CASE STUDIES: ETIHAD AIRWAYS • EAMS • ATSG WHITE PAPER: IATA HOW I SEE IT
SEPTEMBER-OCTOBER 2020 • V9.3
Etihad Airways uses big data From e-enabled aircraft to predictive maintenance
Modernizing MRO IT at ATSG
Multiple airlines into one system
A better view of processes for EAMS A paperless and digital solution
IATA on digital maintenance
An update on the latest progress
NEWS AND TECHNOLOGY UPDATES • VENDOR JOB CARDS: SEABURY SOLUTIONS • RUSADA • ROTA • MRO SOFTWARE DIRECTORY
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AIRCRAFT IT MRO: WELCOME
COMMENT Aircraft IT MRO: whatever the current challenges, we must also look to the future and how the solutions that work today can take us towards that future
AIRCRAFT IT MRO Publisher/Editor Ed Haskey E-mail: ed.haskey@aircraftit.com Telephone: +44 1273 454 235 Website: www.aircraftIT.com Chief Operating Officer Scott Leslie E-mail: scott.leslie@aircraftit.com Copy Editor/Contributor John Hancock E-mail: john@aircraftit.com Magazine Production Dean Cook E-mail: deancook@magazineproduction.com AircraftIT MRO is published bi-monthly and is an affiliate of Aircraft Commerce and part of the AviationNextGen Ltd group. The entire contents within this publication © Copyright 2020 AviationNextGen Ltd an independent publication and not affiliated with any of the IT vendors or suppliers. Content may not be reproduced without the strict written agreement of the publisher. The views and opinions expressed in this publication are the views of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the views or policies of their companies or of the publisher. The publisher does not guarantee the source, originality, accuracy, completeness or reliability of any statement, information, data, finding, interpretation, advice, opinion, or view presented.
A
t the beginning of this year, very few people had heard of the Coronavirus family of viruses and now, just nine or so months later, everybody knows about the latest member of the family, COVID-19. That’s how rapidly things can change. But while past viruses and other diseases have come and gone or simply failed to spread in to the wider population, COVID-19 has caused a true pandemic and the science consensus is that it won’t be going away or getting resolved any time soon. That means that the disruptive practices that we’ve had to implement in order to live with it in recent times will need to be developed into less disruptive processes that we can implement in order to manage around COVID-19 in the longterm. This is as true for aircraft MRO / M&E as it is for any other sector. One truism often cited in IT circles is that the best solution to today’s problem is usually a solution that is already up and running and successful. That’s not to decry the development of new solutions that make use of new capabilities and functionalities, it’s just to say that a challenge such as COVID-19 is immediate whereas new solutions might take months, probably years, to bring to market. So, a lot of thinking within the MRO IT sector has focused on how to apply proven solutions to address the challenges of this new situation. In this issue, readers will find a number of excellent case studies such as that from USA Jet on their program to implement e-Signatures with all the benefits that will generate. Also, from Etihad
Airways, there is a case study on the integration of data services as a basis on which to establish predictive maintenance, and from EAMS (Embraer Aircraft Maintenance Services) on implementing a new paperless and digital solution with all the benefits that brings to the business. ATSG (Air Transport Services Group) includes several airlines and so poses an interesting case in implementing a single new MRO system to replace several legacy systems and allow the business to fully and efficiently utilize its many resources. The white paper from IATA will bring readers up-to-date with the latest developments in devising critical standards for a range of maintenance IT applications. Bringing it all together, Allan Bachan’s column ‘How I see IT’ looks to the future and to what values can be leveraged from the COVID-19 experience in order to realize long-term process improvements. Plus, there is an excellent Job Card from Seabury Solutions. So, this issue includes plenty to interest everyone in MRO whether about getting through the immediate pandemic or thinking about the future and how to bring the sector back in the long-term. As always, we also have our regular round-up of news and technology developments with regular features such as ‘MRO Software Directory’. Aircraft IT MRO: showcasing established ideas to take us into a different future. Ed Haskey
AIRCRAFT IT MRO • SEPTEMBER-OCTOBER 2020 • 3
ENDURING SUPPORT Boeing understands the importance of unity. That is why we are standing by our customers with comprehensive lifecycle services designed to support confident decisions in these challenging times. And it is why we are committed to working together with our entire industry and doing everything we can to support its continued recovery. boeing.com/services
AIRCRAFT IT MRO: V9.3
CONTENTS 06 Latest News and Technology updates Keeping up with what is happening in a complex and evolving business world is a challenge. At Aircraft IT MRO or here in the Aircraft IT MRO e-journal the latest developments are sorted and ready to read.
32 CASE STUDY: MRO IT System Modernization at ATSG Paul Harding, Director, Information Technology, ATSG This article outlines ATSG’s motivation to procure a new system, including to drive business efficiencies and utilize common processes; also the product selection process, implementation and experience to-date.
40 VENDOR JOB CARD: Rusada Julian Stourton shares the ‘people-first’ ethos that underpins Rusada’s success In this Q&A piece, Julian Stourton, CEO of Rusada, completes his ‘Job Card’ for Aircraft IT.
