienced quality management professional who serves your business on a part-time or contract basis — same senior-level expertise at a fraction of the cost.

This model is ideal for small and mid-sized businesses that need real quality leadership: someone to own the QMS, prepare for certification audits, manage corrective actions, and keep your quality program running — but don't have the volume to justify a full-time position.

At Key Management Consulting, our Fractional QM service is built around your business. We integrate with your team, understand your products and processes, and provide consistent, hands-on quality management tailored to your standards — ISO 9001, AS9100, API Q1, or API Q2.

Engagements are flexible. We can work with you weekly, monthly, or on a project basis — scaling up during certification cycles and stepping back during steady-state operations.

Fractional QM at a Glance

CommitmentFlexible / Part-Time
Experience30+ Years QM
StandardsISO 9001, AS9100, API Q1/Q2
Savings vs. Full-TimeUp to 60%
IndustriesMfg, Aerospace, Oil & Gas

Full-Time vs. Fractional Quality Manager

The math is clear. Get the same expert-level quality leadership at significantly lower cost with no long-term commitments.

Option A — Full-Time Quality Manager

$90K–$130K

per year in salary alone — plus benefits, taxes & overhead

  • Full-time salary commitment
  • Benefits, PTO, payroll taxes
  • Onboarding & training costs
  • Turnover risk and recruiting costs
  • Fixed resource regardless of workload
  • Single person's knowledge base

Option B — Fractional Quality Manager

Flexible

pay only for the hours and services you actually need

  • No long-term employment commitment
  • No benefits or payroll overhead
  • No onboarding — expert from day one
  • Consistent, reliable quality leadership
  • Scale hours up or down as needed
  • Multi-standard expertise included

Fractional QM Services & Responsibilities

Our Fractional Quality Manager handles everything a full-time QM would — customized to the standards your business requires.

QMS Management & Maintenance

Ongoing management of your ISO 9001, AS9100, or API Q1/Q2 Quality Management System — keeping documentation current, processes compliant, and your team informed.

Internal Audits

Scheduled internal audits to applicable standards, nonconformance identification, CAPA management, and follow-up verification — all documented and ready for your certification body.

Management Reviews

Lead and document management review meetings, present quality metrics and KPIs, identify systemic issues, and drive management action items to completion.

Quality Metrics & KPIs

Develop, track, and report on quality performance indicators. Turn your data into actionable insights that drive continuous improvement throughout your organization.

Staff Training & Mentoring

Train your team on QMS processes, quality requirements, and continuous improvement methods. Build internal capability so your organization can sustain quality results long-term.

Documentation & Procedures

Create, update, and control quality documentation — Quality Manuals, SOPs, work instructions, forms, and records — ensuring everything is aligned with your standard requirements.

CAPA Management

Own and drive your Corrective Action / Preventive Action program. Identify root causes, develop solutions, implement changes, and verify effectiveness — closing the loop every time.

Certification Audit Preparation

Prepare your team and documentation for ISO 9001, AS9100, or API Q1/Q2 certification audits. We know exactly what auditors look for.

Supplier Qualification & Audits

Develop supplier qualification criteria, conduct supplier audits, manage approved supplier lists, and ensure your supply chain meets your QMS and customer requirements.

