AWS signs up to Aerospace & Defence supply chain initiative
News Posted 11th March 2008
AWS Electronics Group has recently signed up to the SC21 initiative that is organised by the Society of British Aerospace Companies (SBAC).
Supply Chain 21st Century (SC21) is a change programme designed to accelerate the competitiveness of the UK Aerospace & Defence industry by raising the performance of its supply chains. International competition, together with the challenges posed by the Defence Industrial Strategy (DIS), necessitates rapid improvement in the effectiveness of our supply chains. At the same time, industry must ensure that it delivers competitive solutions for customers whilst maintaining profitable business growth.
The lead for the initiative comes from 16 prime contractors who are referred to as the key customer working group. Two of which, General Dynamics UK and Augusta Westland, are key customers to AWS. SC21 key customers working group has developed and sponsored the launch SC21 implementation plan, encompassing some 120 aerospace and defence businesses which includes AWS Electronics Group.
In the launch phase, these have been selected because they either service multiple key customers in our industry and/or provide strategic capabilities. This plan represents the initial phase of implementation and will grow as more customers and suppliers progress into SC21 implementation.
As a signatory AWS are committed to developing all aspects of its supply chain to ensure they remain competitive and able to deliver increased value to customers.
SC21 signatory companies are committed to:
- a new SC21 business culture: no matter what our role or position in a supply chain, we are determined to effect fundamental business transformation. We will work openly and transparently, through sharing information and working collaboratively, to deliver benefits across the industry. We will avoid duplication and waste.
- delivering innovation: we will build on success to enable our industry to be a leader in the development of competitive value chains. We will pursue the most competitive solutions for our customers, by accessing innovation and specialist expertise. We will encourage innovation and investment of all types throughout the supply chain, achieved through providing a more trusting and open environment.
- through-life solutions: total through-life cost is of paramount importance to our customers. We will involve all functions of the supply chain, for example: procurement, engineering and finance, throughout the project, product or service lifecycle. Transparency will be encouraged, with more planning and forecast data made available using bid conferences, project conferences and other means of communication.
- delivering the SC21 plan: as a signatory to this action plan, we accept that our adherence to the commitments will be tested annually and that our performance will be measured and published. We will help in the development of this plan by sharing experiences.
- leadership: we will encourage colleagues in the industry, including our customers and suppliers, to join SC21 as both signatories and active participants.
- ethical practices: we will ensure that all business is conducted in a principled manner, with the highest degree of personal and business integrity.
- increased pace of change: our rate of change and improvement will be at an accelerated pace. Signatories will work together to harmonise how supply chains are developed, how accreditation occurs, how performance is measured and how relationships are improved.
More information on this news story can be found below -
» www.sbac.co.uk/sc21