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LANDING GEAR DIVISION

PROCESS OPTIMIZATION

THE DEVELOPMENT

Dipl. Ing. Andreas Storp
Lufthansa Technik AG
Project Manager, Business Unit
Landing Gear, HAM WL2/L

The market for landing gear maintenance is subject to strong growth. In order to play a prominent role in the global market we must make our production lean and fit. Our Lean Project iDeliever was created for this very reason. The dialogue picture helps me in different ways to accomplish the implementation and conversion of this system. On the one hand, I can present a single vision of how the journey forward should be realized to all involved staff. On the other hand it motivates the workers to think about their current working environment and to be proactive in the reorganization process.

The landing gear maintenance department of Lufthansa Technik wants to move in new directions. To communicate these changes clearly to its workforce, Lufthansa Technik commissioned us to create a dialogue picture showing the “old” and the “new” path to success. On the “new” path time sequences for maintance work in comparison to previous years are illustrated. In addition, it is shown how new products and processes, an improved integration of suppliers and the continuous training of staff result in happy and satisfied customers.

THE STRATEGIC ACTION PLAN

1.	Responsibility in HR management and in leadership.
2.	Reliable cooperation with clients and partners.
3.	Standardization and optimization of operational processes and procedures.
4.	Reduction of processing time while maintaining quality.
5.	Cost effective work in all areas.

The Dialogue Picture was developed and agreed upon in a series of workshops. The basic concept of the picture is a contrast between the old and new ways represented by a gravel path and a freeway respectively. So that every worker can find themselves in the picture, we illustrated each step of the process separately. In this way each employee is directly addressed and motivated to follow the new path.

INDIVIDUAL SCENES AND THEIR MEANING

The direct supply of high quality work materials is the basis of a process orientated work plan. With the right instruments and tools problems can be solved quickly and efficiently.

The abbreviation AOG stands for “aircraft on ground.” It describes an airplane which is not ready for flight due to technical reasons. During the repair it is of utmost importance to find possible solutions to problems as fast as possible in order to minimize delays. The symbol shows a so-called “Flying Doc“ who quickly flies wherever urgently needed.

Teamwork is called the way to success. If an employee requires assistance, they must be able to lean on their colleagues. A worker assists a colleague on a broken-down Segway by towing him on his Segway.

The abbreviation KVP stands for continuous improvement process (CIP). Young workers learn from their older colleagues while at the same time bringing in new ideas about which their senior co-workers should have an open mind.