panel questions from SBAC annual conference 2007 - delivering innovative supply chains

panel questions from SBAC annual conference 2007 - delivering innovative supply chains

SBAC how can we educate HMG better to prevent procurement disasters like the bowman programme to ensure our troops get working equipment at reasonable cost?

by getting everyone working together on SC21 from end customer to SME's to work together, we should be able to ensure that we do not have the communications breakdowns which have caused these problems in the past.

SBAC To what extent are other trade associations such as the Dma bought into sc21. What is being done to ensure alignment?

SBAC is working with all the regional trade associations for aerospace and defence such as FACor the NWAA. In addition we are discussing with the DMA how we bring them on board to use their specific defence knowledge.

SBAC if have already started continuous improvement lean which meets the needs of the company will the primes allow that to continue or will we have do what SC21 wants?

SC21 allows companies to join and work in three distinct ways:

via their customer (e.g. Goodrich or Agusta Westland)
via their regional trade alliance (eg WEAF)
or self starting

companies do not have to stop what they are doing. SC21 recommends an industry selected and accepted methods of continuous improvement. However this does not preclude companies doing their ?own thing'.

SBAC could the panel comment on the likely impact of the consolidation and globalisation of the raw material industry.

SBAC is monitoring the situation and are aware of difficulties that some companies have experienced. If you have an experience that you are willing to share with SBAC please contact the Enterprise Excellence Project Manager.

SBAC Does the SBAC add value or is it just a talking shop?

Chris Geoghegan responded that historically this was a view from some individuals or organisations, however his experience over the last two years is the SBAC is very effective in supporting its memberships, coordinating and lobbying government and industry on behalf of SBAC members .

SBAC does sc21 travel internationally?

SC21 is currently focussed on the UK supply chain.

However there is nothing to stop a company using SC21 methods on its international supply chain. Finmeccanica and Goodrich are looking using SC21 methods on their entire supply chains.

Which customers are really involved and committed? ? Are all the primes, especially in the Midlands, committed and what are they actually doing to make it happen?

SC21 had 19 founder signatories, this has now risen to over 150 companies ? at all levels and sizes within the UK aerospace and defence industry.

All the major aerospace and defence companies in the UK have committed to 21st Century Supply Chains at CEO level. During Q3 of 2007 the SC21 project team will be contacting each company to ensure that their commitments are being met.

Will my customers really reduce their monitoring and control activities? ? made to gain international recognition for the SC21 programme? How soon will this happen? ? Will there need to be two supplier management systems, one for UK suppliers and one for International suppliers.

By focussing on two international quality standards ? namely NADCAP and AS/EN 91XX series ? SC21 is trying to reduce the number of multiple quality system accreditations. Both NADCAP and AS/EN 9100 series standards are international standards controlled at the international level, so by obtaining these standards you will be able to compete globally. There will be no need for companies to gain a ?UK only' standard.

Companies who have AS/EN 9100 series approvals are already subject to fewer quality system audit days by their customers than those who don't.

Haven't we seen it all before (lean, SCRIA), what is different this time?

When in the past productivity improvement initiatives have been launched; they have been very focussed by one company. SC21 is bringing together all the major stakeholder companies, end customers and regulatory approval authorities to work together in improving the performance of the UK supply chain, through cooperation and a coordinated approach.

Does this programme address the global aerospace market (does it travel internationally)? ? What steps are being made to gain international recognition for the SC21 programme? ? How soon will this happen? ? Will there need to be two supplier management systems, one for UK suppliers and one for International suppliers

SC21 is a UK supply chain improvement activity, however there is nothing in the improvement methods recommended that would stop a company from overseas using them to improve their and their supply chain's performance.

What does it mean for me and my supplier company?

By signing up as a signatory company it shows that your company is willing to improve itself and develop its supply chain to ensure that it is positioned strategically for future business.

What actually happens if we sign to say we support SC21?

You and your company commits to the seven signatory commitments to develop and improve your supply chain and how you interact with your customers.

Will I be ?selected? for intensive SC21 work?

You may be requested by the key customers or your regional partner trade association to implement SC21, or you may decide that self implementing the SC21 improvement processes in your company will be of benefit to your company.

What if I?m not selected but I think I should be/want to be? ? and what if I don?t think it?s right for my firm?

If you haven't been selected and you think you should be ? please contact the SC21 project team or your regional partner trade association.

Also if you have not been selected and want to undertake supply chain development there is nothing to stop you starting with the SC21 methods to improve your supply chain.

What will SC21 add to my business?

By implementing SC21 workstreams in your own business, you will:

Reduce management systems audits with an internationally recognised form of accreditation
Your QCD metrics will improve by implementing the continuous improvement methods recommended by the SC21 performance and development working group.

Will it improve sales?

SC21 is specifically focused upon improvement, and the removal of duplication and waste. It is not specifically geared at marketing or sales, however the improvements achieved through SC21 will assist in improving a businesses competitiveness.

How much will it cost me? Is there any funding available?

There is funding available via regional development agencies. For information please contact your regional partner trade association.

Who will be responsible for the management and sustainable development of SC21? ? Logically managed by independent organizations for AS9100 and NADCAP ? SC21 takes account of individual supplier needs and will no doubt developed to include emerging new ideas. Without management, will it soon divide back into individual company assessments?

Industry is responsible for the development and sustainment of SC21. SC21 is an industry programme developed for and by industry.

Deployment of AS/EN 9100 series of standards is controlled by industry for industry through the Certification Body Management Committee of the SBAC.

SC21 is governed through the task force where all companies are equal ? one company one vote. Signatory companies CEO's are required to state annually how the implementation of SC21 is being undertaken within their company.