Improving producibility in aerospace engine manufacturing : process automation vs. process reengineering
Name
262697682-MIT.pdf
Description
Full printable version
Size
5.81 MB
Format
Adobe PDF
Checksum (MD5)
49c21101aa63ef271abf90a698597f61
Author(s)
Hoopes, Daniel (Daniel Michael)
Advisor(s)
Thomas W. Eagar and Roy Welsch.
Date Issued
2008
Publisher
Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Abstract
In any aerospace manufacturing operation, including Pratt & Whitney's Compression Systems Module Center, producibility problems can be major drivers of cost. Much of the literature focuses on design for manufacturability as a solution to producibility problems. While this is a valuable approach, this study focuses on manufacturing process improvement as a solution to producibility issues. Two methods of process improvement are discussed, process automation and process reengineering. This thesis first surveys some of the major producibility problems at Pratt & Whitney's Compression Systems Module Center, as well as some of the efforts underway to address them. One of the largest issues, operator data input errors, is described in detail as a case study. Wireless gauging with automatic offset adjustment is proposed as a focused technological solution to this issue. As part of this study, funding has been obtained to implement the solution and testing has been conducted. This is an example of process automation. However, a broader process reengineering effort is also proposed. The fundamental question of why producibility problems tend to persist is also examined.
Description
Thesis (M.B.A.)--Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Sloan School of Management; and, (S.M.)--Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Dept. of Materials Science and Engineering; in conjunction with the Leaders for Manufacturing Program at MIT, 2008.
Includes bibliographical references (p. 43).
Subjects
Sloan School of Management.
Materials Science and Engineering.
Leaders for Manufacturing Program.
MIT Department
Leaders for Manufacturing Program at MIT
Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Department of Materials Science and Engineering
Sloan School of Management
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