If you’re part of an aerospace supply chain, you’ve probably already noticed a lot of talk about net zero.
It’s one of the biggest topics of conversation at the North West Aerospace Alliance events that we’ve been attending recently. And there is good reason for that! The big Tier One companies such as Airbus & BAE have net zero firmly written into their DNA right now.
But what does that mean for smaller businesses further down the supply chain? In this blog, we look at some of the points that have been raised in these conversations.
Reporting will be a pre-requisite
For most of the big aerospace names, reporting on carbon emissions will be required to become part of their supply chain. With BAE committing to net zero as part of their forward business planning, they have suggested that they look to all their suppliers to comply with their reporting needs. However, this doesn’t mean that they are not supporting businesses to move forward with them. Far from it. They are actively encouraging collaboration and will work with any of their suppliers who need extra support.
What is interesting about this, is that the big names are also suggesting that no matter what changes in terms of government legislation, they are committed to getting to reaching their net zero targets. This means that as suppliers, you need to start thinking about this sooner rather than later!
Can I work with the software I already have?
So, if you’re already using SyteLine, there is a good chance you have a solid foundation. You’re probably using some of the modules such as Finance, Manufacturing and APS, but could you use more?
Digitisation of the supply chain isn’t always just about what happens in the main ERP; it can also be about how you use other technology to streamline processes. A good example of this could be using automations, which we have spoken about before. But it can also be about making use of other software such as CRM systems etc. After all, the digitisation of the supply chain is all about providing useful insights to the business, speeding up any processes and reducing processing errors.
On the face of it, this doesn’t look like it could add to your net zero credentials when looking to work with the big players. However, it really can!
Working together
Yes, there is a big push from the Tier One businesses, meaning that targets can feel aggressive if you’re further down the supply chain. However, something that is apparent not only from the likes of BAE and Airbus but also the NWAA is that there is a strong desire to work together and support the businesses that are not fully on the route to digitisation just yet.
The Alliance has been putting on a series of events this year that talk about digitisation, with businesses talking about their good and bad experiences. These events have proven to be incredibly popular and have also started to foster conversations about how the industry can pull together to reach a common goal. That must be good news, right?
These are just three of the many takeaways that we’ve had from being members of the North West Aerospace Alliance. Like our membership of the SyteLine User Group, we find it incredibly inspiring to be in a room full of other businesses. It’s something that we are planning to take forward into 2024! There is so much to be learned from collaborating with other businesses. By supporting each other, we all grow!
If you’re looking at starting your journey to net zero or digitisation, or if you have questions about how you can make SyteLine or CloudSuite Industrial part of your business growth, then please get in touch!