Boeing's Plans To Improve Manufacturing Processes

If an airplane manufacturer like Boeing is after making their assembly operation better, it goes to show that faster part replenishment will have something to do with it. Boeing recently made the move of hiring a former expert in auto manufacturer, Walter Odisho, to assist in its' standardizing of production approaches.

Reuters recently reported how Boeing found new ways to create better manufacturing efficiencies when building the new 777X jetliner, due to be in service in 2020. "I think the 777X will be our first opportunity to show the ideas that we have to date," said Walter Odisho, Boeing's vice president of manufacturing and safety. The article also talks about how in the automaker industry, standardized production approaches are common, but not in the aerospace industry. Odisho has been brought on board to implement more of the automaker process deeper within the manufacturing plants.

Airbus, its' competitor, applies the same manufacturing methods that automakers do, which has led to its' effectiveness. Both companies had records sales last year, and it probably won't slow down. Making the decisions that ultimately result in reducing costs will end up giving one of them more of an edge in the market. "If you look at aerospace with market demand rising, we need to start thinking differently and move efficiencies from the auto industry into this arena," Odisho stated. `

"Could the buffer of several days for holding parts in aircraft plants ever hit auto-industry levels of as low as two hours?" Odisho's response was, "Ultimately I think we will see that day". Boeing can hold parts for less time with an automaker model. It can also implement same-day delivery for parts, as many companies are turning to. Same-day delivery is more feasible now to cut costs then ever before, as technology has aided in quicker delivery methods that actually save money.

Odisho also talks about the flow of parts in the report, which falls in lines with fast deliveries for parts, just as within the auto industry. "If we can develop a system where we have direct deliveries to our lines and in an orientation which our operators will use to simply secure instead of handling parts, we have tremendous opportunities," he said in regards to the flow of parts. Same-day delivery of parts is what a number of companies have made an integral aspect of their inventory management, especially when it comes to replenishment.

Boeing found the same techniques for the jetliner, produced cost savings as well. Applying other innovative processes will work for Boeing also, such as utilizing a same-day courier like A-1 Express to perform part deliveries from its' suppliers. The New York Courier has a national footprint and delivers parts throughout major US cities. A-1 Express also creates courier logistic solutions that will reduce costs, lower inventory and promote better replenish systems.

Reference: 4.28.15, www.reuters.com, Tim Helpher and Alwyn Scott, Boeing looks to car industry expert for jet production savings