Aerospace & Defense

Aerospace and Defense firms continually look for ways to increase efficiency and eliminate waste in day-to-day operations. Auto-ID technology provides the necessary visibility and measurability to drive process improvement and cost savings.

 

 

A Tier 1 Aerospace Manufacturer uses OAT software to track composite materials and molds exposed to extreme temperatures during storage and production, reducing both scrap material and quality risk.

Manufacturing
A&D manufacturing processes may involve dozens of suppliers and tens of thousands of individual components. Real-time visibility automates and error-proofs manual receiving and assembly processes, helping to prevent issues from propagating downstream. Automated Goods Receipt tracks major components before they are shipped, in transit and at the receiving dock, preventing shipping errors, expedite costs and production delays. Directed Putaway automates warehousing putaway with Auto-ID technology, reducing handling time, process errors and labor costs. ATA 2000 Part Marking ensures component traceability and aircraft safety over time, from the time an airframe is assembled to its time in service.

OAT real-time enabled an Aerospace OEM’s warehouse logistics system, significantly reducing both on-hand inventory and handling costs.

 

Aircraft assembly can take place at multiple facilities, with airframes physically assembled at one location and interiors installed at a second location. Reusable Asset Tracking, Line-Side Replenishment, Tool Tracking and Work-in Process Tracking provide real-time visibility for ERP and MES systems with Auto-ID Technology by: Tracking Reusable Transport Items (RTIs) associated with work orders and customer orders through receipt, assembly and shipment

• Confirming components by comparing each part against the bill of materials
• Confirming progress of each work order as assembly progresses from one stage to the next
• Enabling more efficient line sequencing for individual batches and materials
• Tracking tools and equipment across the facility, eliminating manual check-in & check-out processes and production delays due to lost equipment
• Setting audible and visual alerts to prevent containers and parts from being delivered to the wrong location

Distribution/Logistics
A&D manufacturers manage materials, components and finished goods across multiple facilities, increasing the probability of shipping and receiving errors. RFID-enabled processes can automatically track items once they pass through checkpoints within facilities, in transit, and at final destination. Reusable Asset Tracking and Automated Goods Receipt real-time enable ERP and WMS systems to track shipping containers, customer orders and delivery vehicles by:

• Preventing mis-shipments and make-goods, so less on-hand inventory is required at each location
• Increasing product velocity, leading to higher cash flow
• Improving customer satisfaction

Maintenance & Repair Operations

A commercial aircraft is checked and maintained before and after each flight, on the ground and inside the cabin. OAT Tool Tracking and ATA 2000 solutions, along with Auto-ID-enabled MRO systems track tools, equipment and maintenance schedules to:

• Alert service personnel to previously unchecked or recalled components
• Closely track and replenish replacement parts
• Increase time in-service
• Prevent Foreign Object Debris (FOD)

A Defense Contractor real-time enabled their Costpoint® system with OAT software to track and improve the utilization of specialized tools in multiple manufacturing facilities.

Inside the cabin, safety equipment can be quickly scanned with hand-held RFID readers to ensure that:

• The catering order is complete and correct
• The passenger cabin and each seating area have the required safety equipment
• The correct number of life jackets, masks, oxygen containers and other critical items are on-board and have not expired

	OAT SOLUTIONS SUPPORT: Barcode - Passive RFID - Active RFID - Ultra Wide Band RF (UWB) - Wi-Fi - RTLS - RFID-enhanced EAS - Location Servers - GPS - Application Sensors (e.g. Stack Lights, PLCs, alarms...)