Work Packs – Focus, Flexibility and Risk Management for the Transportation Industry

AAA Canada is an established leader in the provision of technical and operational support services for transportation manufacturers (buses, trains, planes, trucks, etc.). Its reputation has been built on trust, expertise, and a focus on excellent customer service. The company offers a comprehensive suite of solutions – from maintenance and repair expertise to logistics and supply chain management – tailored to meet the diverse needs of its clients.

AAA Canada is responding to this emerging need by developing and testing (with early clients) the concept and practicality of ‘work packs’. Work packs are a way to package AAA’s professional technical and operational services designed specifically for a given client with respect to assembly, sub-assembly and testing-quality control processes. They are delivered on a long-term contract basis with a duration of 3 to 4 years. It is anticipated that the contracted services of a work pack will become a form of partnership between AAA Canada and its clients interested in or already using the ‘work pack’ offering.

AAA Canada is a fifteen-year-old North American joint venture between DRAKKAR and Daher (France), where work packs are already in use in various partnerships with important clients. In Canada, the introduction of the work pack program is a new form of (customized) professional services that makes optimum use of AAA’s skilled-labour resources. Each work pack will be designed for and tailored to the assembly and sub-assembly processes and work practices of a specific client. The price, delivery format and duration of the work pack contract will be based on client specifications, the clients’ current and future work practices, and the necessary quality inspection and control measures.
 

Designing and developing work packs for Airbus focused on the importance of continuous improvement, risk management, and the need for a structured approach to ensure operational efficiency.

The concept, form and dynamics of work packs are intended to be the foundation of partnerships with each client. Responsibilities within work packs must be clearly defined to avoid confusion and ensure accountability. Well-designed work packs to meet rigorous requirements are a practical and effective ways to:

• Package ongoing risks associated with labour shortages,
• Better manage fluctuating levels of demand for necessary skills levels of knowledge.

Thus, custom-designed work packs become an important element of a client’s approach to risk management because AAA Canada contracts to deliver the necessary technical and operational resources in a package that meets the client’s specific requirements. Once contracted, implementing a work pack gives AAA total responsibility for the quality, timelines and overall results of the work it has specified in any given work pack.

The working partnership means that the client evaluates the work carried out and maintains an ongoing dialogue with AAA through DMMs (Daily Morning Meetings). DMMs involve the client’s representative(s) and AAA professionals meeting to review activities and results and, if necessary, take action to ensure the work packs are performing as per contract specifications.
 

The effectiveness and efficiency measures specified in a client’s work pack(s) work highlight the importance of clear communication and effective collaboration. AAA Canada’s contract with Airbus delivers four (4) distinct work packs targeted four (4) different areas of assembly operations:

1. Mid and center-fuselage assembly
2. Rear fuselage assembly
3. Airplane interior
4. Quality inspections

When introducing  a work pack – the specifications, terms and conditions, number and type of professionals etcetera – care is exercised to allow for the initial learning curve necessary for adapting to a new assembly or sub-assembly process and the client’s workplace culture. Open and ongoing feedback – what’s working, what’s not, what needs to be done next – is necessary to develop and refine the collaboration necessary for effective implementation of the new work pack team and helps to build the dynamics necessary for long-term partnerships.

Integrating customized work packs into the assembly and inspection processes at Airbus is an important step forward for the transportation industry in general. The example provided demonstrates that the design of work packs is based on Airbus’ rigorous specifications, and the resources provided are guaranteed by the professional knowledge, skills and qualifications that are the core of AAA Canada’s business model.

As AAA assumes total responsibility for the effectiveness of the work pack team performing to Airbus’ requirements, such customized work packs are a practical and useful way for clients to ‘offload’ risk to a trusted partner-supplier while controlling labour costs and managing compliance with quality standards.

Today, the transportation industry is actively exploring new ways to design and build vehicles like airplanes, buses, trains, etc. Shifts in market conditions, rapidly changing labour markets and ongoing changes to manufacturing and assembly processes create pressure to find more effective and more flexible ways of meeting market and client requirements and demands. AAA is offering customized work packs built from solid skills, talent and an adaptable professional workforce that can add significant value to the growth-oriented transportation industry.

To learn about developing a flexible and collaborative approach to assembly and sub-assembly operations, managing operational risks, and optimizing operating costs, please contact Alain Fortin, Vice President of Operations at AAA Canada.