UAVs’ efficient assembly: Lean Manufacturing implementation in an UAVs’ Assembly Company

In the UAV (often called drones) industry a zero defects culture is required. However, process improvement through the DMAIC lean methodology has not been widely studied in this industry. This paper examines how to solve the increasing quality problems of a small drones’ assembly company. A circular DMAIC methodology was used as an adaptation of the DMAIC methodology. Principal results obtained demonstrate a reduction of the lead time and an increment in the leanness degree level from 23% to 60%. Multifunctional worker rate increased from 75% to 83% and motion waste was reduced almost in a 50%.