Value is a function of risk and return. Every decision either increases, preserves, or erodes value. Activities undertaken to launch new products can cause risks which need to be effectively managed if the return of business growth is to be achieved. Risk management is integral to the pursuit of product launch excellence and strategic minded… Read more »
Industry 4.0 has become a new buzzword within Industry over recent years, but what exactly is it? And what factors have brought this ‘new era’ about? There are a number of driving factors… Changing Customer and Market demands for more and more individual products, exactly when they want it. No more Ford Model-T mind set… Read more »
Companies within the Aerospace industry have long since recognised that although they compete to gain market share, they also share common challenges. In the past they have created differing techniques and methods to try and achieve the same results. To address this, a group of Aerospace engine manufacturers joined together to create the Aerospace Engine… Read more »
QRM is a strategy for reducing lead-times across all functions of an organisation, the resulting improvement in speed and responsiveness providing the organisation with a competitive advantage. Many well-known Lean Manufacturing tools have been developed for high volume/low variety, or ‘mass production’ environments. Think of techniques such a Pull Systems, Kanban, Line Balancing and Heijunka … Read more »
The big question for many organisations starting on NPI improvement journey is: What should they do first? A good starting point is to complete an internal analysis to identify strengths and weaknesses. This approach can be both more cost effective and can help to prioritise improvement activities. To facilitate this internal analysis, a robust self-assessment… Read more »
As we all know IATF 16949 requires us to carry out Measurement System Analysis to analyse the variation present in the results of each type of inspection, measurement and test equipment system identified in the control plan. IATF clause:- 7.1.5.1.1 Measurement system analysis. The NOTE attached clarifies focus on:- Prioritization of MSA studies should focus… Read more »
Companies within the Aerospace industry have long since recognised that although they compete to gain market share, they also share common challenges. In the past they have created differing techniques and methods to try and achieve the same results. To address this, the aviation, space, and defence industry established the International Aerospace Quality Group (IAQG)… Read more »
For almost any manufacturer, accelerating the time to market of new product introduction is a key strategic imperative within the constantly changing nature of today’s market environments. Aspirational growth targets are fundamental to future business strategy and a large part of achieving this growth will involve the introduction of new opportunities and new products into… Read more »
As we welcome in the new financial year for many companies, it’s time to spring clean your stores and refresh your inventory policy. “The holy grail of Supply Chain is having the right stock of the right product is ever elusive…you’ll never get it right 100% of the time – but you can get close… Read more »
It is important to validate all processes and controls to ensure that they are fit for purpose and in full operation. As an example IATF 16949 requires us to conduct Internal Audits at system, Manufacturing process and Product levels covered in the following clauses:-. 9.2.2.2 Quality System Audits 9.2.2.3 Manufacturing Process Audits 9.2.2.4 Product Audits…. Read more »
