Supply Chains for the 21st Century

Supply Chains for the 21^st century (SC21) is a free to join improvement programme designed to accelerate the competitiveness of the Aerospace and Defence industry by raising the performance of its supply chains. The programme was launch 13 years ago and has become the largest Supply Chain Improvement Programme in the Aerospace and defence sector.

SC21 is managed by ADS and endorsed by all Major UK Aerospace and Defence companies, as well as the AGP’s Supply Chain Competitiveness Charter. Since SC21’s launch, over 880 participating companies signed up to the principles of SC21.

The programme provides a simple standard improvement framework which defines performance goals and standardizes the approach and tools for continuous sustainable improvement. These reflect the exacting requirements of some of the major Aerospace and Defence organisations worldwide. Participants achieving and maintaining agreed criteria in terms of delivery, quality, sustainable improvement and the associated improvement frameworks (business, manufacturing and relationship excellence) receive national recognition in the form of a Bronze, Silver, or Gold Performance Standard Award.

SC21 is part of the ladder of Aerospace and Defence Supply Chain improvement programmes:

SC21 Lite

To help and support small and medium-sized companies to start on their SC21 continuous improvement journey. The main difference between SC21 Lite and the core SC21 programme is that signatories can use online resources, complete self-assessments using free diagnostic tools and develop their own CSIP (Continuous Sustainable Improvement Plan).

SC21 Operational Excellence

A voluntary continuous improvement programme for improving operational effectiveness and achieving supply chain excellence. It is the primary route on the Aerospace and Defence Supply Chain Improvement Ladder. Achieving excellent delivery and quality performance, reducing supply chain risk and implementing leaner production methods are just some of the outcomes.

SC21 Competitiveness & Growth

The SC21 Competitiveness & Growth (C&G) programme is the intermediate step on the Aerospace and Defence Supply Chain Improvement Ladder. It is specifically designed to focus on increasing competitiveness and improving organisational capability in the eyes of the customer.