Yvan Beauregard

Post-Certification Engineering Taxonomy and Task Value Optimization in the Aerospace Industry

Abstract: This article proposes a novel taxonomy of post-certification engineering activities as a first step toward true lean product development (PD). Relying on key notions developed in a novel lean engineering performance model, the authors compare the leanness of post-certification versus pre-certification tasks for the design of aerospace parts. Discrete event simulation and integer linear programming models are developed to help ascertain the influence of factors such as multitasking, concurrency, task size, task value, and post-certification budget decision making on lean engineering PD performance. The models developed provide the foundation for enhanced PD performance and the establishment of optimal PD process parameters.

Optimal utilisation level for lean product development in a multitasking context

Flow of information is of utmost importance during product development (PD) endeavours with timely feedback supporting the resolution of higher risk elements. PD task size, multitasking and resource utilisation levels of the PD system influence information flow and the value ultimately realised from the investment in PD. In this paper, a model incorporating a methodology developed using queuing theory, and in particular, results obtained for Jackson networks are extended to help engineering management to improve PD task flow and consequently become more ‘lean’. Considered factors include: optimal PD task size and multitasking (focus) level as well as the utilisation level of PD resources. Empirical data were collected from a case study company and compared to optimal values. The benefits of the proposed model and approaches are discussed.

Combining predetermined and measured assembly time techniques: Parameter estimation, regression and case study of fenestration industry

Time estimation is an important element of the effort evaluation process, which is indispensable along many phases of business development from bidding for the competitive contract to design and production phases. In particular, the time estimates are useful in the resource planning process, especially when the precision of the provided estimates is quantitatively characterised. We propose in this work an approach that combines the techniques developed within predetermined time methods (such as MODAPTS and MINIMOST) with the statistical techniques that use the real data (collected along the stopwatch time measurements). Our approach allows to obtain not only time estimates themselves, but also the confidence intervals for them. This information helps the practitioner to decide whether provided time estimates (coupled with accuracy parameters) meet his criteria. The proposed approach can be used in time estimations for the project containing several operations of different nature, and the application of our methodology is discussed in detail for the case of fenestration industry.

Lean engineering performance analysis

The context of product development (PD) in the aerospace sector is one of intense competitive pressure. To ensure the continued competitiveness of this industrial sector in Canada, enhancing the productivity of PD is an urgent necessity. While the lean philosophy has been used with much success in the manufacturing world, there is an absence of comprehensive models that measure the benefits of lean improvement in PD. The purpose of this paper is to present a novel lean engineering performance assessment model. The model is applied to a real-life case company, and the results and implications arising from the application thereof are discussed. The results of the model show that it is effective in providing the ability to study the influence of a number of criteria and management policies on PD performance, in focusing improvement efforts in the most needed areas, and in supporting the overarching lean engineering goal of continuous improvement. Being able to measure lean in PD helps to shed light on what makes a PD process lean.