Implementing lean principles and defining the requirements for a barcoding solution at BAE Landsystems SA

Abstract

During the project BAE Land systems OMC’s business processes was analysed and evaluated. It was noticed that their current processes were under serious pressure and solutions to relieve that pressure were required. Lean Manufacturing is known to improve business processes by removing as much “MUDA” (waste) from them to improve their functionality and efficiency. Processes like Kanban and Just-In-Time were some of the key processes that will improve OMC’s current processes by improving their materials management methods and approaches. Implementing a Bar Code solution will even increase the accuracy of their material and inventory processes by enabling real time visibility and traceability of materials. Processes were then analyzed and re-engineered to fit the requirement of the LM principles as well as the bar code requirements. Key areas like their receiving, warehousing and expediting processes were the most important processes. After all the processes were developed the required equipment were obtained and determined. All the costs was taken into consideration and a Monte Carlo simulation was developed to simulate the capital saving and project feasibility. At the end of the model it is clear that OMC can benefit from these improved processes. Some of the processes are already implemented, while others are now commencing to implementation and roll out phases.