Intervista: Come Honeywell Aerospace risolve le catene di fornitura

If there’s even the slightest chance of a supply chain issue, Douglas Bingham and his team are on the case. They’re responsible at Honeywell Aerospace for crucial auxiliary power units and generators used on airplanes, and they leverage automation to ensure efficiency and reliability. Any disruption or delay could have a far-reaching impact, so identifying issues before they happen is a vital part of the job.

Bingham garantisce che l'intera distinta base di ogni prodotto e parte sia presente sulla linea di assemblaggio in tempo utile e in crescita per soddisfare la domanda dei clienti. Questo compito comprende una serie di processi e tecnologie di produzione diversi. Tra queste tecnologie, la produzione additiva si è dimostrata preziosa, anche se Bingham ritiene che il suo pieno potenziale debba ancora essere realizzato.

Abbiamo parlato con Bingham, VP Supplier Readiness di Honeywell Aerospace, per scoprire come la sua organizzazione utilizza la produzione additiva, l'importanza della caratterizzazione dei materiali e i potenziali ostacoli che le aziende possono incontrare quando adottano una nuova tecnologia.

Come utilizzate la produzione additiva in Honeywell Aerospace?

I’m proud to say we have parts in production volare in aereo. However, we’re always trying to get more experience with additive manufacturing. We use it extensively for making prototype hardware and tooling to help speed our new product development. In our supply chain, we mostly use it to fill gaps. This is particularly important given the ongoing labor shortages that many industries, including aerospace, are facing. That could be because of a part shortage. Or it could be a rare part for a legacy platform where it’s difficult to do a cold start and still meet the customer’s needs.

How can this be used to help with supply chain resilience?

Additive manufacturing does a great job of filling those gaps. In addition to filling gaps, additive manufacturing can also improve safety by reducing the need for manual handling of parts and materials. Strategically, additive can unlock a ton of speed, especially at the point of use. And you can use your imagination for what the point of use might be. It might be at the assembly line. It could be with the customer. It could be at the location where you need repairs and overhauls.

Vediamo l'importanza di un punto di vista della catena di approvvigionamento. We can store powder instead of thousands of SKUs. Once the process is developed for a part, we can print on demand and manufacture with less cycle time. On the design side, it allows us to unlock performance features that you haven’t been able to do from a traditional manufacturing standpoint.

Supply Chain Operations at Honeywell Aerospace

Honeywell Aerospace is a leading provider of avionics, engines, and other aircraft systems. The company’s supply chain operations play a critical role in ensuring the timely delivery of high-quality products to its customers. Here are some key facts about Honeywell Aerospace’s supply chain operations:

1. Global Supply Chain: Honeywell Aerospace operates a vast global supply chain that spans over 100 countries. This extensive network of suppliers, manufacturers, and logistics providers ensures that the company can meet the diverse needs of its customers worldwide.

2. Manutenzione predittiva: To keep its aircraft systems in top working condition, Honeywell Aerospace employs predictive maintenance techniques. By using real-time data and advanced analytics, the company can anticipate potential issues before they occur, reducing downtime and improving overall efficiency.

3. Distribution Centers: With a network of distribution centers strategically located around the world, Honeywell Aerospace provides 24/7 support to its customers. These centers ensure that spare parts and other critical components are always available, minimizing delays and enhancing customer satisfaction.

4. Resilienza della catena di approvvigionamento: Honeywell Aerospace has implemented various strategies to ensure supply chain resilience. These include diversifying its supplier base, implementing robust risk management programs, and investing in digital technologies. These measures help the company navigate disruptions and maintain a steady flow of operations.

5. Actionable Insights: Leveraging data analytics and machine learning, Honeywell Aerospace gains actionable insights into its supply chain operations. This enables the company to make data-driven decisions, optimize processes, and improve overall efficiency, ensuring that it remains competitive in the global market.

Supply Chain Management Strategies for Additive Manufacturing

Additive manufacturing (AM) is a rapidly growing field that requires specialized supply chain management strategies. Here are some key facts about supply chain management strategies for AM:

1. Supply Chain Complexity: AM supply chains are often more complex than traditional supply chains. They require specialized materials, equipment, and expertise, making it essential to have a well-coordinated and efficient supply chain management strategy.

2. Digital Twins: The use of digital twins can significantly optimize AM supply chains. By providing real-time visibility into production processes, digital twins enable predictive maintenance and help identify potential issues before they become critical, ensuring smooth operations.

3. Real-Time Data: Real-time data analytics play a crucial role in optimizing AM supply chains. By continuously monitoring production processes, companies can identify bottlenecks, improve inventory management, and reduce lead times, ultimately enhancing productivity and efficiency.

4. Machine Learning: Machine learning algorithms can analyze AM production data to identify opportunities for improvement. By leveraging these insights, companies can optimize their supply chains, enhance asset performance, and improve overall efficiency.

