Aerospace and defense companies are being confronted by the twin challenges of unprecedented competitive pressure as well as understandably demanding customers who are seeking greater accountability on program performance. To compete successfully, aerospace companies need to rethink their program execution strategies. To gain greater clarity on program decisions and their impact on cost, timing and quality, they must make manufacturing a core part of the program development process.
In the aerospace and defense industry, programs are becoming more complex, bids are more challenging and customer priorities are changing. The need for newer technologies, such as composites for more fuel-efficient aircraft, will continue to grow. Aerospace companies also must manage regulatory requirements to make sure design and manufacturing practices are documented and traceable. The need for greater program performance has never been so critical for aerospace and defense companies. To win business in today’s highly competitive environment, aerospace companies must submit attractive bids that also include the demonstrated ability to deliver on program targets, requirements and production schedules. This is not an easy task and requires reinventing the way programs are managed from initial concept all the way through delivery.
Aerospace and defense companies are trying to find a more efficient way to enhance collaboration between design and manufacturing. The industry needs a process-driven product lifecycle management (PLM) approach to include manufacturing engineering in every aspect of program development. This can drive profitability, reputation and prove the firm’s ability to drive successful program execution.