Success story | Securing supply of plastic Parts for a major aircraft manufacturer
SECURING PLASTIC PARTS FOR A MAJOR AIRCRAFT MANUFACTURER
CHALLENGES
The COVID pandemic, together with recent climatic episodes and geopolitical events, led to tensions in the global supply of plastic materials. With more than 30% of parts containing polymers, but limited global consumption, aeronautical manufacturers are exposed to risks associated with material shortages.
SOLUTIONS
To secure availability of polymers for aircraft production:
- We mapped the use of polymers in the products and manufacturing processes to evaluate probability and exposure to material shortages based on market surveys
- We developed processes and trained resources for systematic collection and diffusion of shortage weak signals at company scale
- We assessed and implemented adapted risk mitigation actions including localization of material in the Supply-Chain, qualification of alternatives, adjustment of stocks, raw material reservation, Design for Supply or designs adaptation.
KEY DELIVERABLES
- Risk analysis: Assessment of both polymer shortage probability and potential impacts
- Monitoring system tools and organization enabling efficient risk detection and alerts transmission throughout the company
- Derisking toolkit: 10 processes developed, tested and formalized to fit in customer’s context and bring result from day 1
CUSTOMER BENEFITS
- 15 detailed investigations of polymer families supporting comprehensive risk analysis
- 20+ crisis solved with no impact on the assembly line
- -33% reduction of crisis occurrence with limited investments thanks to early mitigation
