Case study

A major defense contractor

Introduction of concurrent engineering at a major defense contractor

PA's client needed to make changes in its culture, process and systems to meet the increased demands of its customer, the UK Ministry of Defence (MOD) for long term, fixed price contracts. These contracts needed to deliver high value for money and for the risks to be carried by the contractor, and therefore on one project, for example, a 40% improvement over traditional performance was required.   
    
PA conducted a review of the existing processes, working closely with client teams, and identified potential change and improvement opportunities. This resulted in the specification, selection and implementation of a comprehensive integrated CAD/PDM system. As part of the implementation program, new ways of working were introduced including the use of combined project teams/design-build teams to undertake project work. These teams adopted a shared approach to planning, where all the team members commit to common objectives.

This new approach utilized world-class best practice processes and systems and gave the client the ability to bid for and win demanding MOD contracts and undertake the work at a profit.

The use of an electronic product definition reduced the reliance on physical mock-ups and improved the people capabilities and competencies. The client became an organization in which the people, behaviors, attitudes and culture are being developed to take on the changed risks and commercial realities associated with the new contracts.