42 WHITE PAPER: IATA’s Digital Aircraft Operations Initiative Iryna Khomenko, Manager, Operational Efficiency, IATA SFO, IATA An update to IATA’s digital aircraft maintenance initiative.
50 VENDOR JOB CARD: Seabury Solutions Carlos Bianchi offers us an insight into the forward-looking ethos that drives Seabury Solutions enduring success In another of our Q&A pieces, Carlos Bianchi, SVP Head of Sales & Marketing, Seabury Solutions, completes his ‘Job Card’ for Aircraft IT.
52 CASE STUDY: Looking into the future at Etihad Airways Borja Dosal Roiz, Avionics Engineer / CAMO Fleet Management, Etihad Airways e-enabled aircraft provide unprecedented data volumes, but how are airlines using this? Etihad Airways outlines the benefits of integrating data into new maintenance methodologies to predict aircraft failure.
62 COLUMN: How I see IT COVID-19: Impacts and progress Allan Bachan, VP, Managing Director, MRO Operations, ICF COVID-19 has set challenges for our sector but it has also revealed opportunities to leverage the necessary innovative spirit of dealing with an unprecedented event for longer-term process improvements.
AIRCRAFT IT MRO • SEPTEMBER-OCTOBER 2020 • 5
64 CASE STUDY: A better view of process in a paperless environment Neal Reagor, Director Planning and Commercial Services - EAMS How EAMS (Embraer Aircraft Maintenance Services) realized that its old paper-based system needed to change and implemented a new paperless and digital solution with all the advantages that brings.
72 VENDOR JOB CARD: ROTA James Cornelius offers us an insight into the partnership principles and enthusiasm for IT that ensures customers’ continuing confidence in ROTA In the latest of our Q&A pieces, James Cornelius, President and Founder, ROTA, completes his ‘Job Card’ for Aircraft IT. around from sign-off to quality review.
74 MRO Software directory A detailed look at the world’s leading MRO IT systems.
NEWS & TECHNOLOGY
DocuNet Forms — supporting customers as they deal with new operational challenges Vistair Systems, a leader in the development of aviation document, safety and quality management solutions, announced in early July 2020 that it has released an upgrade to its DocuNet Forms module to further support aviation customers during this time. Using the highly flexible, integrated DocuNet Forms module, DocuNet customers can now create and distribute digital staff declaration forms throughout their operation, straight from the DocuNet viewer. The new enhancement has been developed in line with customers’ needs and to satisfy new EASA requirements surrounding normal operations during Covid-19. Additional functionality includes a daily pop-up feature, facilitating secure and easy data
collection that is compliant with GDPR and a flexible notification system to ensure relevant stakeholders are alerted of any staff showing Covid-19 symptoms. Ian Herbert, Vistair Systems CEO commented: “As airlines start to resume operations, getting accurate information fast is crucial. Collecting and sharing data quickly between the front line and the operation will not only protect the safety of their staff and customers, but also ensure their operations continue to run as smoothly as possible.“ Currently being rolled out to Vistair’s global client base of over 30 commercial, aerospace and defence organisations worldwide, including DHL and Air Malta, the feedback has been uniformly positive.
Mark Micallef, Technical Pilot at Air Malta commented: “During the Covid-19 pandemic, Vistair has provided both pragmatic and value-enhancing support. They have done a fantastic job implementing the Covid-19 declaration form for our staff and we are truly impressed with the continued evolution of DocuNet, and its unique ability to assist Air Malta in maintaining the highest level of compliance in our documentation.” The success of Vistair is intertwined with that of its customers, and during this challenging environment the business continues to stand side-by-side with its customers, and strives to maximise efficiency, as they work together through the unprecedented future ahead.
