Design, implementation and evaluation of a performance measurement system for virtual enterprises in the aerospace industry

Abstract

Requirements towards suppliers in the aerospace industry are currently changing significantly. Aircraft manufacturers expect their suppliers not only to deliver components and modules but also to develop, manufacture and integrate complex systems independently. Furthermore, suppliers are expected to provide logistic support over the complete life cycle of their system, especially during their operation, e.g. with airlines. Thus, first-tier-suppliers must on the one hand offer the required competencies for the complex process of system integration, and on the other hand possess a sufficient financial capacity to carry the risks of product development. These requirements are met only by few companies, leading to a drastic reduction of potential first-tier suppliers. Companies that do not meet the mentioned requirements have to re-position within the supply-chain and become suppliers of subsystems or sub-subsystems for manufacturers of systems. © 2008 Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg.