A two-pronged approach included Impact Dakota providing value stream management training to identify and confirm the improvement efforts that would provide the greatest benefit to the organization. Once the overarching problem was identified, the time the technicians were taking in searching and retrieving parts and tools, training in conducting workplace organization (5S) improvement events to additional key personnel was completed, as well as a 5S project in the maintenance shop. An Impact Dakota staff member facilitated the event as well as provided Bismarck Aero Center staff with the capacity and capabilities to sustain the gains through standardization, and to conduct future events on their own.

Some of the significant changes implemented by the team included standardizing tool/parts carts with standard item locations for minimal motion and searching. Also, standardizing locations for shared tools and materials with visual indicators. The Bismarck Aero Center team brainstormed and discussed solutions, and through consensus developed the implementation plan that was implemented. The exercise also uncovered opportunities to enhance Bismarck Aero Center’s information systems to reduce the time the technicians were taking to access aircraft technical information. Part of that solution was adding computer monitors within close proximity to the aircraft repair locations.

The overall resulting capacity increases allowed Bismarck Aero Center to decrease its repair delivery times and to take on more business, reducing costs and providing greater employment stability.