New Caledonia’s First Domestic Airline, Air Calédonie Goes Live with Ramco Aviation Suite At the end of July 2020, Global aviation software provider Ramco Systems announced that it has gone live at Société Calédonienne de Transports Aériens (Air Calédonie), the first domestic airline of New Caledonia, with its Aviation M&E MRO Suite V5.8, a modern aviation ERP which will enable automation of maintenance, logistics, planning, engineering and shop floor activities and improve visibility of aircraft maintenance planning activity. With modules for Engineering & CAMO, Maintenance, Supply Chain Management, Compliance, Quality & Reliability Management, Employee certification management, MRO execution, Book Keeping and Accounts Payables, Ramco Aviation Suite V5.8 enables Air Calédonie to reduce manual effort and costs for aircraft maintenance planning activities, and conduct efficient analysis of aircraft utilization. The solution is
integrated with the finance system of Air Calédonie, allowing it to systemize inventory tracking and improve inventory turnover and cost tracking. The project marks Ramco’s first implementation in New Calédonie. In spite of disruptions due to COVID-19, the project implementation was recalibrated and go-live was achieved, building a path for paperless operations. Eric Broutte, Technical Director, Air Calédonie, said, “We are happy to announce the successful go-live of Ramco Aviation Suite at Air Calédonie. The AIRCRAFT IT MRO • SEPTEMBER-OCTOBER 2020 • 6
journey so far has been both eventful and challenging. On one hand, we faced the arduous hurdle of organization-wide, cultural and process change management, by migrating from a 21+ years old legacy system to a state-of-the-art fully integrated system. And on the other hand, we faced the unprecedented business, operations, and resource disruptions due to the COVID pandemic; that hit us hard during the most critical, rollout phase, of the project. However, both Air Caléd onie and Ramco teams, tirelessly worked together as one, to successfully push through the tough times and are now more effectively adapting to the best practices using our new system. Our future vision is to complement our core system with Ramco’s mobility solutions, in our shop floors, warehouses and cockpits.” Read the full story on Aircraft IT Website
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NEWS & TECHNOLOGY
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Vistair Systems is a leading provider in aviation, document and safety management solutions, used by over 30 aviation organisations worldwide. Aircraft Commerce has been working with Vistair for just over two years, supporting both their growth strategy and market visibility within the aviation Flight Operations and MRO space. Utilising Aircraft Commerce’s leading Aircraft IT platform, Vistair have access to many benefits including webinar hosting, quarterly advertisements in Aircraft IT eJournal and insight into the latest industry news and developments. All of which have substantially contributed to their success in expanding global reach and promoting the value of their document management solution to the wider industry. Also, Vistair has been attending the annual MRO and Flight Operations conferences. Those events, that are attended by a large proportion of airlines, aircraft operators and MRO providers worldwide, have provided Vistair with the ability to nurture existing relationships and showcase
SWISS-AS.COM AIRCRAFT IT MRO • SEPTEMBER-OCTOBER 2020 • 8
their latest document management innovations. Commenting on the growing relationship in early August 2020, Jo Strong, Marketing Manager at Vistair commented ‘Aircraft Commerce provides incomparable networking opportunities in both virtual and real-life settings with our target clients. The size and format of MRO and Flight Operations conferences are conducive to building relationships, having meaningful conversations and expanding business opportunities. In fact, the MRO and Flight Operations conference in Miami this year afforded Vistair the opportunity to showcase DocuNet to US Airline, XTRA Airways, who are now a valued customer.” Mike Naylor, Commercial Director at Vistair added: ‘Aircraft Commerce conferences are a fantastic focal point to meet with our existing customers but also to network with prospective contacts within the flight operations and MRO space. The regional conferences provide with Vistair a unique opportunity to showcase our leading document management technology in a live environment.” Read the full story on Aircraft IT Website
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NEWS & TECHNOLOGY
Leading MRO, CAMO, Part Manufacturing and Fleet Management Support Provider, GoAeroMx TRUSTS Ramco Aviation In mid-August 2020, Global aviation software specialist, Ramco Systems, announced that it will implement its flagship aviation software Ramco Aviation M&E MRO Suite V5.8 for multiple business entities of U.S.-based GoAeroMx, a leading provider of MRO, CAMO, Parts Manufacturer Approval (PMA), and Fleet Management support. Ramco Aviation Software offers a comprehensive suite of modules such as Engineering and Maintenance, Supply Chain Management, MRO and Part Sale, Manufacturing, Finance, and Accounting to address the end-to-end needs of Aviation businesses Designed to be accessible on cloud and to be mobile, the software will enable GoAeroMx to digitize its business processes, eliminate duplication of effort in recording daily inter-department
transactions, and optimize PMA and document distribution processes. Bundled with HUBs (role-based screens), Workflows, and Dashboards, the software provides a holistic overview of the entire operations in real-time, spread across multiple locations under a unified platform for GoAeroMx’s executives and supply chain directors. With its mobile-based Apps, for Warehouse Anywhere, Tool Anywhere and Approve Anywhere, the solution will also make information available at any given point of time, enabling paperless operations. The Texas-based company offers MRO, PMA, Fleet Management, inflight entertainment, and avionics upgrades services for the aviation sector. Their deep knowledge in regulatory compliance,
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AIRCRAFT IT MRO • SEPTEMBER-OCTOBER 2020 • 10
program development, auditing, and in-service technical support requires a cutting-edge solution. Ramco Aviation will be implemented across all three diverse operations — GoAeroMX and two VIP transport category aircraft operations. Mike Glover, GoAeroMx VP of Sales and Business Development, said, “We are excited to have enlisted Ramco to help us embark on our journey of digital transformation. Ramco Aviation MRO suite will not only allow us to integrate all our systems but also introduce us to next-gen technologies with enhanced user/ customer experience and real-time visibility of our entire operations across our multiple entities. We are confident that the solution will benefit our overall efficiency.” Read the full story on Aircraft IT Website
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Comply365 earns ISO/IEC 27001 certification Security management program meets rigorous international standards
Comply365, an industry leader in mobile solutions for content management and document distribution, announced in mid-August 2020 that it has received ISO 27001:2013 certification for its Information Security Management System (ISMS). ISO 27001:2013 is an information security standard published by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO), the world’s largest developer of voluntary international standards, and the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC). “This certification is a reassurance to our clients across the globe that we are investing the time and resources needed to ensure the security of their information at every level of our organization,” Comply365 CEO Tom Samuel said. Comply365’s certification followed successful
completion of a formal audit process, by A-lign, an independent and accredited certification body based in the United States. This certification is evidence that Comply365 has met rigorous international standards in ensuring the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of Comply365’s software solutions based in the public cloud within Azure. Comply365 has operated its production environments under the ISO controls framework for several years. Over the past year, Comply365 has worked to address all the remaining efforts to achieve full organizational compliance with the ISO 27001 standard. “This independent certification is a natural progression of Comply365’s evolving security program and evidence of its commitment to continuously improving our security posture,” Comply365 CTO Eric Dahlen said.
