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RFID case 1:RFID and VCV (Value Chain

Visibility) in Airbus Business

Prof. Kesheng Wang

Knowledge Discovery Laboratory (KDL)Department of Production and Quality Engineering,

NTNU

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Outlines

Airbus corporate challenges History of RFID in Airbus Introduction to Visibility The Value Chain Visibility Program Some examples Conclusion

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Airbus Corporate Challenges

18 design/manufacturing/assembly sites across the world

Exchange rate pressure New aircraft programs (A380, A400M, A350,

A320 NEO) Production rate increase Clear focus on enterprise eco-efficiency

Constant pressure for continuous improvement and innovation

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Why increase visibility? Why RFID

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Improving visibility is a pre-requisite to improve the way of working and deliver business savings

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All business savings come from improving a “way of working” i.e. process Level of visibility and measurability determines level of process

improvement RFID is a promising enabler which can help to improve level of visibility,

measurability and savings

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History of RFID in Airbus

Started piloting the RFID technology as early as the year 2000.

By 2006, 15 projects across Airbus. (Separated) In 2007, VCV program was taken to lunch a

company-wide program.

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The Business Radar Concept

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Accurate streamlined efficient operations+ =

+ =Accurate streamlined efficient operations

RFID = Airbus business Radar

What is VCV and RFID?

Company approach to improve business processes through better visibility

Scope is focused on big picture; Airbus value chain not functional islands

RFID is seen as a key enabler to improve visibility & business processes

Airbus is taking an integrated and Value chain approach for the application of RFID across its business processes

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Total Life-cycle Visibility

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Different RFID enablers are used for different process

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Integrated into a Standard Corporate Sofeware Platform

 

 

 

 

 

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Tooling Management: A400M Wing Assembly Line, UK

BENEFITS:Automated tool booking in/out and worker association.Optimized Maintnance and calibrartion cycles.No tools search time, less work stoppage.Expansion: 65, 000 tools in UK and Germany

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Tooling & Logistics Management:A350 FAL, Toulouse

Benifits:Automated tools booking in/outNo tools search time, less work stoppageAutomated logistics tracking

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Configuration Management:A330 FAL, Toulouse

BENEFITS Automated and Digital Attestation Process Faster Cycle Time and Reduced Paperwork Improved Configuration Management Expansion: A320, A380 + A350 final assembly lines

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Visiblity of Working in Process (WIP):A380 Assembly Sites

BENEFITS Automatic and real-time visibility of industrial processes Automatic monitoring of processes and variations Key enabler for Lean Improvements Expension: All A380 Assembly

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In-service configuration, Repair and Maintenance

Reminder of Scope A350 XWB target is 3000 parts / 700 part numbers per aircraft All parts that are serialized, line replaceable, repairable or with a life limit

Why is Airbus doing this? Strong confirmed interest from 34 airlines/MROs Validated studies with airlines/MRO confirm multi €M savings per actor

First A350 XWB: Technology Maturity and Readiness Tests RFID parts for MSN 1 have been delivered by OEMs + successfully tested All involved OEMs are on track for first customer aircraft (MSN 4)

The use of RFID part marking on A350 XWB will help enable benefit for all actors across the value chain

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NEXT STEPS: In-Service Configuration, Repair and Maintenance

Continue support to supply chain partners•Interoperability assessment of multiple RFID system components•Chips, tag, readers and software

Guidance and Support to Airlines•Answer customer questions and provide early adopter support•Share Airbus experience and guide technology use cases

RFID Beyond A350 XWB deployments•Decision taken to expand RFID tags on parts on all Airbus aircraft•Life-vest & seats across Airbus fleet (2013)

1st aircraft manufacturer to introduce RFID on its aircraft (A350 XWB)

1st aircraft manufacturer to introduce RFID across fleet (A320/330/380)

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Conclusions

Airbus recognises RFID as a key enabler for improving processes

Airbus is taking an integrated & end to end approach to the use of RFID across all business processes through a single corporate programme

Airbus is actively working with airline, supply chain and industrial partners to develop an approach that maximises benefits to all actors

Airbus is working with major industry players, standards bodies and authorities to ensure inter-operable RFID solutions

Airbus is using RFID as a BUSINESS RADAR to help build a DIGITAL and FLY BY WIRE view of the supply chain and its business operations