Video system to speed 7E7 work by Molly McMillin (The Wichita Eagle, July 4, 2004), says that "Collaboration rooms" will electronically link Boeing's engineers and suppliers in the United States (including Wichita, KS and Seattle, WA), Japan, Italy and Russia who are working on the new 7E7 jetliner. Key equipment includes "microphones, cameras, a video system, multiple screens, laptop hookups and other equipment, the rooms take video conferencing to a new level." The new system will enable them to work together without needing to email documents or overnight mail them, and of course to reduce the need for travel.

Interestingly, Boeing doesn't appear too worried about establishing a firm business case for this investment:

"Boeing officials declined to say how much the company is investing in the collaboration rooms. And they couldn't calculate how many man-hours the company will save on the project.

"But they are confident the investment will be worth the payoff. Boeing is relying on outside designers and suppliers more than it has on previous programs, company officials say.

"The collaboration rooms will be key to making sure the sections built by the various partners fit together, [Bob] Waner [Boeing Wichita vice president for engineering] said."

Waner added that using the electronic colloboration tools should speed up time to market "because work on the project will be nonstop, with engineers from various time zones around the globe assigned to the project."

11:02:17 AM    
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