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Lean engineering: a framework for doing the right thing right

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  03 February 2016

H. L. McManus
Affiliation:
Metis Design, Cambridge MA, USA
A. Haggerty
Affiliation:
Department of Aeronautics and Astronautics, MIT, Cambridge MA, USA
E. Murman
Affiliation:
Department of Aeronautics and Astronautics, MIT, Cambridge MA, USA

Abstract

Lean techniques are having a major impact on aerospace manufacturing. However, the cost and value of aerospace (and many other) products is determined primarily in product development. Migrating lean to engineering processes is ongoing in the industry, and a subject of study at the MIT Lean Aerospace Initiative. This paper summarises findings to date, with references to both research literature and successful implementation examples. To implement lean engineering, a three-part approach is needed: Creating the right products, with effective lifecycle and enterprise integration, using efficient engineering processes.

Type
Research Article
Copyright
Copyright © Royal Aeronautical Society 2007 

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Footnotes

An earlier version of this paper appeared in the proceedings of the 1st international Conference on Innovation and Integration in Aerospace Sciences, 4-5 August 2005, Queen’s University Belfast, Northern Ireland, UK. Submitted to The Aeronautical Journal by invitation of the conference organisers as part of a possible special publication relating to the conference.

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