In the aerospace and defence (A&D) industry, precision, compliance and efficiency are vital. With supply chains sprawled across continents and regulations evolving at a rapid pace, A&D organisations face unprecedented challenges.
On the supply chain side, A&D companies face an enormous number of challenges. From stringent compliance standards to cybersecurity threats and safety regulations, supply chain considerations require a lot of agility and foresight. Material shortages and labour constraints have made the A&D industry’s woes even worse, wreaking havoc on revenue targets and growth projections.
Compounding these challenges is the reliance on outdated ERP systems from as far back as the 1960s. Modernising ERP systems is vital for A&D organisations. Transitioning to modern, cloud-based ERP solutions offers invaluable insight into supply chains, enhancing control, coordination and risk management.
Forward-thinking executives are leading the charge towards digital transformation. Embracing modern ERP solutions and innovative approaches allows A&D organisations to enhance visibility, streamline operations and thrive in a competitive landscape.
ERP is also useful when it comes to managing research and development projects. A good ERP system will enable a consolidated view of the project including:
- The project plan, phases, tasks and milestones
- Revenue recognition and milestone billing
- Project budget vs actuals
- Project finances
- Project operations including purchases, orders, quotes, jobs, expenses and much more
- Project Gannt chart
- Project revisions
Having everything in one system makes it easy to plan, respond, budget and validate costs.
MES for Industry 4.0
Manufacturing execution systems (MES) are also indispensable tools for driving operational excellence and innovation. As A&D manufacturers embrace Industry 4.0 principles, MES plays a pivotal role in transforming traditional factories into smart, interconnected ecosystems. Here’s how MES adds value to the A&D sector:
- Driving competitiveness
According to a recent Deloitte study, smart factory initiatives are projected to be the main driver of competitiveness in the A&D industry within the next five years. MES serves as a cornerstone of this movement, enabling manufacturers to harness real-time data and digital technologies to optimise production processes and enhance overall performance.
- Centralising data management
MES functions as an all-encompassing software system for managing and tracking data and documents throughout the manufacturing process, bridging the gap between ERP and process control systems. By centralising data management, MES empowers A&D manufacturers with real-time insights into product tracking, ordering and management across their factory floors.
- Unlocking Industry 4.0
The A&D industry is increasingly embracing Industry 4.0 technologies, with MES at the forefront of this digital transformation. Advanced MES solutions facilitate vertical integration by ensuring seamless data flow, enabling real-time decision-making and control at every level of the organisation.
- Compliance and quality control
A&D manufacturers operate within a highly regulated environment, with stringent standards for accuracy, safety and compliance. MES enables organisations to meet these standards by digitally tracking and documenting the end-to-end manufacturing process, ensuring adherence to regulations and standards set by governing bodies such as the Civil Aviation Authority of South Africa.
- Streamlining operations and improving efficiency
By digitising and automating inventory management, production scheduling and quality control activities, MES drives efficiency and agility in A&D manufacturing operations. Real-time data capture and analysis enable continuous improvement and optimisation of production processes, ultimately enhancing overall equipment effectiveness (OEE) and production rates.
- Enhancing contract management and reporting
A&D manufacturers must navigate complex regulatory requirements associated with defence contracts, which call for robust reporting and compliance measures. Integrated MES and ERP systems streamline contract management processes, automating reporting tasks and ensuring adherence to regulatory standards, thereby expediting payment cycles and reducing administrative burdens.
- Empowering human capital development
In the face of a skilled labour shortage, A&D manufacturers can leverage MES to upskill employees and optimise workforce productivity. By providing real-time feedback and insights, MES facilitates continuous learning and improvement, empowering employees to perform higher-level tasks while automated processes handle routine operations.
As the A&D industry continues its journey towards Aerospace and Defence 4.0, MES emerges as a linchpin for achieving operational excellence, compliance and innovation. By integrating MES with ERP and other manufacturing systems, A&D manufacturers can unlock the full potential of Industry 4.0, driving competitiveness, efficiency, and growth in an increasingly dynamic and demanding marketplace.