About Comply365
Comply365 provides enterprise SaaS and mobile solutions for content management and document distribution in highly regulated industries including aviation, rail, and energy. It supports the world’s most mobile and remote workforces with targeted and personalized delivery of job-critical data that enables safe, efficient, and compliant operations. Every day, hundreds of thousands of pilots, flight attendants and maintenance technicians, rail conductors and engineers, as well as energy workforces rely on Comply365 for digital delivery of operational content, including OEM and internal company manuals. Having played an instrumental role in the regulatory approval of electronic flight bags (EFB) to replace the traditional, paper-based, pilot flight bags, Comply365 partners with clients to transform their industries.
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OAS Helicopters signs up for Rusada’s ENVISION
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At the beginning of September 2020, OAS Helicopters the Nigerian charter operator, announced that it has awarded Rusada a contract for the use and implementation of its MRO and Flight Operations software, ENVISION. Odengene Air Shuttle Services Limited (OAS) has operated in the region since 1992. Headquartered in Lagos and operating out of Port Harcourt, OAS recently acquired a new AW139 helicopter for use in supporting oil and gas operations for the Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation. As well as signing up for several of ENVISION’s key modules, OAS are also employing its Flight Operations solution to help organize their flights and crew. This new deal further strengthens Rusada’s footprint in Africa and will be supported by their MEA team, based in Dubai. “We were looking for an industry-proven, all-in-one solution for our operation. In ENVISION we found a system with comprehensive capability and a logical interface that will serve to significantly increase the efficiency of our operation.” said Edwin George, Deputy Managing Director of OAS Helicopters. “The awarding of this contract during the current pandemic, is recognition of Rusada’s ability to implement, advise and support our customers remotely. Work on the project with OAS has already begun, and not only are we finding this remote approach pragmatic, but also very efficient. We look forward to a long and successful relationship with OAS Helicopters.” added Julian Stourton, CEO at Rusada
About Rusada
www.ultramain.com +1.505.828.9000
Rusada is a global aviation software provider established in 1987 and headquartered in Switzerland. With operations in the Middle East, Asia, Europe and the Americas, Rusada supports 100+ major customers worldwide with software that manages 2,000 aircraft in over 40 countries. The company’s ENVISION software provides key management information and operational process control for aircraft operators, maintenance and repair organizations (MROs), original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) and aviation service organizations.
AIRCRAFT IT MRO • SEPTEMBER-OCTOBER 2020 • 14
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NEWS & TECHNOLOGY
Sriwijaya Air selects Rusada’s ENVISION In late September 2020, it was announced that Indonesian airline Sriwijaya Air has signed up for Rusada’s Airworthiness and MRO software, ENVISION. Sriwijaya Air is Indonesia’s third largest carrier, and along with subsidiary Nam Air, provides passenger flights to destinations across the country as well as international flights to Malaysia, Singapore and China. Since launching in 2003, its fleet has grown to 30 aircraft, consisting of Boeing 737’s and ATR 72’s. Sriwijaya Air has signed up for six of ENVISION’s modules, including Fleet Management, Line Maintenance, Inventory Management, and Human Resources. Rusada has already begun work on the implementation project, which will be carried out remotely due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Their Asia-Pacific team, based in Brisbane, will conduct user training sessions via video conferencing, and use project management software to track and convey progress to Sriwijaya. “For us, ENVISON stood out from the competition because it was easy-to-use whilst functionally rich at the same time. In these difficult times we need a software system that makes our staff as efficient as possible and ENVISION does exactly that.” said Dwi Iswantoro, Technical Director at Sriwijaya Air “Despite the difficulties our industry is currently facing, we are seeing many organizations use this period to reflect on their operations, and how they can
become more efficient. Having an intelligent software system plays an enormous part in this, allowing users to easily evaluate their processes, performance, and resource utilization. It is a great testament to our software that operators such as Sriwijaya Air choose ENVISION to help drive their efficiency and get them through this difficult period.” said Julian Stourton, CEO at Rusada.
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NEWS & TECHNOLOGY
Ramco Aviation Suite launches V5.8.9 driving AI/ML towards mainstream adoption In late June 2020, software provider Ramco Systems unveiled V5.8.9 of its Aviation Suite with advanced Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning (AI/ML), automation and material management functions as well as several other improvements and value adds, designed to enable airline operators, MROs and defense organizations achieve their digital transformation objectives. The release offers operators and MROs an end-to-end platform for managing complex inventory support business models. The latest version delivers a full user interface (UI) refresh of the entire aviation product on the latest EXT JS 6 platform, rendering the product browser neutral, and incorporating user experience driven innovations. The new release also encompasses
Ramco Aviation Software 5.8.9 introduces several new ‘hubs’ which strengthens user experience by unifying all relevant functions for a given role. The hubs unveiled in this version include Customer Order Management, Demand Management, Component Reliability, Component Reliability and Fixed Asset Management.
Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning (AI/ ML) capabilities with production ready use cases around Discrepancy Reporting & Corrective Action, Frequently Ordered Part Recommendation and Auto Codification, among others, thereby making an Intelligent Aviation Enterprise Application, a reality.
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AIRCRAFT IT MRO • SEPTEMBER-OCTOBER 2020 • 18
KEY HIGHLIGHTS OF RAMCO AVIATION V5.8.9
• Embedded with production-ready AI/ML use cases (Aviation specific); • Product supports Inventory Technical Management business models; • Complete suite moved to EXT JS 6.0 platform; • Launch of multiple Hubs;
NEWS & TECHNOLOGY
• Built-in Automation; • Mobility enhanced — AnywhereApps gets multiple new features. On the Mobility front, multiple features are now added to ‘Anywhere Apps’ which allow advanced mobile functionality on the go — a key feature of Ramco’s Aviation Suite. The latest version of Aviation software also delivers industry differentiating capability in advanced materials management processes and functions — capable of supporting specialized Inventory Technical Management (ITM) value chains. This module will benefit multiple business models of ITM — as a standalone business, as part of an integrated, complete, mixed MRO service offering, and as an owned asset in-house maintenance model. New reporting capabilities are made available, leveraging SQL Server Reporting Services (SSRS). The release also puts in place an API driven infrastructure for all automations, integrations, and multi-channel
interactions (such as BOTs, Mobility Apps, emails etc.) Commenting on the new feature release, Virender Aggarwal, CEO, Ramco Systems, said, “The release of breakthrough new features which can redefine user experience and tailored automation driven through a combination of AI/ML and business modelling, is very timely. The global aviation industry is currently facing its worst ever crisis. Leveraging this as an opportunity, organizations need to rethink and reboot their operations and aim for 10X process improvement by adopting Digital technology. “We continue to advance automation capabilities and have now removed many manual and semi-automatic functions altogether. The entire process of inventory and life cycle management has been redefined by software that can seamlessly register, move, share, exchange and retire assets, in a highly automated self-regulating value-chain. It
unlocks value and builds exponential scalability for both operators and MROs. The combined updates are the fruits of intense efforts by the team, driven by market and customer needs.” Ramco Aviation Software is trusted by 23,000+ users to manage 4,000+ aircraft globally. Accessible on cloud and mobile, Ramco Aviation Software continues to innovate with ‘Anywhere Apps’, significantly reducing transaction time both during aircraft-on-ground (AOG) conditions and critical aircraft turnarounds. Ramco is changing the paradigm of enterprise software with Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning based solutions, powered by cool new features such as voice-based transactions on *Google Assistant or Alexa, chatbots, mail bots, HUBs and cognitive solutions. With 75+ Aviation organizations onboard, Ramco is the solution of choice for several large airlines and top heli-operators and multiple MROs around the world. INTERACTIVE Click here for full product details
AIRCRAFT IT MRO • SEPTEMBER-OCTOBER 2020 • 19
NEWS & TECHNOLOGY
Comply365 client ABX Air adds ProAuthor to deliver smart, interconnected manuals to crews Comply365’s End-to-End Authoring Platform to Boost Manual Revision Process
In mid-August 2020, Aviation software supplier, Comply365, was happy to announce its existing client ABX Air will soon leverage the power of structured authoring for its manuals to enable the growing carrier to always be audit ready and easily scale its authoring process while publishing cross-referenced, tail-specific maintenance and flight operations manuals. ABX Air, a subsidiary cargo airline of Air Transport Services Group, Inc., recently added ProAuthor and Forms365. ProAuthor is Comply365’s end-to-end operational content and compliance
management system that enables faster, more routine manual revisions while enabling the airline to always be audit ready by running reports of standards mapped during the authoring phase. “We’ve had a great experience working with Comply365 to distribute important content to our Flight Operations team, making them an innovative partner to turn to as we advance in our digital strategy to support our airline’s growth,” said John Maloney, Vice President of Flight Operations. “We’re excited to upgrade to a more robust solution that will provide efficiencies for our Technical Publications team, as well as deliver smart data to our crews, enhancing safety by making it easier and faster for them to find exactly what they need.” The Ohio-based airline expects a 30-percent
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reduction in total end-to-end publication time, while also reducing the lead time to get new procedures to pilots, loadmasters, mechanics, and ground crews. Current manuals are published in PDF and provide no interconnectivity, forcing users to search each one individually for information. Using ProAuthor, their new manuals will allow cross-referencing with other manuals for the first time, eliminating confusion and decreasing the chance of errors. The cargo airline has responded quickly to the global pandemic, helping to maintain the flow of vital supplies and increased e-commerce shopping under very challenging conditions. ProAuthor will allow the carrier to scale — authoring 30 to 50 percent more publications — while maintaining its existing team thanks to automated workflows. ABX
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Air has been leveraging the power of Comply365’s mobile app with Document & Communication Manager (DCM) since early 2018 to provide its flight crews immediate access to manuals and important memos needed on their mobile iOS devices. “It’s been wonderful working with ABX Air, and it is an honor that they have chosen to expand that relationship with the addition of ProAuthor for the next stage of their transformation,” Comply365 CEO Tom Samuel said. “Amid this challenging time for the aviation industry, it’s important to recognize the tremendous benefits ABX will realize by investing in a solution that will provide higher-value content to their users to enhance safety, compliance, and efficiency.”
