A Win-Win Approach to Supplier Management in Manufacturing

摘要

According to research published by the Aerospace Industries Association's (AIA) Aerospace Research Center, aerospace sales, orders, exports and employment all increased significantly in the last couple of years, especially as defense-related industry categories showed robust growth. Indicators show a healthy industry that continues to demonstrate strength and resilience despite significant challenges in the last several years. Whilst this upward trend signifies great opportunities for aerospace manufacturers, it also creates a number of challenges. Globalization and consolidation are rapidly reshaping the aerospace industry as a whole, and OEMs are continuously pressing for more and better services from their suppliers at less cost. In addition, OEMs are increasingly outsourcing manufacturing and supply chain services to system integrators. Today, an estimated 70-80% of component manufacturing is based in the supply chain. Thus, the ability to build and manage a lean and flexible supply chain has become key to successful manufacturing in aerospace. A lean supply chain requires lean manufacturing. It is the engine that drives lean supply chain efficiencies.