Original Date: 09/14/1998
Revision Date: 01/18/2007

Raytheon Missile Systems Company (RMSC) developed an Intranet website to promote and manage its Test Equipment Design Centers’ (TEDCs’) activities. This website addresses many aspects of TEDC activities, including the centers’ role in IPD processes; customer awareness and feedback; organization charts; and design standards. The Intranet website allows RMSC employees to easily access any information needed to conduct a TEDC task.

A unique feature of this Intranet website is its automated Document Control system. Most downfalls of programs are caused by poor document control. By utilizing web technology, the Document Control system provides the user with the latest test procedures and drawings on all Special Test Equipment projects. This feature reduces/eliminates the need to keep extra copies of drawings in different areas. Multiple copies often can lead to confusion, resulting in equipment being built to outdated configurations. The Document Control system contains test equipment development processes and tools; COTS standards; fabrication instructions and drawings; hardware and software design reuse libraries; tailored processes owned by other disciplines; and more than 65 test instructions.

Another noteworthy aspect of RMSC’s web technology is its integration into the workforce environment. Like other companies’ internal web systems, RMSC’s Intranet website provides the latest news, features, and announcements. However, the similarity stops there. Operated as a mini world wide web system, this daily-used tool provides employees with numerous capabilities including collecting and verifying information; controlling documents; achieving lean and agile goals; solving problems; collaborating with co-workers; recruiting teams; and preparing for visitors. As a result, RMSC’s Intranet website strengthens and promotes communications, collaboration, and integration into the corporate structure and culture.

Since implementing its Intranet website, RMSC estimates a 30% reduction in labor and development cycle times. In addition, future savings across all projects are projected in excess of 10%.

For more information see the Point of Contact for this survey.