Maintaining Quality In The Supply Chain

This paper looks at the challenges of maintaining design intent and the quality within the naval supply chain and how it affects the supplier, builder and operator. The supply chain plays a critical role in the safety, reliability and operational availability of a naval asset.
Naval ships and submarines are complex machines built and operating in a high-risk environment to exacting operational requirements. Ensuring design intent is met within the supply and procurement process during build and through life maintenance is paramount in managing the inherent risks.
Design intent is usually based on assumptions regarding the product quality, in some analyses designers assume components are perfect. However, in reality, product quality is a function of the raw materials, process, procedures and workmanship applied by the supplier. It follows that achieving the required level of quality within the supplied products and hence meeting design intent is one of the key elements on which a naval vessel is built.
The challenges in assuring that quality levels, and hence design intent, are being achieved are many and varied. There are direct aspects to be specified and managed, such as: strength, integrity and weight; plus, transverse aspects such as shock, noise and vibration or product security. Product security should be considered in its widest sense and include security to prevent manipulation plus security of supply for long term builds and through life where specialist components are used.
A well-managed supply chain will address such issues and bring benefits for both supplier, builder and operator. Well-managed supply chains bring clarity and consistency to the requirements and responsibilities of all parties are clear. They provide assurance that design intent is being met as well as creating opportunities