Lean Manufacturing Lean Workspace for Aerospace Manufacturing Shaping the Lean Workspace for Aerospace Manufacturing - Four Keys to Success Challenge: Aerospace manufacturers need cutting-edge tools to exercise total control over their production - to keep it flowing smoothly and profitably, consistently hitting delivery schedules for products that can be worth billions in revenue streams. Rexroth Solution: Lean transformation using the optimum mix of manual and automated assembly tools: Four Key Steps: Start with waste and work to eliminate it Use a value stream map Try new processes, then invest in flexibility Commit to continuous improvement and learning Download the complete technical paper (PDF - 2.27 MB) More on Rexroth Lean Manufacturing Resources Shaping the Lean Aerospace Workspace With far-flung global supply chains and the widespread fabrication of entire components and sub-systems prior to integration at final assembly, aerospace manufacturers need cutting-edge tools to help them exercise total control over their production environments - to keep production flowing smoothly and profitably and consistently hitting delivery schedules for products that can be worth billions in revenue streams. Today’s aerospace industry features a vast array of products and systems, manufactured by thousands of firms—everything from passenger seats to hydraulic and electromechanical flight systems, cockpit electronics to in-flight entertainment platforms and flight deck tow motors to landing gear and jet engines. To keep aerospace manufacturing lean, flexible and profitable, how does one ensure that the aerospace “workspace”—with this much diversity—is outfitted properly to achieve the best result with the least possible waste? When you consider that the world’s two leading aircraft manufacturers – Airbus and Boeing – both experienced multi-year delays launching their latest generation products, and that those delays were substantially related to quality and workflow issues within their extended global supply chains, the application of lean techniques to eliminate waste and improve workflow is a vital industry issue. For assembly lines—of electronic components, passenger seats, or any subassembly—make sure you build in flexibility to incorporate changes later, if needed. This informative Technical Paper, which draws on Rexroth’s in-depth experience aiding the growth of lean manufacturing, provides industry-specific insight into making lean an effective tool for improving communication, reducing waste and rework, and assuring a constant commitment to improvement at every level of the aerospace value chain. In the article, four key areas are examined in detail, with specific examples for aerospace manufacturers to consider. The keys to success include: Start with waste, and work to eliminate it -- for aerospace manufacturers with large facilities, this can include wasted motion and inefficient/excessive material handling Use a value-stream map - to identify where steps are being taken that don’t actually add value to the end product Try new processes, then invest in flexibility - this includes investing in materials, like T-slot profiles for workstations, that can accommodate future changes with ease Commit to continuous improvement and learning - which includes providing incentives at every level of the organization for education and personal improvement Although many aerospace manufacturers and their suppliers have lean programs in place, the insight and examples offered in this paper provide original and innovative perspectives for shaping a lean workspace and helping ensure long-term growth, profitability and competitive edge for today’s aerospace manufacturers. Download the complete technical paper (PDF - 2.27 MB)