Continous Innovation is Key at Boeing

Boeing has long been a leader in the aerospace industry, mainly because of the company's dedication to continuous innovation. By refusing to accept problematic processes and giving employees the freedom to pursue unusual solutions, Boeing has developed a number of money-saving innovations. Along the way, it has streamlined the aircraft manufacturing process.

One of the keys to continuous innovation at Boeing is a process the company calls "moonshining." Using materials that are available around the shop, workers brainstorm creative ideas to persistent problems in the production process. The goal of moonshining is to eliminate rules and traditional restrictions and to encourage fun and creativity. By approaching a problem knowing that anything is possible, workers often find unusual and effective solutions. In the early 2000s, the company held a "Moonshine Wars" competition. The winning team developed a sanding cart that prevented injuries common to workers who sand the underside of plane wings prior to painting. The tool is now in use at Boeing facilities.

The 787 Dreamliner is a prime example of Boeing's dedication to continuous innovation. Ignoring conventional rules, the company's engineers set out to develop an aircraft that took on both fuel consumption and passenger comfort. The result, the Dreamliner, had a composite carbon-fiber body that was lighter and stronger than traditional aircraft. The reduction in weight allowed the planes to use less fuel, translating to lower costs and lower airfares. With the increased strength, the planes were able to maintain higher pressure levels to help reduce jet lag and exhaustion. Given the benefits, industry experts expected the aircraft to revolutionize the industry.

The advantages of the Dreamliner were substantial, but continuous innovation is not without its drawbacks. From the moment it hit the runway, the Dreamliner experienced a series of problems that stemmed from its innovative new design. In-air electrical fires, overheating batteries and troublesome wing attachments forced Boeing's engineers to scramble for innovative solutions and accept the associated costs and reputation damage. Such are the costs of continuous innovation, particularly in the high-stakes, high-risk aerospace industry.

In recent years, Boeing has taken on a new approach to continuous innovation. Instead of dedicating itself to large product releases such as the Dreamliner, the company is now focusing its innovative energy on smaller pieces of the puzzle. By updating smaller components and improving parts of the manufacturing process, the company seeks to create the most advanced aircraft and aerospace products on the market. Its efforts appear to be paying off; at a time when many firms are struggling to embrace low-cost manufacturing, Boeing is performing solidly.

Boeing's policy of continuous innovation is undoubtedly a contributing factor to its long history of aerospace contributions. As humans move into the next era of air and space travel, the company is poised to remain an important player.

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