Boeing takes back some design responsibilities as the suppliers can`t keep the quality

Filed in archive Point of view on November 9, 2007

Well, remember the earlier post which I wrote on the new supplier relationship system at Boeing? I warned about the drawbacks of over-outsourcing the design activities to the suppliers AND...Here it comes:

A Boeing boss has stated that some of its main and smaller suppliers for the ambitious new 787 jetliner have fallen short of expectations.

Boeing has assumed design responsibilities for some aspects of the plane in order to ensure the highest standards, as some suppliers contracted out to produce sections of the jets failed to measure up (From Mikrofax)

The idea that came to my mind about this problem is actually what has been done in the auto industry for a while and that`s collaboration in design. I think a migration from the traditional system in Boeing to the new system might be facilitated if the company takes a similar approach. What do you think?