Lockheed Martin is latest A&D success for IFS

Aerospace and defence giant Lockheed Martin is to implement IFS Applications extended ERP systems at two of its manufacturing sites, rolling it out for more than 700 users. The sites involved make electronics, avionics, and control systems in support of the firm’s defence contracts. The system will also be used on a programme for the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter (JSF) project. Lockheed Martin Information Systems is also looking at IFS for other projects, including the F-16 automated logistics management system (ALMS), the logistics and maintenance support system that supports F-16 sales around the world. It’s another major coup for IFS, which seems to have completely cemented its position in aerospace and defence since setting up the joint venture with BAE Systems two years ago. Customers in the sector now include General Dynamics, BAE Systems itself, Saab Bofors Dynamics, Saab Aerospace, GE Aircraft Engines, L3 Communications, Derco Aerospace, Conax, Gables Engineering, Hawker Pacific and Bristow Helicopters. The IFS system for Lockheed Martin’s sites includes manufacturing, distribution, and IFS’ engineering components. Since declaring aerospace and defence as one of its key target markets, IFS has been successfully developing functionality specifically for it, with some of its principal customers. Results of that include its integrated project tracking and product data management (PDM) capabilities which, when combined with other IFS ERP components, work well with government regulatory requirements in the sector. They also fit well with the requirement to manage assembly design, manufacture and ongoing spare parts logistics and maintenance support (MRO) of what are complex products throughout the products’ lifecycle.