RUAG Australia delivers real-time global supply chain improvements for the F-35 program thanks to Industry 4.0 improvements

September 15, 2020 - The implementation of state-of-the-art machine monitoring technology, integrated in RUAG Australia’s transition to Industry 4.0, is enabling data driven decision-making to optimise OEE and continue to satisfy customer demands.

Improved visual real-time data enables operators to respond promptly to any production issues, ensuring timely and high-quality outcomes.

As a result of using 4.0 and monitoring technology, RUAG Australia has realised 4 consecutive months of increasing OEE and a reduction in lead times of 8% throughout the Centre of Excellence.

Real-time visibility of each machine, its performance, including operating mode, machine speed and the interaction between operator and machine is available. The improvements experienced by RUAG have resulted in load balancing by increasing the level of ‘pull’ and reducing push via optimised batch sizes and a higher level of transparency through to staged deliveries.

RUAG’s system approach to integrating 4.0 and monitoring technology involved looking at the interaction between components of the system as an opportunity for operators to create ideas for improvement through participation and common understanding.

Visually displaying real-time data of each machine directly to the shop floor allowed the team to physically view - at any point in time – the performance of their work cell and to drive improvement ideas as a culture of continuous improvement.

The COE manufacturing team produce reports for each machining centre, generate improvement initiatives to streamline processes even further, and are able to make smarter data-driven decisions leading to increased productivity.

“Connected manufacturing equipment enables centralised real-time data in a live schedule, delivering reduced lead-time through improved productivity directly benefiting our global supply chain customers,” says Terry Miles, General Manager, RUAG Australia.

“These innovative steps to improve productivity are crucial for RUAG Australia to position in the highly competitive export market and global environment,” says Stephan Jezler, SVP Aviation International.

RUAG Australia is an independent supplier and life cycle support provider of systems and components on behalf of the Royal Australian Air Force and other international air forces, as well as civil aviation, worldwide.

The company combines engineering expertise with landing gear hydraulic actuator manufacture, maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO), and metal treatment and finishing in their role as a DASR Part 145, DASR Part 21J, EASA Part 145, CASA Part 145, NADCAP, and AS9100D approved organization.

RUAG Australia ranks as Top SME (small and medium-sized enterprise) on behalf of the Australian Defence Force, features as a supplier in the Australian Defence Export Office’s Australian Military Sales Catalogue and has been inducted into the Victorian Manufacturing Hall of Fame.

RUAG MRO International is an independent supplier, support provider and integrator of systems and components for civil and military aviation worldwide. It also develops and supports simulation and training systems and solutions for international trained security forces.

Highly specialized in the support of aircraft and helicopters throughout their entire life cycle, the company includes maintenance, repair and overhaul services, upgrades, and the development, manufacture and integration of subsystems and components in their service portfolio.

In addition, as the manufacturer (OEM) of the Dornier 228, a versatile aircraft for special missions as well as passenger and cargo operations, RUAG International focuses on customer support solutions, including OEM services.

Moreover, RUAG MRO International is a developer, OEM and system support provider for simulation and training systems technology for live, virtual and constructive (LVC) training. Complex and flexible functions, and a holistic approach, support realistic training scenarios, adapted to mission goals, at individual, team and unit instruction levels.

 

View source version on RUAG : https://www.ruag.com/en/news/ruag-australia-delivers-real-time-global-supply-chain-improvements-f-35-program-thanks-industry-40