A Solid Foundation
Learn how some of our foundational strategies by which we have operated for many years will continue to be the enablers for our success in years to come.
Microelectronics lab
ReconLink video receiver
Diversity and inclusion learning event
John Phillips, Jr.
Manager, Operations
Coralville, Iowa
Focusing on continuous improvement
Across Rockwell Collins, we focus on quality and continuous improvement through our Lean ElectronicsSM initiative. We work hard to provide our people with the knowledge and motivation to drive for greater efficiency in the work they all do – every day.
“In our microelectronics lab, we understand the power that small things can hold,” says Operations Manager John Phillips. “It’s true in our products and true in our processes. Little changes can have an enormous effect. We’ve proven it with the Defense Advanced GPS Receiver, or DAGR. Because DAGR is equipped with a tamper-proof multi-chip module, we needed a way to ensure its total reliability before it went through its tamper-proofing process – after that, troubleshooting becomes impossible. We initiated multiple Lean process improvements that have helped us maintain our lowest levels of work-in-process inventory and quality defect rates on record, all while delivering our highest volume ever. We’ve also taken what we’ve learned about process-control efficiencies and shared that knowledge with our key suppliers so our Lean efforts benefit them as well. It all results in better quality, lower costs and on-time delivery for our customers. Ultimately, it makes us more competitive.”
Keith Diefenderfer
Programs Director, Advanced Technology Center
Cedar Rapids, Iowa
Leading edge innovation and processes
We’re committed to making industry-leading technology investments regardless of the business cycle. It’s part of what keeps Rockwell Collins a place where innovative ideas come to life quickly to solve our customers’ most critical challenges.
“By using rapid prototyping we can deliver an initial working model our customers can see, touch and use, often within a few weeks, and a final product in months,” says Keith Diefenderfer, programs director for Rockwell Collins’ Advance Technology Center. “For example, soldiers in Afghanistan indicated a need for a lighter weight tactical air control receiver to help coordinate air cover from the ground. In three months, our team went from problem identification to having a fully operational Rockwell Collins ReconLink™ video receiver prototype ready for a field demonstration with the customer. It’s really about creating an environment that unleashes the energy of our smart, passionate people to make things happen for our customers.”
Denise Wightman
Contracts Coordinator
Reading, United Kingdom
Welcoming the differences and commonalities that make us stronger
“Building trust every day” is a promise we make to more than our customers. It’s also a promise to our people. As a global company, we understand how differences in culture, interpersonal traits, lifestyle and more have tremendous potential to enrich our workplace and business. It drives our strategies to create an environment of respect, inclusion and appreciation for the unique contributions and needs of individuals.
“I volunteered to lead a diversity and inclusion initiative at Rockwell Collins UK because I wanted to make a difference,” says Contracts Coordinator Denise Wightman. “From a corporate as well as an individual standpoint, we all benefit when employees feel included. It affects productivity – you’re only going to be at your most productive if you’re happy at your work – and directly impacts on hiring and retaining the best people. Communication and effective leadership are vital, so during the past year, we focused on increasing awareness regarding diversity and inclusion with our leaders, developing a plan aligned to the enterprise strategy and building the foundations for integrating this into our culture. Personally I'd like to get to a point where we all learn to cherish a multicultural and diverse environment."