In March 2019, we achieved the SC21 Bronze Performance Award.
As we continue to grow our customer base and develop a more balanced sector portfolio, we recognise the need to improve our business practices, in order to become a supplier of choice within the Aerospace industry.
To help us achieve this goal, we now participate in the Supply Chains for the 21st Century (SC21) programme. We have also committed to an internal continuous and sustainable improvement programee, called Lean 2025.
To meet the SC21 Bronze Award Criteria, we worked closely with an ADS approved consultant, who conducted audits on our operational processes, procedures, and delivery and performance Key Performance Indicators. From the initial assessment, we committed to a Continuous and Sustainable Improvement Plan and installed a Steering Committee to ensure each and every identified action was effectively managed and all improvements registered.
Over the nine month assessment period, we were able to demonstrate tangible improvements, resulting in improved delivery and quality performance. During this period, we also introduced new procedures to ensure that leadership, strategy, and people have all been significantly improved.
What is SC21?
SC21 is an improvement programme designed to accelerate the competitiveness of the Aerospace and Defence Industry by raising the performance of its supply chains. The programme is administered by the Aerospace, Defence, Security & Space Group (ADS).
What does this mean for our customers?
We are committed to adding value across all of our business functions, providing benefits for all of our customers. This process has allowed us to pass significant improvements on to our customers, including:
- Increased Delivery Performance ≥ 95%
- Increased Quality Performance ≥ 98%
- Improved efficiency and process cost reductions
- Reduced rework and scrap rates
- Improved cost and competitiveness
The next steps
The next step is to achieve the SC21 Silver Performance Award. During the first quarter of 2019, all of our 200 employees were subject to a Lean Awareness Course and 12 people were selected to undergo further training, which advanced them to a Lean Ambassador status. These Ambassadors are empowered to manage Continuous Improvement Projects, identified by either employees or customers and approved by the Steering Committee.