Update on Boeing’s 787
Just a couple of weeks after the post on Boeing’s innovations in the supply chain, a new wrinkle was announced yesterday. Boeing is buying Vought Aerospace based in South Carolina. You can read or listen to it at NPR’s website; Boeing To Buy 787 Parts Plant In S.C.
It seems the strategy to outsource the parts for their new jetliner is more onerous than they thought. There is a lot to the decision in the story reported by NPR. Plenty of the reasons given are traditional, and undoubtedly have a major role in the decision.
I’ll go a little further than the NPR story does and postulate that another reason for the purchase is to develop a more inclusive culture between the two companies. What is of increasing importance in corporate culture is the exchange of information. Information exchange in a timely manner, in a common format, and that that is system compatible is increasingly important in today’s advanced manufacturing environment.
It’s tough to do throughout your own company let alone throughout your suppliers. It is however getting easier. Ultimately, the decision smells of “plan B”
Stay tuned, the bird will fly.
