Tauber Liaison: Damian Beil
University of Michigan’s Tauber Institute for Global Operations students Caroline Cook, Alex Arantes and Madison La Pine worked as Boeing interns with the KC-46 Program at the Everett (Wash.) Modification Center to identify and implement potential workflow and production capacity improvements. The KC-46A multi-mission aerial refueler aircraft is a crucial asset for global air forces.
Cook, Arantes and La Pine reviewed records, observed operations and interviewed mechanics, as well as engineering, quality and other team members. Using Lean and Boeing production system tools, the student-interns analyzed data to identify two areas with opportunity to improve production flow.
After observation and analysis, Cook, Arantes and La Pine proposed and—working with Boeing teams— implemented a set of short-term and long-term measures to support production capacity. The recommendations could strengthen production.
