Boeing is the largest global aircraft manufacturer by revenue, orders, and deliveries, and the second largest aerospace and defense contractor in the world. Assembling a 737 is a complex job. Factory employees must take 367,000 parts, an equal number of bolts, rivets and other fasteners and 36 miles of electrical wire then put them all together to form an airplane. Production methods have evolved enormously since the first 737 was made in 1966. The main difference is that instead of the aircraft being assembled in one spot (static production bays traditional manufacture) they are now on a moving assembly line similar to that used in car production. Since the late 1990s the company has continuously improved production, becoming a lean enterprise.

Learning Objectives

Explain the key principles of lean operating systems.

Describe the basic lean tools and approaches.

Explain how lean principles are used in manufacturing.

Describe the concepts and philosophy of just-in-time operating systems.

Research

http://www.industryweek.com/process-improvement/lean-manufacturing-mindset-means-continuous-innovation-boeing

http://www.b737.org.uk/production.htm

http://youtu.be/9dwqu7pRqGg

http://www.businessinsider.com/r-boeing-looks-to-car-industry-expert-for-jet-production-savings-2015-4

You may also use an internet search to locate other sources.

Questions

What do the terms lean and Just-in-time mean? Define key terms and identify the key principles of lean operations.

Identify 3 examples of lean/JIT manufacturing at Boeing.

Why does Boeing have the shortest final-assembly time of any large commercial jet organization?

Contrast the strengths and weaknesses of assembling an aircraft in one spot as opposed to using a moving assembly line.

Why is continuous improvement necessary at Boeing?

Define value stream mapping.