Using lean enterprise principles to drive quality and on time delivery to customers : a study of the Honeywell Aerospace Engine Assembly and Test Center of Excellence

Abstract

Honeywell Aerospace has been a leader in manufacturing high quality engines to customers for decades. With engine and auxiliary power unit (APU) growth of-9% in 2005, and projected growth similar or greater for 2006, however, some segments of the business are experiencing difficulty in delivering engines on time to customer request dates. In the spirit of Lean Enterprise, Honeywell must to deliver value to its customers by stepping back and analyzing the entire value stream. Enterprise-level optimization of supply chain, assembly, and test practices will lead to the greatest benefit to both internal and external stakeholders. This thesis explores the issues within one segment of the Aerospace business - specifically, new engine and APU deliveries -- as well as internal initiatives to drive high quality and lean manufacturing. A Lean Enterprise Self Assessment Tool survey was conducted to highlight opportunities to propel Honeywell to a culture of high performance. Both high-level multi-million dollar opportunities, as well as low-budget, improved processes and communication initiatives will be discussed. Ultimately, the Honeywell Aerospace Engine Assembly and Test Center of Excellence must sacrifice narrow use of lean tools for wide ranging promotion of lean principles, thereby improving the overall value delivery to all enterprise stakeholders.