BAe wings it with Simple ++

BAe wings it with Simple ++

Keywords: Software, British Aerospace, Production, Process planning

British Aerospace Airbus Ltd has selected Tecnomatix Simple ++ process simulation software to support process planning and production control at its Broughton facility. This division specialises in the production of wing sets for the European Airbus programme, an activity that involves an enormous investment in materials, machine tools and specialist skills organised as "jig" teams.

Simulation allows the operations managers to understand fully their baseline throughput capacity and make sensible decisions to meet scheduled and forecast requirements. Used as an ongoing decision support aid, Simple ++ claims a number of advantages over conventional project planning methods, which depend largely on the skill and judgement of the planners.

An important benefit is believed to be in providing the visibility needed to balance the workload allocated to specific jig teams and optimise their total productive time. According to Tecnomatix Simple ++ will handle complex multistage operations and take into account the impact of any likely variations in the availability of parts or any other production resources. By ensuring this flexibility, the system will prevent potential bottlenecks and maximise output from the facilities.

It also allows for continual improvement. With Simple ++, BAe managers will,we are told, be able to compare actual performance with the simulation model. Critical tasks can be monitored and tests can be run to see if adjusting the sequence of operations and shift-working patterns will make better use of available resources. The software incorporates all of the required functionality into familiar "Windows" style dialogue boxes and has been customised by BAe and Tecnomatix to be accessible and easily operated by non-specialist personnel.

The decision to use Simple ++ follows the successful completion of an initial pilot simulation model by the manufacturing engineering process development team. The order covers one development licence and a run-time licence, enabling BAe to customise the software and create their own user interface. The first operational PC stations running Simple ++ are destined to support the Airbus A340-600 series project team.

Further details are available from Tecnomatix Technologies. Tel: +44 (0) 121 323 1300; Fax: +44 (0) 121 323 1333. Tecnomatix Technologies SA. Tel: +33 (1)3458 2424; Fax: +33 (1) 3458 2442.