Process Simulation Ensures Implementation of Lean Manufacturing Principles in AIRBUS A320 Equipment Installation

The key to efficient production of commercial aircraft is the development of a manufacturing system which allows the production of many different versions at the lowest possible cost and in the shortest possible throughput time. AIRBUS has accepted this challenge and implemented such a system in the form of a “moving line” at its Hamburg plant for the equipment installation of the A320 family.

This new production system, which was designed in accordance with the flow principle, has been validated and optimised by means of a process simulation. With the application of this technique, the duration of the ramp-up phase has been decidedly shortened by early detection and reduction of faulty process sequences. In parallel with this development, the production and logistic system has been optimised with respect to the required target parameters.