The Boeing Company Simulation Software Case Study
Company: The Boeing Company
Timothy D. Quinn - Senior Systems Analysts At the ProModel Users Conference 1997
The competitive aerospace industry requires companies to make changes to their manufacturing systems quicker and more efficient. Within the Boeing Company, the principles of lean manufacture are currently being implemented in all shops and processes. Flow time is being reduced, waste is being eliminated, and new processes are being put into place. The attitude throughout these shops is "Do it faster, better and more efficient".
The Everett Wire Shop is one of the areas in which lean manufacturing is being applied. Engineers have been assigned to look into designing work centers that will reduce cost, labor, inventory and flow time.
ProModel simulation has been used to assist this process. ProModel allows the engineers the opportunity to study, maintain and optimize the manufacturing cells. The model allowed the engineers to change operating parameters such as: part scheduling sequence, assemblies priorities, workable shifts, operator availability by shift, operator efficiency by work assignment, part processing times, kanban sizes, and operator priorities schemes.
ProModel has provided a tool that has
- Reduced the time to design the cell by 50 - 60%
- Helped shop personnel to maintain production as build rates changed
- Optimized cell performance.
The positive results from the first project in the Wire Shop have caused management to encourage and accelerate the design and implementation of additional cells. ProModel is currently being used to assist with the design of cells in wing sealing, skin milling, and shim cutting and has proven equally beneficial in these projects.
