Glossary

Shop-floor execution

Shop-floor execution is the real-time coordination and recording of production work as it is performed.

Core Aerospace Operations Execution Aerospace MES and Digital Travelers (Execution Control)Digital Travelers and Routing

Shop-floor execution is the coordination, control, and recording of production activities as work is performed on the factory floor. It covers how released work orders, routings, instructions, materials, equipment, labor, inspections, and production records are used and updated during actual manufacturing.

In industrial systems, shop-floor execution is commonly supported by an MES, digital traveler, electronic work instruction system, or related execution layer. It may include dispatching jobs, guiding operators through process steps, collecting inspection results, recording material consumption, capturing nonconformances, and updating work status.

Shop-floor execution is different from production planning. Planning defines what should be made, when, and with which resources. Execution manages and records what is happening during production. It also differs from machine control or automation, which directly controls equipment; shop-floor execution usually coordinates people, processes, data, and systems around the work being performed.

The term is commonly used in ERP, MES, quality, and traceability contexts where accurate production status, process adherence, and manufacturing records are important.

In aerospace manufacturing, MES should hold the controlled execution record: work order execution, operator guidance, traceability, inspection capture, electronic travelers, status, and production evidence. It should integrate with ERP, PLM, QMS, maintenance, and document control rather than replace them.

How do digital travelers differ from work instructions in aerospace manufacturing?

A digital traveler is the controlled execution and record package that follows a job, lot, unit, or serial number through production. Work instructions define how specific tasks should be performed. They often interact, but they are not interchangeable, especially where traceability, revision control, and validation matter.

How can MES help monitor autoclave and NDT bottlenecks?

MES can help monitor autoclave and NDT bottlenecks by showing real-time or near-real-time WIP queues, asset status, priority conflicts, hold reasons, and aging work. It does not remove the constraint by itself; accuracy depends on routing discipline, equipment integration, quality data, and maintained schedules.

What information should be included in a digital traveler for an FAI build?

A digital traveler for an FAI build should capture the controlled configuration, operation sequence, inspection requirements, material and process traceability, approvals, deviations, and objective evidence needed to support the FAIR. The exact content depends on customer flowdowns, AS9102 applicability, site procedures, and validated system integrations.

Related Glossary

Aerospace operations

Aerospace operations are the manufacturing, maintenance, quality, and support activities used to produce and sustain aerospace products.