How is configuration management in aircraft industry implemented?

Abstract

There is little literature on the use of Configuration Management (CM) in the Aviation Industry. However, it can be very useful today, where complexity to manufacture aircraft is increasing, and application of CM is very suitable. The pieces of the aircraft are produced in different countries, even the same parts are assembled in different countries and factories. Designs with different materials, and products increasingly lightweight, enhanced the complexity. In addition customers request very different versions of the same model, which are changing over years. The two most important objectives of the CM are to guarantee that there is compliance between the products and services that have been delivered to the customer, and to support the process of application for individual certificate of airworthiness, while optimized business performances are taken into account. The main objective of the study is how the CM is implemented in the aviation industry with an immediate applicability. CM is a discipline that arises from the need to ensure control in the complex process of relationships. CM is well suited to solving complex problems, like in aircraft industry. Its application allows the reduction of periods of integration and design, so that reduce delivery time to customers