Learn how Lockheed Martin executives are working with their supply base to embed a zero defect mentality that gets to the heart of variation management and root cause corrective action system-wide.
A zero defect mentality is not a quest for perfection, but a new way of thinking about defects that allows organizations to move from treating symptoms to solving systemic issues. As a systems integrator, Lockheed Martin relies heavily on the predictable performance of its thousands of suppliers of materials, systems, and services to ensure its product gets out the door on time and at target cost. Learn how variation management in this complex system starts with a mental framework about the nature of quality and the performance expected from its processes. Defects are the result of systemic variation. Until a zero defect mentality is adopted by leadership at all levels within the supply system, causes will continue to be treated as one-off issues and will hinder continuous improvement throughout the business. Hear how you can integrate zero defect thinking throughout your supply base to achieve breakthrough improvements from Lockheed Martin executives who are leading the journey.
Lockheed Martin Aeronautics Company is a division of Lockheed Martin Corporation with major manufacturing facilities in Texas, Georgia, California and others. Lockheed Martin Aeronautics is engaged in the research, design, development, manufacture, integration, sustainment, support and upgrade of advanced military aircraft, including combat and air mobility aircraft, unmanned air vehicles and related technologies. Aeronautics’ major programs include: F-35 Lightning II Joint Strike Fighter, C-130 Hercules, F-16 Fighting Falcon, C-5M Super Galaxy, and F-22 Raptor among others. Lockheed Martin Aeronautics is also the home of the world renowned Skunk Works®, a division of Lockheed Martin Aeronautics focusing on research and development of next-generation aircraft technologies and advanced systems.
Alex Eksir, D.M., and Amy Gowder are both executives at Lockheed Martin Aeronautics, headquartered in Fort Worth, Texas. Through a strong partnership and a cohesive strategy, both leaders are presenting a united front on the journey toward outstanding supplier performance and reduced product cost for their customers. As vice president of Quality & Mission Success (Q&MS), Eksir’s responsibilities include leading development and implementation of the company’s quality management system throughout all aspects of the business. He is also responsible and accountable to reinforce zero-defect mindsets, standards and results across all programs, functions and sites. Amy Gowder is vice president of supply chain management, responsible for developing and implementing acquisition policies and strategies for all Lockheed Martin Aeronautics programs and oversees a procurement budget of approximately $9 billion annually. Gowder is also responsible for subcontract management of aeronautics’ production and non-production supply base, focusing on development and implementation of subcontract management tools to readily identify emerging risks within the supply chain. Both leaders have robust experience revolving around strategic management of manufacturing businesses the world over.
