home >
back
MDA's Lean-Pathways
Challenge
The Office of Naval Research, through
the ManTech Program, provided funding for contractors to
upgrade their manufacturing capabilities. The Navy Lean
Pathways program helps Navy suppliers by teaching them how
to apply Lean manufacturing techniques in meeting quality,
lead time, and inventory and delivery goals.
Solution
Our focus has been to transform the suppliers to
Original Equipment Manufacturers on Navy Weapons platforms. The goals of
this transformation are to reduce waste/improve cycle time, effect First
Time Quality, achieve more inventory turns, and reduce lead times,
thereby effecting cost reduction on weapons systems
platforms/subsystems. To date, we have engaged 37 supplier companies at
the enterprise level; 21 supplier companies have been completed, and 16
supplier companies are in process. In addition, we are engaging with
three aircraft carriers assigned to the Atlantic fleet using Lean tools
to effect improvements that improve aircraft turn-around time.
Benefits/Achievements
DRC led 21 supplier companies in
completing Lean-Pathways (LPW) engagements. This produced an
average cycle time improvement of 30% and delivery
improvement of more than 20%; with combined savings
exceeding $100 million. DRC is leading LPW engagements with
17 suppliers and CVN Lean. One supplier reduced the price of
the F/A-18 E/F Fuel Engine Display by 48%, reducing delivery
time by 75% and MTBF by 33% using Lean tools and techniques.
Examples of the recognition that the
program has achieved include a DoD Manufacturing Excellence
Award and nomination for David Packard Excellence in
Acquisition Award for one improvement, and, for two of the
suppliers with whom we worked (Northrop Grumman and Boeing),
recognition as Suppliers of Year.
Interested in more information?
|
