First Article Inspection Software (FAIR)
GroundControl is the easiest-to-use FAI software for aerospace, defense, and precision manufacturing teams.
Create AS9102 Rev C Forms 1-3, auto-balloon drawings, import CMM data, and export to Net-Inspect or customer templates.
Highlights
Auto-ballooning
Extract characteristics and notes directly from drawings with AI tuned for manufacturing context.
Best in class OCR
Parse dimensions, symbols, tolerances, and drawing notes. Even the oldest, handdrawn prints.
CMM import
Import results from any CMM software or export.
and more...
Validation checks
Catch missing fields and formatting issues before submission.
Customer-ready exports
Submit directly though GroundControl, export standard or custom FAIR packages in PDF or Excel, or send to systems like Net-Inspect.
Secure & Compliant
Supports ITAR and CUI data in GovCloud environments.
AdvancedPCB case study
AdvancedPCB increased FAI throughput by 156%, trained new operators in under 30 minutes, and saw ROI in less than one month with GroundControl.
- Review how they moved from pilot to multi-facility rollout after month one.
- See workflow changes that reduced manual corrections and improved reporting throughput.
5-minute read with production metrics, rollout details, and lessons from the first month.
156%
Increase in FAI throughput
<30 min
Time to train new operators
<1 month
Time to initial ROI
FAQ
What is an FAI?
A First Article Inspection (FAI) is a documented, characteristic-by-character verification that your first production run meets all drawing and specification requirements. In aerospace, AS9102 defines how you plan, execute, and record that verification using Forms 1-3, plus linked objective evidence. The goal is not paperwork - it is demonstrating production readiness with full traceability.
Does GroundControl import CMM data to populate Form 3?
Yes, GroundControl can import CMM data from any CMM (Hexagon, Zeiss, etc) and CMM software (Calypso, PC-DMIS, Verisurf, Polyworks, etc) with a CSV/Excel import directly into Form 3 of an FAI.
How does FAI software relate to Net-Inspect or supplier portals?
Think of FAI software as how you create and validate the FAIR internally. Supplier/prime portals like Net-Inspect are how you submit and collaborate externally. Some tools integrate directly; others export AS9102 packages that you upload. If portal submission is a big part of your flow, confirm export formats and any APIs you need.
If I am already good at manual AS9102, should I invest in software?
Yes - not because manual work is "broken," but because software amplifies your expertise. You still decide what is critical, what needs re-measurement, and how to interpret intent. The tool just removes transcription and formatting friction, makes traceability cleaner, and helps newer engineers perform at your level sooner. Early adoption gives you better throughput and more consistent customer reviews.
How quickly can I see results?
For point tools, you will usually feel speed gains in the first week - the moment you stop re-typing characteristics. For platforms, most teams see meaningful reduction in FAIR prep time within the first 1-3 FAIR cycles as templates, extraction rules, and CMM mappings settle in.
What is the difference between desktop and cloud FAI tools?
Desktop tools keep data and workflows local. That can be simpler for some ITAR programs, but collaboration is file-based and audit visibility is lower. Cloud tools centralize drawings, results, and evidence so FAIRs are repeatable and reviewable - but you must ensure U.S. residency, access controls for U.S. persons, and ITAR-appropriate support boundaries. GroundControl supports processing of ITAR / CUI data in our Government Cloud hosted deployment.
Ready for faster FAIRs?
Book a demo to see GroundControl in action.