Supply chain optimisation cuts changeover time by 35%

Supply chain optimisation cuts changeover time by 35%

2nd April 2025 | 1 min read

The Challenge

The intricate nature of aerospace supply chains often poses considerable challenges to maintaining efficiency and productivity. A tier 1 aircraft component manufacturer aimed to enhance efficiency and operational effectiveness at its UK site through expert supply chain optimisation. The company engaged Unipart to provide performance improvement recommendations.

The focus was on their Computer Numerical Control (CNC) processes. These processes needed up to 1.5 hours to change over for every 15 hours of use. The client wanted to reduce this changeover time by 30%.

The Solution

Unipart conducted an extensive review of the CNC processes, implementing its recommended changeover reduction principles. Using our Changeover Reduction Analysis tool, our supply chain consulting team engaged directly with the client’s engineers. This in-depth analysis of changeovers was designed to uncover the root causes of delays and inefficiencies.

This collaborative approach allowed us to identify the root causes of delays and pinpoint specific areas for improvement, fostering a shared understanding of how to eliminate waste.

 

35%

changeover time reduction

The Impact

Building on these insights, Unipart documented a series of improvements and recommendations, leading to a more streamlined process. Beyond addressing current inefficiencies, these improvements established a clear roadmap for continuous improvement.

As a direct result of Unipart’s recommendations, the manufacturer is projected to achieve:

  • £100,000 cost saving per annum due to resequencing process elements.
  • 35% reduction in changeover time, achievable without significant capital expenditure.
  • 16% improvement in overall equipment effectiveness, from a baseline of 75%.

Feedback on the project was overwhelmingly positive, and future collaboration with the client to execute the strategic roadmap is anticipated.

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