Why tier-N visibility is the hardest problem in aerospace
Modern aerospace programs depend on supplier networks that span five or more tiers, multiple jurisdictions and dozens of manufacturing technologies. Each tier introduces its own systems of record, data formats and contractual obligations — and each handoff is a moment where part identity, configuration state and quality evidence can fragment.
Primes routinely have strong traceability for the components they assemble themselves, yet limited visibility into the raw material, sub-component and process history maintained by Tier-2, Tier-3 and Tier-N partners. This paper proposes a reference architecture that closes that gap without forcing every supplier onto a single platform.
Reference architecture: four layers, one identity model
The framework separates concerns into four layers — physical identity, event capture, exchange and assurance — bound together by a shared part-instance identity model derived from existing AS9102 and serialization practices.
Each layer is implementable independently, so suppliers can adopt incrementally. The identity model is intentionally minimal: enough to correlate events across systems without requiring suppliers to share proprietary process data.
Implementation patterns observed in practice
We examine three deployment patterns — hub-and-spoke, federated and registry-mediated — with notes on cost, governance overhead and resilience to supplier churn.
Recommendations emphasize lightweight, standards-based exchange (EPCIS, GS1, AS9100 evidence packs) over bespoke integrations, and explicit governance for who can assert, amend or revoke a traceability claim.