About ABX
ABX Air, a wholly owned subsidiary of Air Transport Services Group, Inc., a FAR Part 121 cargo airline offering a range of flexible operating solutions that include ACMI and CMI services via dedicated aircraft to customers in the e-commerce and express delivery markets, as well as to the U.S. government. ABX Air delivers reliable, on-time performance with its fleet of Boeing 767 freighters, the asset of choice for express and e-commerce driven networks. Read the full story on Aircraft IT Website INTERACTIVE Click here for full product details
“The system is one of the biggest advances in Line Maintenance, Engineering and Operations that I have ever encountered.” Andy Pyett, Line Maintenance Control British Airways CityFlyer
AIRCRAFT IT MRO • SEPTEMBER-OCTOBER 2020 • 21
NEWS & TECHNOLOGY
A new and virtual way of working Aircraft Commerce Conferences are embracing the change and seizing the opportunities that digital technologies present AIRCRAFT IT MRO • SEPTEMBER-OCTOBER 2020 • 22
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eaders need no reminding that we are living through challenging times but the fact that we are living through it at all speaks volumes for the sector’s resilience and resourcefulness. Also, as a number of articles and news items in Aircraft IT have suggested, aviation IT developers, vendors and users are living up to the old adage that with every challenge comes an opportunity. That is very true of our sister publication Aircraft Commerce and the latest manifestation of its established program of conferences and exhibitions.
A NEW WAY TO COME TOGETHER
Aircraft Commerce conferences and exhibitions are held each year in different locations around the world, to be accessible to as many of the user communities as possible. This year, with in-person events paused due to the Covid-19 pandemic, no further events could be staged after March and yet there has never been a time when access to information and expertise, exposure to case studies and the facility to network with fellow professionals around the world and facing similar challenges has been more needed. So, as the media in the vanguard of the understanding of aviation processes, Aircraft Commerce has taken the next big step in global conference and exhibitions with the Aircraft, Airline & Aerospace MRO and Flight Operations IT Virtual Conference – Global. As the aviation industry navigates the Covid-19 crisis and plans for the post-pandemic landscape, this virtual event will provide an invaluable opportunity for exhibitors and the global airline community to connect safely and cost-effectively. The virtual exhibition space will feature a variety of stands where exhibitors can showcase products and services over five days for 24 hours a day. Wherever attendees are in the world, the exhibition will be accessible at a time convenient to them. Online visitors will be able to view video, read and download literature, and chat with exhibitors in real time, as well as attending keynote presentations and networking with other visiting delegates in the virtual auditorium.
THREE GREAT EVENTS: ONE DIGITAL PLATFORM
The live five-day (16-20 November 2020) ground-breaking digital event will replace the postponed Aircraft Commerce EMEA and APAC conferences scheduled for June in Amsterdam and Bangkok in November and will bring three great events, at no cost, live to attendees’ screens.
Airline & Aerospace MRO & Flight Operations IT Conference – Global.
The Airline & Aerospace MRO & Operations IT Conference is the industry’s leading event to address key issues relating to the development of IT and its key use for aircraft maintenance and flight operations. Over just five days, this virtual event will provide a one-stop solution for airlines, aircraft operators and
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AIRCRAFT IT MRO • SEPTEMBER-OCTOBER 2020 • 23
NEWS & TECHNOLOGY
Independent MROs to discover more about how new technology can streamline and increase their operating efficiency as well as reduce costs dramatically.
Connecting Aircraft & Passenger Conference and Expo.
The Connecting Aircraft & Passenger Virtual Conference & Expo is a pioneering virtual trade show and symposium designed to replicate and surpass the real event. The exhibition provides a platform for airline departments to harness the operational benefits and revenue opportunities available through connected aircraft and the passenger journey.
Flight Operations Conference.
The Annual Flight Operations Conference is the world’s leading Flight Operations event and focuses wholly on the key, strategic issues that affect the
operating of commercial aircraft. Over just five days, this virtual event will provide a one-stop solution for airlines and aircraft operators to discover more about how new technology and processes can streamline and increase their operating efficiency as well as reduce costs dramatically; plus learn about the latest regulations, industry trends and innovations affecting the flying of aircraft.
