Lean Manufacturing
With project budgets tightening, a successful aerospace manufacturer needs to operate efficiently to remain competitive. One of the keys to remaining effecient is using an aerospace manufacturer experienced with Lean. Lean manufacturing is focused on eliminating any process that does not directly add value to the final product – “waste”.
There are generally considered to be seven different types of waste that an aerospace manufacturer needs to address:
- Transportation – having to move tools or other items not immediately related to a project
- Overproduction – producing products before they are needed or in higher quantities than there is demand for
- Waiting – experiencing long times between production steps
- Inventory – having more raw materials and tools on hand than are needed
- Over-processing – using inefficient processes or making a part with more steps than needed
- Motion – requiring excessive labor to complete a particular task
- Defects – spending time to find and correct production errors
At Intrex Aerospace we are constantly reviewing our aerospace operation, looking for ways to eliminate waste. Being able to identify what the root of the waste is and develop programs that address the core problem causes of waste (not just its symptoms) is key. it’s important for us as an aerospace manufacturer to focus on continual improvement and set targets that move us closer to the ideal., elimination of waste. We use proven tools, such as Kanban and 5s, to achieve our goals. Our customers depend on us to be able to demonstrate competencies in Lean practices.
At Intrex Aerospace our training in Lean is company wide. Using our Epicor ERP/MRP system and an our uniPoint QMS we have identified areas of waste, pursued solutions and track our progress. Through demand management, efficient machining and strict quality control, we’re able to maintain a PPM far below the industry average for an aerospace manufacturer and an on-time delivery rate averaging 98%. As an AS9100 and ISO 9001 certified company with extensive experience delivering multi axis machining and turnkey component solutions to businesses in the aerospace and defense sectors, you can rely on us to provide reliable high-value services and components for any parts program.
For more information on what sets Intrex Aerospace apart as a Lean aerospace manufacturer, contact us today.
