Driving increased competitiveness through operational excellence

Competitiveness in supply chains is paramount for modern businesses to succeed. Collaboration with partners, efficient logistics and talent retention are vital to sustaining competitiveness in our complex sectors.

A competitive supply chain allows for flexibility, risk mitigation and global expansion. By reducing lead times, enhancing communication and improving market responsiveness, it enables companies to seize opportunities – securing contracts, driving technological advancements and maintaining global leadership.

SMEs play a vital role in supply chains contributing significantly to their overall competitiveness. The entrepreneurial spirit and agility of our members helps drive innovation and diversity of products with specialised knowledge catering to the unique demands of our sectors.

Aero Excellence and SC21 through the Supply Chain Solutions Framework, are aligned in their support of companies operating in our sectors. They drive enhancements in quality, delivery and cost-efficiency; standardise performance and provide international recognition.

Introducing Aero Excellence

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Standardising improvement across aerospace, defence and space

Aero Excellence is a global partnership, piloted initially between France, UK and Germany to raise performance and enhance competitiveness in a rapidly evolving global market.

Through a structured four-step assessment, companies can identify and plan for improvement in operational efficiency, sustainability and cybersecurity robustness.

Find out more

SC21 Continunous Improvement Programme

Supply Chains for the 21st Century (SC21) helps aerospace and defence businesses accelerate their competitiveness by raising their performance in order to gain more value in the eyes of the customers. Built on 18 years of success, it is a best in class improvement programme for the aerospace and defence sectors and optimises the customer-supplier relationship for mutual benefit and in the best interests of the UK’s national prosperity. The programme is managed by ADS in partnership with the Regional Aerospace Alliances and Devolved Administrations and is the cornerstone of the Supply Chain Solutions Framework.

Engage through a four step process

Participants travel through the programme by:

  1. Engagement: Register on the programme either as a self starter, sponsored by customer or regionally led
  2. Assessment: A scalable two-step assessment incorporates capability performance and feedback from customers. Rapid identification of ‘quick wins’ and longer-term improvement plan.
  3. Improvement: Deployment of an individually focused Continuous Sustainable Improvement Plan (CSIP). Critical workstreams and enhanced learning through a comprehensive library of 110+ improvement modules.
  4. Recognition: Internationally recognised awards based on verified data, from bronze silver and gold.

Learn more about SC21 here

 

Benchmark your capability with the BAT

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Take the first step in your SC21 improvement journey

Our free Baseline Assessment Tool (BAT) benchmarks your performance in areas such as competitiveness, operations, quality, sustainability and innovation.

Designed by supply chain experts from the aerospace, defence and automotive sectors, it reports on your performance and provides recommendations on improvements and where to find support.

Access the BAT

Trusted by customers

SC21 Competitiveness programme collaborates with stakeholders to understand their challenges, anticipating their needs and exploring solutions together, working to achieve long-term customer satisfation.

It is supported and recognised by industry including the following leading customers: