Discover strategies to ensure timely completion of aerospace projects despite facing material delivery delays.

Any disruption in critical industries like Aerospace, Energy, Utilities, Oil & Gas and Petrochemical operations can lead to significant financial losses due to the high cost of production and supply chain delays. A BCP (Business Continuity Plan) enables companies to quickly restore critical operations, perform timely maintenance, thus reducing downtime and ensuring business continuity. A well-executed BCP helps mitigate financial losses by ensuring that critical business functions can continue or resume promptly. Identifying and ensuring all material mapping and source alternatives with supplier qualifications in place, is the key to meet the required deliverables timely.

I agree that when delay in receipt of material is inevitable, the most important way to reduce the impact of delay is to look for rescheduling of activities, work on parallel activities so that resources are free to work when the material arrives. Communication with the stakeholders become very important here as the bottleneck activity has to get the best attention and effort to meet the timeliness.

After covid disruptions has taught, it is important to hold a buffer of key materials in aerospace industry where multiple suppliers are less. JIT may not work and the whole project gets delayed.

Last updated on Oct 7, 2024

You're facing delays in aerospace material delivery. How can you ensure timely completion of your project?

Delays in aerospace material delivery can be a significant hurdle in the timely completion of your project. Aerospace engineering is a field where precision and adherence to timelines are paramount, as they directly influence project costs and safety. Material delays can arise from various factors, including supply chain issues, quality control hold-ups, or unforeseen demand. As an aerospace engineer, you must navigate these challenges while maintaining project integrity and meeting deadlines. This article will explore strategies to mitigate the impact of these delays and keep your aerospace project on track.

1 Alternative Sourcing

When facing delays, it's crucial to have a backup plan. Exploring alternative sourcing for aerospace materials can prevent your project from stalling. Building relationships with multiple suppliers can provide you with a broader range of options when your primary source falls through. It's also important to assess the quality and compatibility of alternative materials to ensure they meet your project's specifications. By having a contingency plan in place, you can minimize the impact of delivery delays on your project's timeline.

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Naveed Hingora, PMP®, MS Elec. Engr. (USA), Six Sigma

Sr. Turnaround Planning Engineer 》Strategy | Transformation | Change Management 》Performance, Scheduling & Monitoring 》Enterprise Risk & Project Management 》Processes & Procedures 》Leadership, Mentor & Coach
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Any disruption in critical industries like Aerospace, Energy, Utilities, Oil & Gas and Petrochemical operations can lead to significant financial losses due to the high cost of production and supply chain delays. A BCP (Business Continuity Plan) enables companies to quickly restore critical operations, perform timely maintenance, thus reducing downtime and ensuring business continuity. A well-executed BCP helps mitigate financial losses by ensuring that critical business functions can continue or resume promptly. Identifying and ensuring all material mapping and source alternatives with supplier qualifications in place, is the key to meet the required deliverables timely.

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ARUN JANARDHAN SARKATE

Ex-General Manager, HAL Avionics Division, Hyderabad
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Managing Supply Chain for aerospace materials for timely delivery to the Customer, is one of the major prerequisite for the successful completion of the project. Identification of Alternative sources, which will meet technical and quality specs, need to be done, even at the launch of project itself, especially for Electronic Parts, considering a big risk of Obsolescence in Semi-Conductor Market. Managing Supply chain and Obsolescence Management need to go hand in hand and risk is minimised to a big extent.

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Mukesh Ranjan

DGM Program Management-MRO| Hindustan Aeronautics ltd | IIM A | IMI Delhi | IIT M | 20 +Yrs of experience in making of Indigenous Helicopters | Strategic Planning | Project Management | Operations | Supply chain
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Good rapport with key supplier/ multiple suppliers is important. When material becomes scarce, networking helps arranging material even from industry partners or supplier's supplier. A close follow up with supplier is vital to manage the scarce material.

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2 Project Rescheduling

Efficient project management is key in aerospace engineering. If material delays are inevitable, rescheduling certain project phases could be necessary. Analyze your project timeline and identify tasks that can be rearranged without compromising critical milestones. Communicating with your team about schedule adjustments and setting realistic expectations can help maintain momentum. By being proactive and flexible with your planning, you can navigate around material delays and keep your project moving forward.

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Mukesh Ranjan

DGM Program Management-MRO| Hindustan Aeronautics ltd | IIM A | IMI Delhi | IIT M | 20 +Yrs of experience in making of Indigenous Helicopters | Strategic Planning | Project Management | Operations | Supply chain
Report contribution
I agree that when delay in receipt of material is inevitable, the most important way to reduce the impact of delay is to look for rescheduling of activities, work on parallel activities so that resources are free to work when the material arrives. Communication with the stakeholders become very important here as the bottleneck activity has to get the best attention and effort to meet the timeliness.

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3 Inventory Management

Proper inventory management can be a lifesaver when you encounter material delivery delays. Maintaining a buffer stock of critical aerospace materials can provide you with a cushion to continue work during unforeseen delays. It's essential to balance the costs of holding inventory against the potential delays in material delivery. Implementing just-in-time (JIT) inventory strategies can optimize your stock levels and reduce the risk of project hold-ups due to material shortages.

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Mukesh Ranjan

DGM Program Management-MRO| Hindustan Aeronautics ltd | IIM A | IMI Delhi | IIT M | 20 +Yrs of experience in making of Indigenous Helicopters | Strategic Planning | Project Management | Operations | Supply chain
Report contribution
After covid disruptions has taught, it is important to hold a buffer of key materials in aerospace industry where multiple suppliers are less. JIT may not work and the whole project gets delayed.

Like

4 Supplier Communication

Open and consistent communication with your suppliers is vital in managing delivery delays. Establishing a clear line of dialogue can provide insights into the cause of delays and expected timeframes for resolution. Negotiating with suppliers for expedited shipping or finding interim solutions can alleviate some of the pressure on your project timeline. Keeping suppliers informed about your project's critical dates can also help them prioritize your orders and reduce the likelihood of future delays.

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5 Risk Management

In aerospace engineering, risk management is a fundamental practice that can help you prepare for material delivery delays. Conducting regular risk assessments to identify potential material shortages and developing mitigation strategies can save you time and resources in the long run. By understanding the risks associated with material procurement, you can implement measures to minimize their impact on your project, such as diversifying your supplier base or investing in technology that predicts supply chain disruptions.

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6 Design Flexibility

Design flexibility can play a crucial role in overcoming material delivery delays in aerospace engineering. When certain materials are delayed, having the ability to adapt your design to use readily available alternatives can keep your project on schedule. This approach requires a thorough understanding of material properties and the potential impact on system performance. Engaging in early-stage design reviews focused on material selection can provide you with the agility needed to respond to supply chain challenges effectively.

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You're facing delays in aerospace material delivery. How can you ensure timely completion of your project?

1

2

3

4

5

6

1 Alternative Sourcing

2 Project Rescheduling

3 Inventory Management

4 Supplier Communication

5 Risk Management

6 Design Flexibility

Aerospace Engineering

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You're facing delays in aerospace material delivery. How can you ensure timely completion of your project?

1

2

3

4

5

6

1 Alternative Sourcing

2 Project Rescheduling

3 Inventory Management

4 Supplier Communication

5 Risk Management

6 Design Flexibility

Aerospace Engineering

Rate this article

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