MHIRJ – A Journey Towards Autonomy and Excellence

When MHIRJ set out to build its own parts distribution network from the ground up, it partnered with GPSI to turn a 14-month logistics and IT transformation into a fully autonomous, future-ready operation.

MHIRJ strategic parts distribution network in the aerospace supply chain
MHIRJ logo
ClientMHIRJ · Aerospace
MHIRJ logo

An aerospace organization supporting a fleet of CRJ regional aircraft and their service centres, which depend on a continuous, timely supply of critical spare parts.

Industry
Aerospace & Defence
Engagement
Supply Chain & Operations Transformation
Timeline
14-month transition
Partner
GPSI — strategic, tactical & operational expertise

Key Takeaways

  • MHIRJ established an autonomous, fully functional parts distribution network focused on its own customers and operational needs.
  • The complete logistics and IT overhaul was delivered across a 14-month transition — in record time.
  • New ERP and WMS systems were launched alongside a fully operational warehouse and distribution centre.
  • New freight and brokerage activities were stood up to support independent operations.
  • CRJ fleet and service-centre supply was sustained without interruption throughout the transition.
  • The result reflects a shared vision and a deep commitment to excellence between MHIRJ and GPSI.

BackgroundWhat challenge did MHIRJ set out to solve?

MHIRJ, with a bold vision of autonomy and growth, embarked on a strategic transformation to establish its own parts distribution network focused on its customers and operational needs. This daunting challenge required a complete overhaul of their logistics operations and IT infrastructure, moving a massive inventory to a new nerve center while continuing to support their customers and a fleet of CRJs including their service centers who relied on a continuous and timely supply of critical spare parts.

DEFINITION

Parts distribution network: the warehousing, inventory, systems and logistics infrastructure an organization uses to store and deliver spare parts to its customers and service centres. Building one independently means owning the facilities, the ERP and WMS systems, and the freight and brokerage operations end to end.

ChallengesWhat made the transformation so complex?

MHIRJ had to navigate through the complexities of inventory transfer while developing independent and innovative processes to ensure the sustainability of their business plan and future growth objectives. The lack of expertise and in-house resources to manage such a change made the challenge even more complex, especially given the tight deadlines involved.

Operational expertise across the MHIRJ supply chain transformation
GPSI added strategic, tactical and operational expertise at every stage of the 14-month transition.

Success StrategiesHow did GPSI help MHIRJ build an autonomous network?

To achieve this ambitious transformation, MHIRJ called on industry experts such as GPSI. From the start of this initiative, a fruitful collaboration took shape between the MHIRJ and GPSI teams as well as other strategic partners to develop a multi-stage strategy, ensuring a smooth and orderly progression of the project as well as a robust plan confirming the execution strategy aligned with MHIRJ’s ambitions. GPSI supported MHIRJ by adding strategic, tactical and operational expertise throughout every stage of this 14-month transition project.

01

Strategy & planning

A multi-stage strategy and robust execution plan, aligned with MHIRJ’s growth ambitions.

02

Logistics & IT overhaul

Rebuilt operations and infrastructure; relocated inventory to a new nerve centre.

03

Launch core systems

Stood up the warehouse and distribution centre and launched new ERP and WMS.

04

Enable operations

Established new freight and brokerage activities to sustain CRJ fleet supply.

AchievementsWhat did MHIRJ achieve?

In record time, MHIRJ, with the support of GPSI and other partners, succeeded in establishing an autonomous and fully functional distribution network, including a fully operational warehouse and distribution center, launch of new ERP and WMS systems as well as new freight and brokerage activities required to support operations. This success reflects effective collaboration and a deep commitment to excellence.

14
Months, end-to-end transition
100%
Autonomous distribution network
ERP + WMS
New systems launched
2
New operations: freight & brokerage

Collaborative StrengthsWhy did the MHIRJ–GPSI collaboration work?

This project is a testament to the power of a shared vision between MHIRJ and GPSI. GPSI’s personalized, hands-on approach complemented the MHIRJ team’s determination and capacity for innovation, illustrating how strategic collaboration can turn challenges into dazzling successes.

A clear vision, a well-defined strategy, and effective collaboration turned a complex challenge into an autonomous, future-ready distribution network — in record time. — The MHIRJ & GPSI transformation

ConclusionWhat can other organizations learn from this?

The collaboration between MHIRJ and GPSI goes beyond the establishment of a logistics network to embody a true success story of transformation and growth. This example demonstrates that the combination of a clear vision, a well-defined strategy, and effective collaboration can lead to impressive results, inspiring any organization to engage in complex strategic projects.

AS9100NSF-ISR Certified

GPSI is AS9100-certified by NSF-ISR — the aerospace quality management standard behind engagements like this one.

Frequently asked questions

What was the goal of the MHIRJ and GPSI project?
MHIRJ set out to establish its own parts distribution network, focused on its customers and operational needs. This required a complete overhaul of logistics operations and IT infrastructure and the relocation of a massive inventory to a new nerve centre — all while continuing to support customers and a fleet of CRJs.
How long did the MHIRJ transition take?
GPSI supported MHIRJ across a 14-month transition project, adding strategic, tactical and operational expertise at every stage.
What systems were implemented during the project?
The project delivered a fully operational warehouse and distribution centre and launched new ERP and WMS systems, along with new freight and brokerage activities required to support operations.
What did GPSI provide to MHIRJ?
GPSI provided strategic, tactical and operational expertise throughout every stage of the transition, working alongside the MHIRJ team and other strategic partners to develop and execute a multi-stage strategy.
What is a parts distribution network?
A parts distribution network is the warehousing, inventory, systems and logistics infrastructure an organization uses to store and deliver spare parts to its customers and service centres. For MHIRJ, building one independently meant new facilities, ERP and WMS systems, and freight and brokerage operations.
Which industry does this case study cover?
This is an aerospace case study. MHIRJ supports a fleet of CRJ regional aircraft and their service centres, which rely on a continuous and timely supply of critical spare parts.
What can other organizations learn from this case study?
The MHIRJ and GPSI collaboration shows that combining a clear vision, a well-defined strategy and effective collaboration can turn complex challenges into impressive results — and can inspire any organization to take on ambitious strategic projects.

Building your own autonomous supply chain?

GPSI brings strategic, tactical and operational expertise to complex transitions — from network design and ERP/WMS launches to freight and brokerage. Let’s find a time to connect.

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