Delivering traditional value on an innovative platform. Importantly, this live, virtual event will deliver the three key valuable opportunities that attendees to the in-person conferences have always found so valuable… • A full agenda of keynote presentations, case studies, product showcases, and interactive workshops over five days with key, varied and fresh information. • A virtual Exhibition Hub with the industry’s
leading software and hardware suppliers. • Networking: attendees can connect with thousands of other attendees through the Networking Terrace on the ground-breaking virtual platform. A recurring and topical theme running through all three conferences will be the role that the latest technology can play in assisting the industry to recover from the Covid-19 crisis and thrive in the aftermath: plus build greater process resilience against future crises. Event Director MRO & Flight Ops IT and Flight Ops Conference, Ed Haskey said, “We are really looking forward to leveraging the latest technology in this pioneering Virtual Conference and Exhibition program for our many thousands of users worldwide. In these challenging times, Airlines, Operators, MROs and Specialist aviation service providers will, more than ever, need technologies that cost-effectively improve processes and
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NEWS & TECHNOLOGY
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efficiencies. Industry professionals have always learned about the latest developments and met a range of potential partners at Aircraft Commerce conferences. This new format will provide the same opportunities to many more people around the world on a screen of their choice.” Charles Williams, Editor & Publisher of Aircraft Commerce, added, “I am delighted that Aircraft Commerce is working with the Moodie Davitt Virtual Expo Company to bring the inaugural ‘Aircraft Commerce Virtual Conference & Expo 2020 – Global’ to life as a compelling virtual event this November. We look forward to seeing attendees online.”
A FULL PROGRAM OF PRESENTATIONS
There will be three concurrent tracks (one from each conference) of keynote presentations, case studies, product showcases, and workshops over five days. That means attendees will be able to attend a full agenda of keynote presentations, case studies, product showcases, and interactive workshops over
“Aircraft Commerce is working with the Moodie Davitt Virtual Expo Company to bring the inaugural ‘Aircraft Commerce Virtual Conference & Expo 2020 – Global’ to life as a compelling virtual event this November. ” AIRCRAFT IT MRO • SEPTEMBER-OCTOBER 2020 • 25
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five days with key, varied and fresh information. Attendees will be able to watch live or view on-demand, interact with speakers and ask questions. Key topics to be covered include technology as a key driver towards Covid-19 recovery; Digital Transformation programs; MRO and Flight Ops regulation updates regarding Covid-19 and technology; digital and paperless aircraft maintenance and flight deck; Big data and predictive analytics; EFB case studies; fuel and operational efficiency; aircraft connectivity; cyber security; digital aviation manuals and document management, and more. Plus, of course, because this is a virtual event on a digital platform, attendees will be able to watch presentations live or view On-Demand if they miss a key session. The agenda of presentations is fast being finalized: for the latest and full list of topics and speakers, CLICK HERE.
“The ‘Aircraft Commerce Virtual Conference & Expo 2020 – Global’ is a pioneering virtual trade show and symposium designed to replicate and, in many respects surpass, the real in-person events.” AIRCRAFT IT MRO • SEPTEMBER-OCTOBER 2020 • 26
NEWS & TECHNOLOGY
A FULL RANGE OF SOLUTIONS
Through the virtual Exhibition Hub attendees will be able to interact with the industry’s leading software and hardware suppliers. Attendees can walk through and explore products showcased in categories for easy searching; chat live with exhibitors; view, read and download documents and brochures; book meetings; take in full personalized product demos; and more. The exhibition floor will remain open for two weeks after the live event until the 4th December.
LEVERAGING THE DIGITAL ADVANTAGE
The ‘Aircraft Commerce Virtual Conference & Expo 2020 — Global’ is a pioneering virtual trade show and symposium designed to replicate and, in many respects surpass, the real in-person events. Aircraft Commerce has been running successful conferences, on numerous aviation subjects for over eighteen years, with a proven track record of providing suppliers prime opportunities to showcase their expert solutions to audiences of airline and industry customers. Using a digital and virtual platform will mean that far more attendees will be able to participate with no travel or accommodation costs and with no time constraints with the live event running over five days and 24 hours a day. Also, the organizers have ensured that one of the features most
valued by attendees will also be catered for in this virtual environment. Networking is always at the heart of this conference: attendees can connect with thousands of other attendees from across the world to discuss projects, and share ideas and experiences through the Networking Terrace on our groundbreaking virtual platform.
