A coordinated approach to apply value stream analysis to the one-of-a-kind shipbuilding supply chain

In one-of-a-kind shipbuilding, shipyards rely on highly diversified supply chains involving multiple suppliers and subcontractors. The high complexity of the processes and the unique nature of the ships present challenges for the planning and coordination of the assembly at the shipyard and for production and logistics at the suppliers. The current organization leads to long delivery times, and high inventory costs. In addition, productivity losses occur due to extra work, e.g., searching for and modifying pre-manufactured components or delayed material supply at the assembly. Synchronizing the provision of materials from suppliers with the actual assembly offers promising potential for improvement. In one-of-a-kind production, Just-in-Sequence delivery is applicable only to a limited extent due to a lack of data and insufficient communication. The systematic use of digital assistance systems in the shipbuilding supply chain offers the potential to establish a consistent database and to provide user-oriented real-time information. As a first step, this paper performs an exhaustive analysis of the shipyard and supply chain processes regarding material and information flow, and the key figures from production planning and control. For this purpose, a value stream analysis adapted to the one-of-a-kind shipbuilding process was carried out at a shipyard and three of its suppliers.

Subjects

Digital Assistance Systems

Engineer-to-Order

One-of-a-kind Production

Supply Chain

Value Stream Analysis

DDC Class

600: Technology

Funding(s)

Smarte und leicht nutzbare Informationsversorgung maritimer Montageprozesse

Funding Organisations

Bundesministerium für Wirtschaft und Klimaschutz

Options

A coordinated approach to apply value stream analysis to the one-of-a-kind shipbuilding supply chain