Abstract

European aircraft manufacturer Airbus received ‘The Best RFID implementation’ award in May 2008. The award was given for the successful implementation of RFID technology in its operations with an objective to improve the company’s operational efficiency. Airbus, a leading aircraft manufacturer in the world, had a complex supply chain including multiple assembly plants and thousands of suppliers. The company followed a principle of continual improvement of its operations. Airbus’ efforts to improve its operating efficiency included projects like Sup@irWorld and implementing RFID across its own as well its suppliers’ operations. The case examines these initiatives which helped Airbus cut down its costs while improving its efficiency.

Learning Objectives

The case is structured to achieve the following Learning Objectives:

• Study the supply chain processes of Airbus
• Understand the implementation of RFID technology in an aircraft manufacturing company
• Analyze how RFID technology can improve the operational efficiency of an aircraft manufacturing company
• Examine the advantages and disadvantages of imple-menting RFID technology in a manufacturing company.

Keywords

Airbus, RFID Technology, Quality Management Systems, Value Chain Visibility, Sup@irworld, eSupplyChain, Sourcing, Found@tion, BuySide domain, Supply Chain Quality Improvement Program, Supply Chain Event Management, ERP Software, Airbus Tool Loan Process, myRFIDSolutions, RFID Implementation, Airbus Aircraft Families, RFID Enabled Business Process