AERO Vodochody AEROSPACE Selects IFS Cloud for Digital Transformation and Competitive Edge
In a groundbreaking move set to redefine operational efficiency, AERO Vodochody AEROSPACE, the Czech Republic’s largest aircraft manufacturer, has announced its decision to adopt IFS Cloud. This strategic decision will empower the company to accelerate its aircraft production capabilities and respond more effectively to market demands. With a remarkable legacy as one of the oldest aircraft manufacturers globally, AERO is committed to enhancing its competitive stance in the rapidly evolving aerospace sector. Utilizing IFS Cloud's advanced enterprise resource planning (ERP) solutions, combined with Siemens' product lifecycle management (PLM) tool, Teamcenter, AERO aims to achieve a seamless transition to a paperless production environment. This transformation is not merely a technical upgrade; it signifies AERO's commitment to adopting cutting-edge technology solutions that enhance operational efficiency and streamline the entire production process. By implementing innovative shopfloor digital twin technology alongside digital work instructions, the team on the ground will experience significant improvements in productivity and workflow due to streamlined approval processes across critical operations.
The collaboration between IFS and AERO emphasizes a systematic approach to standardizing processes that adhere strictly to industry best practices. With this holistic strategy in place, AERO aims to optimize production efficiency, mitigate errors, and uphold the highest quality standards across all manufacturing operations. Viktor Sotona, AERO's Chairman and President, shed light on this monumental initiative, describing it as one of the largest IT investments in the company’s history. He articulated that this investment is not just about technology but is a crucial step towards future growth and competitive resilience. Sotona expressed optimism that advancing their digital infrastructure will lead to remarkable enhancements in product development, planning, production, and supply chain management. This comprehensive IT framework is envisioned as a major pillar in managing operations and fostering Industry 4.0 capabilities, allowing AERO to remain agile and responsive in a competitive landscape.
Looking ahead, the integrated ERP and PLM systems set to be deployed will fortify AERO’s operational backbone, supporting various aspects of the company’s functions. This includes designing, developing, and manufacturing aircraft, as well as supplying components for third-party aircraft makers and offering maintenance, repair, and overhaul services. The partnership between IFS and AERO exemplifies a shared vision of adopting a technology that not only meets today's challenges but also anticipates future demands in the aerospace industry.
Marek Głazowski, IFS Managing Director, voiced enthusiasm about supporting AERO’s transformation journey, emphasizing the deep root of understanding the complexities of the sector that their collaboration brings. As the companies embark on this transformative venture, Pavel Rozsypal from Siemens reiterated the promise of the new PLM and ERP integration, asserting that this combined approach would enhance production workflows and accelerate innovation cycles, ensuring AERO's stronghold in the global aerospace arena.
The collaboration is not limited to AERO only, as it involves the Czech division of IFS platinum partner, InfoConsulting, which will oversee the implementation of the entire suite of solutions across AERO's Czech operations. Upon completion of the rollout, estimates suggest a significant number of users, nearly 900 for IFS Cloud and 700 for the Siemens PLM solution, indicating a robust engagement across the various departments including research and development, manufacturing, and production.
Jozef Kováčik, Managing Director at InfoConsulting, expressed pride in facilitating this project, confident that they will bolster AERO’s operational capabilities and contribute to future-proofing the business against the competitive backdrop of the aerospace industry. This commitment to utilizing advanced technologies signals AERO Vodochody AEROSPACE's intent to not only maintain its legacy but to thrive as a frontrunner in a fast-paced and emerging marketplace.