Harness Powers of Agility in Production

Being able to scale production efficiently is vital, particularly when demand spikes or when new aircraft programs are introduced. OEMs value processes and strategies that allow them to ramp up production while maintaining quality. Large OEMs keep highlighting the difficulties in scaling up production to meet the market demands, as they aim to significantly increase their production rate over the next couple of years due to market demand and backlog orders. The complexity of modern aircraft and the need for synchronization in the supply chain are obviously critical factors. In this context, effective collaboration and innovative technologies are essential to overcoming these challenges and ensuring on-time delivery.

Precision Manufacturing is at the heart of our Industry, to deliver at Rate & Quality, where the highest levels of accuracy, reliability, and performance are non-negotiable. Components such as turbine blades, missile guidance systems, and structural airframe parts must meet strict tolerances and undergo rigorous quality control to ensure mission success and safety. Advanced technologies like CNC machining, additive manufacturing, and automated inspection systems are used to produce complex geometries with micron-level precision. The industry's demand for lightweight yet durable materials also drives innovation in machining techniques and material science. Ultimately, precision manufacturing supports the development of cutting-edge systems that perform reliably in the most demanding environments.

“Manufacturing traditionally has been thought of as a process that turns raw materials into physical products, and the factory as the structure where manufacturing happens,” Velocci adds. “Today the pervasive expansion of sensors and the Internet of Things (IoT), not to mention ever more demanding customers, are driving the transformation… Layered on top of this shift is the convergence of robotics, materials science and additive manufacturing, which are revolutionizing what can be manufactured and how.”

Advanced technologies such as Artificial Intelligence (AI), autonomous systems and Virtual Twins, provide real-time shop floor information – fueling predictive analysis for those few remaining humans required to oversee the product lifecycle.

This new digital infrastructure encompasses old analog tasks and machine operations, while shifting the manufacturing process from isolated silos to integrated systems that work right across domains, hierarchical boundaries and lifecycle phases. Breaking down information silos fosters cross-functional cooperation, so everybody involved in a project can immediately access and use information as it becomes available. This reduces wasted resources from not having the right data at the right time – therefore leading to productivity gains.

Advancement in the areas of robotics, technology, automation and artificial intelligence are defining the new manufacturing era. 

Your production system should provide a foundation to collaboratively model, simulate, operate and optimize your manufacturing. In addition, your company needs to ensure that its systems possess the automated means to secure sensitive product data and processes that underpin your market offering, as well as protect customer data. Those systems will also need to manage the flow of regulated data that meets, for example, the United States International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) and other export regulations.

The 3DEXPERIENCE® platform connects the dots to enable agility in production rate with quality goals. It connects planning to the shop floor through a “virtual twin” to anticipate issues, and take proactive actions. It offers the traceability of all engineering requirements and manufacturing specifications so they are included in manufacturing planning.

By founding your own ‘Future Factory’, you are able to:

• Improve decision-making – staying on budget and on time through 360 degree planning, simulation and instant insights.
• Enhance manufacturing quality and planning – meeting budget targets and contract deadlines.
• Integrate your suppliers with full traceability and track quality issues in real-time.
• Continue to strengthen your manufacturing prowess with unified change management, simplified certification and much more.