Time based process mapping, process capability and business benefits

This paper presents a generic nine step procedural methodology for minimising and closing the disconnect between an organisations current manufacturing ability and the product design requirements, in order that customer satisfaction be maximised and business performance improved. The technique of time-based process mapping was applied to an aerospace component within the context of manufacturing process capability. The improvement suggestions generated by this novel approach enabled the development of a methodology which featured process capability improvement and design requirement relaxation as key enabling steps. The eventual company wide application of this methodology to critical assembly component interfaces is expected to realise a step change business improvement opportunity through reductions to the top level performance measures of cycle time and cost.