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Composable MES for Aerospace and Defense Manufacturing

Agile. Composable. Compliant.

Ensure traceability, prevent defects, and streamline compliance with AS9100 and federal regulations using Tulip's composable MES for aerospace and defense manufacturing.

  • Human-centric interfaces

    Empower technicians and engineers with guided apps that reduce errors, enforce SOPs, streamline training, and improve audit readiness.

  • Rapid deployment at scale

    Get validated digital solutions live in under 90 days, even in regulated, high-mix environments like aerospace and defense.

  • Open and flexible

    Built on a no-code platform with open APIs and connectors for your PLM, QMS, ERP, and inspection systems.

  • AS9100-ready and audit-proof

    Support compliance with built-in access controls, digital audit trails, and documentation for DoD and federal inspections.

Aerospace and Defense Factory

Composable MES for Aerospace and Defense

From serialized builds to DoD compliance and inspections, Tulip helps digitize critical workflows without disrupting your existing systems and processes.

Aerospace & Defense Manufacturers Need Composability

Traditional MES platforms are rigid, slow to adapt, and built for yesterday’s manufacturing. Tulip’s composable platform gives A&D teams modular building blocks to digitize and evolve without vendor lock-in, audit risk, or multi-year rollouts.

Aerospace and defense factory
  • Enable technicians, engineers, and IT

    Give operators intuitive digital workflows, equip engineers with real-time visibility and traceability, and give IT control without the complexity of legacy systems.

  • Adapt to product, process, or regulatory changes

    Update digital forms, inspections, and workflows as programs or parts evolve without re-coding or triggering complex change control processes.

  • Modernize without disruption

    Digitally transform without a rip-and-replace project. Deploy apps alongside your current systems, iterate quickly, and validate as you go.

Advantages of Composable MES

  • Human-Centric, Built for Compliance

    Give frontline teams visual workflows that reduce errors and guide SOPs. Enforce quality steps, capture sign-offs, and streamline audits, without slowing operators down.

  • Fast, Iterative Roll Out

    Say goodbye to all-or-nothing MES deployments. Launch right-sized, validated solutions in weeks, not months ideal for new programs, NPI lines, and greenfield sites.

  • Open and Extensible

    Integrate with your existing PLM, QMS, ERP, SCADA, and test equipment using open APIs and plug-and-play connectors.

  • Flexible, Validatable Data Model

    Track serialized units, lots, and build history with a data model designed for traceability and audit readiness across complex assemblies.

  • Democratized Development

    Enable process engineers and quality teams to create validated digital solutions using no-code tools while maintaining centralized IT oversight.

  • Modern Architecture

    Leverage AI, connected systems, and real-time data to improve first-time yield, accelerate NPI timelines, and meet the demands of modern A&D programs.

Operator repairing an fpv drone

Case Study

Aerospace innovator accelerates traceability & compliance with Tulip's composable MES

See how a leading aerospace company replaced paper-based work instructions to unify operations, improve visibility, and scale production. Engineers used Tulip to help digitize quality, inventory, and assembly processes, while integrating with systems like OpenBOM and Asana.

Frequently Asked Questions
  • What makes Tulip a leading MES solution for aerospace and defense manufacturers?

    Tulip is recognized by both industry analysts and leading A&D manufacturers as a leading MES vendor for complex, regulated industries. Gartner and Forrester have identified Tulip as a pioneer in composable, no-code MES, and the platform is consistently rated a category leader on G2 for usability, customer satisfaction, and speed to value.

    Unlike traditional MES platforms, Tulip lets teams build and change compliant workflows without writing code. Operators follow step-by-step instructions with real-time checks that prevent errors and improve first-time quality. Built-in audit trails, e-signatures, and ITAR-ready access controls support compliance with AS9100 and FAA requirements. Integrations with ERP, PLM, and QMS systems ensure traceability from end to end.

  • How does Tulip help A&D manufacturers stay compliant with AS9100, FAA, DoD, and ITAR regulations?

    Compliance is embedded in every aspect of Tulip’s platform. You can enforce AS9100 and DoD validation requirements through tamper-proof audit trails, digital sign-offs, time-stamped data collection, and access-controlled workflows. Tulip helps manufacturers move away from paper-based batch records and manual inspections by automating traceability — down to the operator, machine, and part level.

    Tulip also supports real-time deviation alerts, documentation verification, and customizable review steps — all of which accelerate audit readiness and reduce risk during inspections by DCMA, FAA, or customers.

  • What are the biggest challenges A&D manufacturers face with paper-based systems or legacy MES?

    Most legacy systems can’t keep up with the pace or complexity of aerospace and defense work. They’re tough to change, slow to update, and don’t handle shifts in programs, regulations, or suppliers very well. Paper processes only add to the mess. Data gets stuck in silos, audits get harder, and engineers lose time hunting for info.

    Tulip takes a different approach. It fits in with your existing QMS, PLM, and ERP systems and gives site teams a way to digitize inspections, track serialized parts, and update processes without triggering a long change control cycle or disrupting what’s already validated.

  • How quickly can aerospace and defense teams implement Tulip, and what’s the operational impact?

    Tulip’s initial deployment timeline is under 90 days with customers often going live with validated workflows in just weeks. Because the platform is composable and no-code, teams don’t need to wait for a custom, full-scale development. Engineers and quality leads can quickly build and test apps like in-process inspections, defect tracking, and guided assembly.

    Operationally, this means faster NPI ramps, fewer quality escapes, and lower training time. Tulip also empowers continuous improvement by giving frontline teams access to real-time performance and quality data without slowing production down.

  • How does Tulip integrate with A&D systems like ERP, PLM, QMS, SCADA, and test equipment?

    Tulip is built to work with the systems you already have. Our platform connects to tools like Oracle, SAP, Windchill, Teamcenter, and TipQA using open APIs and simple connectors. It also links directly to SCADA systems, sensors, test benches, and equipment to pull real-time data from the floor.

    This lets manufacturers bring together data from machines, systems, and people into one validated layer. You get full traceability without dealing with silos, which is especially useful when you're managing multiple programs, suppliers, or compliance standards across different sites.

Apps Make Operations Better

See how Tulip helps A&D manufacturers eliminate paper, boost traceability, and reduce program risk with a composable MES.

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