An Aerospace Manufacturing Improvement Process

The two basic methods of process improvement are discussed. The continuous and methodical Japanese system for improvement called KAIZEN is presented along with the typical U.S. approach to improvement called Innovation. The two contrasting methodologies are discussed individually and then are combined to form a strategy for improving the aerospace manufacturing process. The Kaizen of continuous improvements in part fixturing and the innovations of new automatic riveting techniques are combined to provide a tool for survival in the ever increasing competitive aerospace fastening business.

The process of transition from today to the future not only means changes in equipment and methods but also changes in people and management. An integrated approach to managing the elements of change is presented. The paper tries the “what is necessary” and the “how to implement” strategies into one comprehensive concept called PROGRESS.