Running operations: Prototype Build and Launch.

Understanding various source codes for part supply, differing challenges for prototype versus production parts sourcing, and navigating purchasing requirements to support lead times are crucial. Identifying and prioritising resolution of sourcing issues facilitates product builds, while defining challenges in material sourcing from suppliers is essential.

Organising and running supplier engagement events, identifying bottlenecks in supplier communications, defining and executing activities to track and improve supplier engagement. Demonstrating the impact of supplier engagement against key KPIs.

Ownership often gets lost in departmental transitions within an OEM. We bridge this gap, ensuring end-to-end ownership from part mapping to supplier delivery management. Our approach revolves around two principles: letting data guide discussions and fostering supplier confidence in sharing up-to-date data.

MRP addresses three key questions: what is needed; how much; when. It starts with a production plan, then generates requirements for subassemblies, components, and raw materials, ensuring timely production of finished goods as per schedule.

Capacity planning is vital for prototype and production, determining what can be built. We assess both supplier-supplied parts and OEM in-house manufacturing capabilities. Accurate forecasting allows us to identify potential outsourcing needs to meet build requirements effectively.

Stock control and inventory management includes the entire process of managing inventories from raw materials to finished products. Inventory management tries to efficiently streamline inventories to avoid both gluts and shortages. Depending on the type of business or product being analysed, a company will use various inventory management methods.

Definition and execution processes identifying deviation parts (e.g. part spec, part pedigree, part conformity) vs current BoM state. Highlighting impact of deviations to build strategy. Support and creation of part deviations and acceptance by the manufacturer.

DVP test execution management ensures completion of scheduled tests pre-engineering sign-off. Failed tests prompt corrective action and new validation tests. Fleet management, starting with a Master Parts List (MPL), ensures adequate fleet size for DVP activities before homologation and sign-off.

Product data management for kitting supports manufacturing, logistics, ordering, and sales by organising BoM parts into bundles for efficient delivery. It translates physical constraints into BoM data, reducing warehouse costs, improving packing and shipping, and enhancing inventory tracking and control for manufacturers.