5. Collaboration: Effective collaboration between AM companies, suppliers, and logistics providers is critical to ensuring the timely delivery of high-quality products. By working together, stakeholders can address challenges, streamline processes, and achieve better outcomes.

A che punto è oggi l'industria aerospaziale quando si parla di produzione additiva?

Credo che l'industria aerospaziale sia agli inizi. L'industria aerospaziale è un settore che adotta lentamente per tutti i motivi più ovvi, come le rigide normative... Per progredire nell'industria aerospaziale, è necessario dimostrare di aver compreso le prestazioni del materiale. Solo allora si può iniziare a progettare.

La caratterizzazione dei materiali richiede molto tempo, test, analisi e iterazioni. Si possono fare tutti questi test e, prima di rendersene conto, si è già a dieci anni di distanza e si parla solo ora di convertire i primi pezzi alla produzione additiva. Questo perché, prima di metterlo su un aereo, bisogna avere la certezza che quel pezzo funzionerà esattamente come lo si intende. Se non si ha questa certezza, non si avrà successo. E credo che questo sia il motivo per cui l'adozione nel settore aerospaziale è stata così lenta.

Volete saperne di più sui leader del settore? Leggete queste interviste con gli esperti.

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Anche se l'adozione è più lenta nell'industria aerospaziale rispetto ad altri settori, Honeywell Aerospace ha adottato con successo la produzione additiva per molte applicazioni. Cosa ha aiutato l'azienda a raggiungere questo risultato?

We saw the opportunity early on. Honeywell has always been a technology company. We pride ourselves on the technology we developed and how we insert it into our products. We had our leadership’s support to invest and explore the potential of additive manufacturing. It wasn’t like, “Hey, we think this is cool; we’re going to invest in it.” Instead, it was a closed-loop plan where we really defined where we wanted to use the technology.

Quando si mette insieme questo tipo di strategia e si ha questo tipo di sostegno da parte della leadership, tutti comprendono la visione e il modo in cui verrà adottata per creare valore per i clienti. È così che è stato costruito il supporto organizzativo.

Quali sono le maggiori sfide che state affrontando per aumentare l'adozione della produzione additiva?

Si tratta di trovare il giusto supporto in tutto il flusso del valore. Abbiamo i nostri progettisti e i nostri esperti di materiali. Ma anche quando abbiamo i dati di caratterizzazione del materiale che dicono che funzionerà, dobbiamo andare a convincere i nostri clienti che potrebbero non avere i dati di caratterizzazione del materiale. E hanno libri di testo diversi.

In addition, some parts of the additive process aren’t very well understood by everyone. People have this idea where they think, “Hey, I can just print this on demand and get a part,” but it doesn’t work like that. You must control the equipment and processes to ensure the part you print is going to perform exactly like you expect it to.

How you develop a repeatable additive printing process takes time. It’s not just like you press the button and “boom,” it’s done.

Software Solutions Enhancing Additive Manufacturing

Software solutions play a critical role in enhancing additive manufacturing (AM) operations. Here are some key facts about software solutions for AM:

1. Design for Additive Manufacturing: Software solutions can optimize AM design processes, enabling companies to create complex geometries and structures that are not possible with traditional manufacturing methods. This enhances innovation and allows for more efficient production.

2. Simulation and Analysis: Simulation and analysis tools are invaluable in AM. They allow companies to model and test production processes virtually, identifying potential issues and optimizing workflows before actual production begins. This reduces risks and improves overall efficiency.

3. Production Planning: Effective production planning software helps prioritize production tasks, manage inventory, and reduce lead times. By streamlining these processes, companies can increase productivity and ensure timely delivery of products.

4. Controllo di qualità: Quality control software is essential for monitoring and controlling AM production processes. It ensures that products meet the required standards and reduces the risk of defects, thereby improving safety and reliability.

5. Visibilità della catena di fornitura: Real-time visibility into AM supply chains is crucial for tracking production processes, managing inventory, and reducing lead times. Software solutions that provide this visibility enable companies to make informed decisions and maintain efficient operations.

By integrating these advanced software solutions, companies can enhance their additive manufacturing capabilities, improve productivity, and maintain a competitive edge in the market.

What advice would you offer a company new to additive manufacturing to increase productivity?

Capite cosa volete che sia il vostro core, perché le opzioni e il potenziale sono illimitati. E se non avete questa disciplina, finirete per girare in tondo e non farete strada.

A quale segmento volete fornire? Quali tipi di pezzi volete fornire? Come pensate di differenziarvi dalla concorrenza? Chiunque abbia accesso al denaro può comprare una stampante. Quindi, in che modo vi differenzierete?

Le barriere all'ingresso nella produzione additiva non sono elevate. È necessario capire cosa si vuole, cosa si vuole diventare e poi diventare molto bravi.

Grazie a Douglas Bingham, vicepresidente di Supplier Readiness di Honeywell Aerospaceper averci dedicato il suo tempo per questa intervista.