Saab streamlines aircraft production with IFS Applications

Business software vendor IFS has entered into an agreement with Saab for the delivery of component-based IFS Applications. The new software will replace a large number of existing systems. IFS Applications will support the production of the Gripen multirole fighter and of aircraft structures that are delivered to the world`s leading manufacturers.

For Saab Aerosystems, which produces the Gripen fighter, and Saab Aerostructures, a supplier of aircraft structures, this is the first stage in the consolidation of their existing IT systems on a common platform. The aim is to reduce IT costs and improve the companies` capabilities to exploit new business opportunities.

Torbj"orn Nibelius, responsible for planning and logistics at Saab Aerostructures and project manager for implementing the business software, said: "We are investing in modern business software so that we can shut down the old home-grown systems, which are very costly. Because we can save on maintenance costs, we expect to gain a rapid return on our investment in IFS Applications. Furthermore, we will get better support for offering a complete solution for service and spare parts logistics, an area in which we see an increasing demand from defence organisations. In the future, when everyone involved can work in the same system, we will acquire a better overview of product lifecycles."

The software from IFS provides support for major parts of Saab`s production process, including product data management, production planning, quality control, purchasing, customer orders, configuration and project management. The system is expected to go live in the fall of 2006.

Arnold Eriksson, sales manager at IFS Sweden, said: "An increasing number of companies that develop and manufacture complex products are investing in advanced support for product lifecycle management (PLM). Aircraft and other defence products have a long lifecycle, with commitments from suppliers in respect of performance, security and availability. Therefore, the history and traceability of the different variants and all the constituent parts become extremely important."

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Nibelius concluded: "An important reason for selecting IFS was its experience in our industry. For instance, IFS Applications is already in use at other companies in the Saab group. Another critical reason was that IFS listened to our requirements. We are facing major challenges, with increased export, a broader customer base, and more assignments as component suppliers. Furthermore, IFS offered a flexible pricing model with a solution to match."

Aerospace and defence is one of IFS`s targeted market segments. IFS customers include the British, French, Norwegian, Greek and South African defence organisations, as well as the Eurofighter consortium. Commercial MRO shops and operators include Finnair, Bristow Helicopters, Aero-Dienst GmbH, Hawker Pacific and Jet Turbine Services. In addition, IFS provides solutions to original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) such as General Dynamics, Lockheed Martin, BAE SYSTEMS and GE Aircraft Engines.