Using MBE Data in Quality Planning Processes

Publication Details

Abstract

This article describes how model-based enterprise (MBE) data in the form of 3D technical data packages (TDPs) can be leveraged within quality engineering processes, just as the principles of quality assurance are applied to manufacturing and sustainment activities. The U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) is very interested in receiving 3D TDPs from industry as part of weapon-system acquisitions on all future programs. To facilitate this, the U.S. Army and the Office of the Secretary of Defense (OSD) Manufacturing Technology (ManTech) MBE programs are focused on ensuring technology maturity, that processes are defined to properly utilize the technology, that standards are in place to support the use of the processes and technology, and that there is a policy to enforce the use of standard processes and technology in acquisition of data. Team members of the Army’s ManTech program, which involves MBE and model-based definition (MBD), have been working hard to ensure that 3D TDPs are possible from an engineering creation standpoint, and that they are reused in manufacturing planning activities. Until now we paid less attention to other processes like quality planning. We are confident there is great potential to be leveraged in this area.