Universal Metrics for UK Aerospace Industry

Citation

(2001), "Universal Metrics for UK Aerospace Industry", Aircraft Engineering and Aerospace Technology, Vol. 73 No. 1. https://doi.org/10.1108/aeat.2001.12773aaf.005

Universal Metrics for UK Aerospace Industry

Universal Metrics for UK Aerospace Industry

Keywords: Aerospace Industry, United Kingdom

An unprecedented set of performance measurements, designed specifically for universal use across the UK Aerospace Industry, has been launched by the SBAC UK lean Aerospace Initiative (UK LAI). The launch marked one of the biggest initiatives to date in the LAI's drive to improve the competitiveness of British aerospace companies, and it is planned that the new metrics will be adopted across the entire industry sector.

The set of six performance measurements, which will enable UK aerospace companies to measure effectively their performance and the efficiency of their supply chain, has been agreed following extensive research and pilot projects run by the UK LAI. Some ten companies across the sector including Smiths Industries, SPS Technologies, Dowty Aerospace Propellers and Rolls-Royce plc, participated in the trial and have already committed to adopting the metrics.

Commenting to AEAT, Michael Jones, group director of Smiths Industries Aerospace and chairman of the Metrics Working Group which has driven forward the initiative, said:

This new set of metrics comes at a crucial time for the UK Aerospace Industry. Now, more than ever, it is vital that we implement measures to evaluate performance and encourage a national culture of continuous improvement across the aerospace sector. These metrics will provide an invaluable tool for companies to set themselves on the road to improvement and enhanced overall competitiveness.

This new set of metrics not only sets a precedent in the UK aerospace sector but is also earning international recognition for the UK LAI. The US Department of Defence (DoD) and US aerospace companies such as Boeing, Lockheed Martin and Raytheon have shown a keen interest in the new "lean" measurements and underlying research.

The six metrics, which are launched via a new brochure, include measures to evaluate quality, value-added activities and delivery schedule adherence. Importantly, they have been designed not as stand-alone tool but to complement existing business approaches including the new European Foundation for Quality Management (EFQM) excellence model, the balanced scorecard and the lean enterprise model.

The six core measurements are also supported by a wider catalogue of aerospace-focused metrics from which companies can tailor performance measurement system that is most appropriate to their individual needs and will work throughout their supply chain.