From SR-71 to Boeing 777, different approaches to concurrent engineering

Summary form only given. Two of the most famous approaches to concurrent engineering (CE) in the aerospace industry are the skunk works and the Boeing 777 program. Concurrent engineering is a systematic communication between team members to enable consideration of all important product and process information in a timely manner. The skunk works is a new venture. It uses highly concentrated organization and fund. People can give new product projects undivided attention and make a quick product decisions. The Boeing 777 approach, however, by means of advanced computer technologies and multi-function teams, bring the initiative of the designer, manufactures, suppliers and customers into full play. In order to use these two approaches in the future projects, several suggestions are given. First of all, the skunk works approach seems not to fit to the big project in aerospace industry: the projects of the skunk works, for the most part, should not relate to the other parts of company; the company should balance the incentives provided to the skunk works and other parts of the company. It is sometimes a tough work to let the employees in the skunk works return to normal organization or merge the skunk works with other parts of the company. The 777 approach, on the other hand, seems to be more adaptable and has been proven that it is a very effective way to shorten the development time and get better product even if it is a very complex product. But when choosing this approach, we should apply CE step by step