Spirit AeroSystems increases real-time collaboration with PLM solutions

Citation

(2006), "Spirit AeroSystems increases real-time collaboration with PLM solutions", Aircraft Engineering and Aerospace Technology, Vol. 78 No. 2. https://doi.org/10.1108/aeat.2006.12778bab.003

Spirit AeroSystems increases real-time collaboration with PLM solutions

Spirit AeroSystems increases real-time collaboration with PLM solutions

Keywords: Aerospace industry, Computer software

IBM and Dassault Systèmes recently announced that Spirit AeroSystems, the independent structures supplier to the world-wide aerospace industry and a major supplier to Boeing Commercial Aircraft, has chosen their PLM solutions to enhance real-time collaboration with its customers and improve the global efficiency of product development processes.

Spirit will deploy a global end-to-end IBM PLM solution that includes industry-leading software applications developed by Dassault Systèmes, along with leading-edge middleware, hardware and services. The supplier will deploy CATIA V5's collaborative digital product design in a seamlessly integrated environment with ENOVIA LCA for product data management, and DELMIA for digital manufacturing simulation. With 500 seats, these solutions will together enable aircraft structure and system development based on industry-proven best practices, while supporting the industry-specific processes found in the aerospace sector.

Using this PLM solution, Spirit will reportedly gain greater control over its data and processes, enabling it to work more efficiently and responsively, and enhancing its competitiveness. It will also optimise collaboration with Boeing Commercial Aircraft, the company's largest customer, with whom it is already tightly integrated.

Spirit builds parts for almost every Boeing Commercial jetliner in production, and is currently responsible for the important forward section of the revolutionary 787 Dreamliner. Spirit also designs and manufactures the engine pylons and both fixed and moveable wing components. The developmental forward barrel ? called Section 41 ? is made of advanced composite material and was recently rolled out to much fanfare by Spirit and Boeing's 787 Dreamliner team.

According to Spirit's Engineering Department: “This decision is not just about the advanced composite design capabilities that CATIA V5 brings to our design engineers. It's about collaborating with Boeing and the global 787 team in real-time, with no translation or papered- over integrations. This global collaboration is key to our success and to the success of our customer”.