Supplier knowledge exchange in aerospace product engineering

Abstract

With the high level of outsourcing in aerospace engineering and manufacture, the effective use of knowledge across the supply chain is acknowledged to be crucial to the success of any projects. “Knowledge”, however, may have different meanings and context. Presents a view of the supplier knowledge in relation to the product engineering process. The different types of supplier knowledge in the five key stages of the aerospace product development process are explained. An existing joint supplier improvement information system is used to illustrate best practice in supply‐base management. Tools that could be used in the different modes of supplier involvement are briefly introduced. Represents part of the results of three industrial research projects that interacted with the supply bases of two large British aerospace companies.