Fractional Quality Manager FAQ

A Fractional QM handles the same responsibilities as a full-time Quality Manager — maintaining your QMS, conducting internal audits, leading management reviews, driving corrective actions, training staff, tracking quality metrics, and preparing for certification audits — but on a scheduled, part-time basis tailored to your business volume and needs.
It depends on your business size, the complexity of your QMS, and your current certification status. We typically work with clients anywhere from 8 to 40 hours per month. During initial implementation or pre-audit periods, more hours are usually needed.
We support ISO 9001, AS9100, AS9110, AS9120, API Q1, and API Q2 quality management systems. Whether you're in manufacturing, aerospace, defense, oil and gas, or another industry, we have the expertise to manage your QMS and prepare you for certification.
Absolutely. We frequently work with companies pursuing their first ISO 9001, AS9100, or API Q1/Q2 certification. We'll start with a gap assessment, develop or update your documentation, train your team, conduct internal audits, and prepare you fully for your certification body audit.
We offer both on-site and remote fractional QM services. Many QMS management tasks can be handled remotely. On-site visits are typically scheduled for internal audits, training, and key milestone activities.
A consultant typically comes in for a defined project and then leaves. A Fractional Quality Manager is an ongoing resource who manages your QMS continuously. We're your quality manager, just not full-time — attending your management reviews, owning your audit schedule, and available on an ongoing basis.

Ready to Get Started?

Contact us today for a free consultation on the right Fractional QM program for your business.

Request a Free Consultation

Flexible Programs Built for Your Budget

Every business is different. We offer multiple program structures so you get exactly the level of help you need.

Choose Your Quality Standard

Pricing is based on company size and required support level. All programs can be customized to fit your specific situation.

ISO 9001 Consulting & Training

  • Development of a Quality Manual
  • Required procedures, flowcharts, and forms
  • Quality Management System training
  • Internal audits
  • Executive management training
  • Fractional Quality Manager option available

AS9100 Consulting & Training

  • Development of a Quality Manual
  • Required procedures, flowcharts, and forms
  • Quality Management System training
  • Internal audits
  • Risk management system development
  • Fractional Quality Manager option available

API Q1 & Q2 Consulting & Training

  • Development of a Quality Manual
  • Procedures, risk assessments, contingency plans & forms
  • Quality Management System training
  • Internal audits
  • API Q1 & Q2 application assistance
  • Fractional Quality Manager option available

Fractional Quality Manager Program

  • QMS management and maintenance
  • Internal audits and CAPA management
  • Management review leadership
  • Quality metrics and KPI tracking
  • Staff training and mentoring
  • Certification audit preparation and support

Choose Your Level of Support

All programs are available at three support levels. We'll help you determine which package best fits your timeline, resources, and goals.

Standard Support

Core implementation with essential documentation and training.

  • Quality Manual development
  • Required documentation and forms
  • QMS implementation through certification
  • Standard training sessions
  • Phone & email support

Rapid Implementation

Accelerated program for businesses on a tight timeline.

  • Everything in Full Support
  • Increased on-site days
  • Compressed timeline execution
  • Priority scheduling and response
  • Intensive team training sessions
  • Accelerated audit readiness

About Pricing

Consulting fees are based on company size, the specific standard, and the support level selected. We believe in transparent pricing — no surprise fees. Contact us for a no-obligation quote tailored to your specific situation.

We also offer a referral fee for consulting service agreements referred by any other party.

(281) 798-6110 Billy@KeyManagementConsulting.com

San Antonio, TX · Serving all of North America

Ready to Discuss Your Program?

We'll have a straightforward conversation about your quality needs, timeline, and budget.

Get a Free Quote

Let's Talk About Your Quality Needs

Request a free, no-obligation quote. We'll review your situation and provide an honest recommendation — no sales pressure, no runaround.

Reach Billy Matthews Directly

When you contact Key Management Consulting, you reach Billy Matthews directly — not a call center or junior associate. Billy has over 30 years of quality and operations management experience.

Services We Quote

  • Fractional Quality Manager services
  • ISO 9001 consulting & implementation
  • AS9100 / AS9110 / AS9120 consulting
  • API Q1 & API Q2 consulting
  • Internal & supplier audits & gap assessments
  • QMS Pro Software — qmsprosoftware.com ↗
  • TracePoint ERP — tracepoint-erp.com ↗

Request a Free Quote

We respond within one business day. Your information is never shared or sold.

Thank You!

Your quote request has been received. Billy will be in touch within one business day.

Questions? Call (281) 798-6110