Dallas August 13, 2002 Supply chain technologies are taking off at commercial aircraft manufacturer Airbus.
In recent weeks solution providers have reported that Airbus is implementing e-sourcing, supplier relationship management and supply chain management solutions in efforts to streamline its purchasing and supply chain processes.
The manufacturer has deployed solution provider Ariba's Enterprise Sourcing solution, which will allow Airbus' buyers to identify new potential suppliers, aggregate internal demand, post on-line calls for tender, negotiate contract terms and get their final recommendations approved.
Ariba said the sourcing solution can improve the efficiency and effectiveness of the sourcing process while also driving competitiveness through cost savings. Airbus will source flying and non-flying commodities and will involve all its professional buyers as well as other stakeholders in multifunctional teams in the e-sourcing process.
Airbus is also developing and implementing a new Web-based collaborative program, known as Sup@irWorld, to manage all interactions with its suppliers. This week, the company selected supply relationship management (SRM) and supply chain management (SCM) solutions from i2 Technologies as part of the IT backbone of the project.
The aircraft company will use the SRM solution to enable improved services and process efficiencies across its own entities, as well as its customers and suppliers.
By implementing i2's SCM as part of the Sup@irWorld project, Airbus intends to create a Web-enabled hub that harmonizes practices and processes across its extended supply chain, which includes a large number of suppliers and sub-contractors in more than 30 countries. i2 said its solution will allow Airbus to increase visibility all along the supply chain and to use supplier managed inventory processes to reduce inventory levels.
