Airbus is operating internationally and the second largest aircraft manufacturer in the world. This paper elaborates on the organizational decision areas of the supply chain of the main aircraft sections of Airbus’s flagship, the A380.
The main body of the paper contains the six decision areas and the selection and description of corresponding KPIs. The report ends with a short conclusion.
Table of Contents
1. Introduction
2. Operations and Supply Chain - Organizational Design Decision Areas
2.1. Service Level
2.2. Product and Design
2.3. Inventory
2.4. Information System
2.5. Logistics
2.6. Network
3. Conclusion
Research Objectives and Core Themes
The primary objective of this paper is to examine the organizational decision areas within the supply chain of Airbus's flagship aircraft, the A380. By identifying six critical decision areas, the research aims to establish key performance indicators (KPIs) that enable effective monitoring and optimization of these complex logistical and operational processes.
- Detailed analysis of organizational design decision areas in aviation supply chains.
- Implementation of Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) for performance monitoring.
- Strategic management of inventory and information systems in aerospace manufacturing.
- Logistical complexity and multimodal transport solutions for large-scale aircraft sections.
- Supplier network management and hierarchical integration strategies.
Excerpt from the Book
2.1. Service Level
Quality, safety, reliability comfort and design are the key factors that Airbus customers (airlines) are looking for and thus these factors gear up the purchase of aircrafts. Among these, security is one of the top requirements. A desirable and reliable airliner should conform to sets of regulations and possess highest standards of quality to ensure passengers’ safety. For example, powered by Rolls-Royce Trent 900 engines (Norris, 2005), the A380 complied with strict regulations of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) and received joint European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) and Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Type Certification (Airbus, 2006). More specifically, the A380 applies advanced speed protection technology, which prevents the plane to fly over 30 degrees where it could lose lift and stall. Furthermore, it utilizes the electrical signals through wires to actuators that move the control surface consistent with pilot’s input. In fact, before the A380 went on the market, it underwent about 1200 hours of test trials.
Customers also pay great attention to reliability, which is mainly reflected in the after-sales maintenance of the plane. Airbus has an efficient and global after-sales framework which is dedicated to offer immediate assistance for every customer. For instance, 5000 technicians from all over the world work around the clock to offer end-to-end life cycle solutions for customers to fly Airbus planes (Airbus, 2017). In addition, every Airbus customer is assigned with a Customer Support Director who oversees coordination as well as implementation of urgent assistance.
Summary of Chapters
1. Introduction: Outlines the scope of the report, focusing on the organizational decision areas and KPIs relevant to the A380 aircraft supply chain.
2. Operations and Supply Chain - Organizational Design Decision Areas: Examines the six fundamental pillars of supply chain management for Airbus, including service levels, product design, inventory, systems, logistics, and network structure.
2.1. Service Level: Explores quality and safety standards, customer support frameworks, and the importance of maintenance reliability.
2.2. Product and Design: Details the design features of the A380 and the focus on passenger comfort, efficiency, and environmental sustainability.
2.3. Inventory: Discusses the Airbus Managed Inventory (AMI) system and the importance of vendor-managed inventory for supply chain integration.
2.4. Information System: Analyzes the role of SupplyON as a collaborative platform for managing forecasting, ordering, and transparency across the supply chain.
2.5. Logistics: Describes the complex multimodal transport solutions required for large aircraft sections, including the use of special transport like the Beluga.
2.6. Network: Reviews the geographic spread of the supplier network and the strategic importance of tiered supplier relationships.
3. Conclusion: Synthesizes the interconnected nature of supply chain decision areas and reaffirms the necessity of KPIs for monitoring success.
Keywords
Airbus A380, Supply Chain Management, Organizational Design, Key Performance Indicators, Aerospace Industry, Service Level, Inventory Management, Information Systems, Logistics, Multimodal Transportation, Supplier Network, Quality Assurance, Production Efficiency, Aircraft Manufacturing, Sustainability
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the core focus of this research paper?
The paper focuses on analyzing the organizational decision areas within the supply chain of the Airbus A380 and identifying appropriate performance metrics for each area.
What are the six decision areas identified in the study?
The six areas are Service Level, Product and Design, Inventory, Information System, Logistics, and Network.
What is the primary goal of the researchers?
The goal is to provide a structured overview of supply chain design in the aerospace sector and to select KPIs that help monitor critical components of the A380's manufacturing process.
Which scientific or management methods are applied?
The study utilizes case-based descriptive analysis, industry standard documentation, and supply chain management theory to evaluate logistics and operational strategies.
What does the main body of the report cover?
The main body details each of the six identified decision areas, providing context for their importance at Airbus and proposing specific KPIs to monitor performance in those domains.
Which keywords best characterize this document?
Key terms include Airbus A380, Supply Chain Management, Aerospace Industry, Logistics, and Performance Indicators (KPIs).
How does the A380 supply chain manage the movement of oversized aircraft sections?
The supply chain utilizes a multimodal approach including specialized aircraft like the Beluga, roll-on roll-off vessels, river barges, and road transport to coordinate the movement of parts across international manufacturing sites.
What is the purpose of the Air Supply solution within the Airbus network?
The Air Supply solution acts as a collaborative platform that integrates suppliers, optimizes capacity planning, and manages supply orders, enhancing overall supply chain visibility and efficiency.
Why is the "Supplier Quality Rating" highlighted as a crucial KPI?
Quality is a vital component in aerospace for ensuring passenger safety; therefore, monitoring supplier quality is essential to maintaining the high standards required in aircraft manufacturing.
- Citar trabajo
- Jan Kachelmaier (Autor), 2017, Supply Chain Analysis of the Airbus A 380, Múnich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/369749