SUMMARY
Whether you are a seasoned attendee at Aircraft Commerce Conferences or whether this will be your first such event, it couldn’t be easier to join the aviation world’s leading events this year. You do not need to download or install any software to participate in the event. You only need to have access to the Internet to access the platform via a weblink and unique login from any location, using any device. In a year when challenge is the watchword for our sector, everybody is having to re-think their plans and processes to take account of the huge changes brought about by the Covid-19 pandemic. This will be your opportunity to start to inform your future thinking with the latest ideas and products from the widest range of experts and peers in aviation. People who talk your language, understand and share your challenges and can offer the insights and solutions that will help you to prepare for the future. INTERACTIVE Click here for full product details
AIRCRAFT IT MRO • SEPTEMBER-OCTOBER 2020 • 27
NEWS & TECHNOLOGY
New Zealand’s leading Aviation Services Firm, Salus Aviation TRUSTS Ramco Aviation In mid-September 2020, Global Aviation software specialist Ramco Systems announced that it will implement its flagship aviation software Ramco Aviation M&E MRO Suite V5.8 for the Salus Aviation Group, one of New Zealand’s largest aviation services providers. Ramco Aviation software will offer different modules on the cloud such as Maintenance and Engineering, MRO Services and Part Sales, Supply Chain Management, and Compliance, bundled with Finance and Manufacturing offerings, while delivering simplified user experience via Hubs. New Zealand based Salus Aviation has seen consistent growth due to regular expansion and acquisition activities. This growth has led to a large and a specialized employee base throughout the
entire group supporting the helicopter and fixedwing industry from locations across New Zealand and the United States. In order to improve operational efficiencies, Salus embarked on a digital transformation initiative and chose Ramco’s modern, integrated Aviation Suite to provide a single platform across the business, ensuring group-wide operational visibility and discipline, thus improving overall efficiency. Rab McLean, Head of IT, Salus Aviation, said, “We chose Ramco as our preferred ERP supplier as it provides an end-to-end solution backed by next-gen technology in real-time. We believe that this will help us achieve a successful digital transformation. We look forward to working with their team to see how its software can solve our company pain points while
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AIRCRAFT IT MRO • SEPTEMBER-OCTOBER 2020 • 28
improving overall efficiency.” Virender Aggarwal, CEO, Ramco Systems, said, “We are pleased to have been chosen by Salus Aviation for our Aviation Suite among different vendors, underscoring our track record in the aviation industry. Since Salus manages operations across multiple locations and value streams, it requires a holistic overview of all the operational processes in real-time to make better decisions. We at Ramco are glad to be able to fill this gap for them.” Read the full story on Aircraft IT Website
NEWS & TECHNOLOGY
AeroMates GmbH goes for AMOS AT A GLANCE German MRO start-up company; Comprehensive AMOS know-how existing; Very quick implementation targeted; AMOS – the best fit from start-up to tier-one. AeroMates is a Part-145-certified start-up company that specializes in Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul of aircraft components including Wheels (MRO). It was announced in mid-September 2020 that start-up MRO AeroMates had selected Swiss-AS AMOS as their MRO IT solution. Since the two founders both have gained vast AMOS experience from their former careers, the decision was quickly taken in favour of AMOS. This valuable know-how has also allowed AeroMates to implement AMOS in an extremely quick and streamlined approach according to the special needs of a start-up with a
limited number of users and a lean set-up. “It’s an honour for us when experienced AMOS users decide to rely on our software when building up their own business. Implementing AMOS at a start-up company once again confirms that AMOS is the right choice for any aviation business regardless of size and scope. AMOS is able to bridge the gap between complex multi-entity companies and lean start-ups, and everything in between, when it comes to managing their aviation maintenance business,” states Ronald Schaeuffele, CEO of Swiss-AS. Clearly there were some important arguments to work with AMOS, according to Patrick Mohr, CTO and Co-founder of AeroMates: “Quality and reliability are extremely important to us as an MRO. With AMOS, we have exactly the right partner at hand that also offers us the necessary flexibility and adaptability.” AeroMates GmbH is an MRO-shop located close
to Cologne, Germany. The company offers maintenance, repair and overhaul of wheels and non-destructive testing (NDT) of aircraft components. AeroMates is Part-145-certified and a start-up company that only launched its business at the beginning of 2020. Swiss AviationSoftware and AMOS is a comprehensive, fully-integrated MRO software solution being developed and distributed by Swiss AviationSoftware. Swiss-AS, a 100% subsidiary of Swiss International Air Lines has more than 190 customers worldwide and belongs to the industryleading MRO software providers. Our loyal customer base includes pure operators of all sizes, major low-cost, regional and flag carriers, large airline groups and MRO providers. In the Americas and in Asia, AMOS is distributed through a partnership with Lufthansa Systems. INTERACTIVE Click here for full product details
AIRCRAFT IT MRO • SEPTEMBER-OCTOBER 2020 • 29
NEWS & TECHNOLOGY
Reaching new technological heights AT A GLANCE Rising to the next level of innovation by introducing a new technology stack; Cross-platform mobile development with Flutter/Dart revolutionizing app development; Beautiful native apps in record time; AMOSmobile/STORES incl. offline capabilities in POC phase. Deep within every crisis, there are opportunities. Over recent months leading up to a late September 2020 announcement, , the tech experts within Swiss-AS have spent substantial time on evaluating, testing, and finally selecting the future AMOS tech stack. A long requirement list for the choice of a new frontend technology was set up, which included such criteria as:
(i) How appealing and consistent is the UI; (ii) How big is the effort to implement and maintain the solution; (iii) Which libraries are existing; (iv) How flexible is the technology in supporting the different operating systems including platforms like Fuchsia; (v) How adaptable is the solution regarding different device types can the framework access camera, geolocation, fingerprint reader, Bluetooth device etc.– to name just a few criteria that had to be adhered to. Choosing the right platform for app development is paramount, and the right choice depends entirely on the nature of one’s business. The Flutter framework combines both state-of-the-art technology with the assurance of being futureproof. Cross-platform app development (over
hybrid or native app development) has been selected as the best approach for AMOS. It allows developers to write code once and reuse it for different platforms with secure, stable, and easy to maintain and iterate features. With the crossplatform app development approach Swiss-AS will be able to equip the large AMOS community with apps that have all the advantages of native UX, that are easy to implement, and are the product of cost-effective development. It was a little over three years ago, when the alpha version of the open-source framework Flutter was released, initiated and today pushed by Google. Since that day, the world has seen Flutter as a framework grow into a massive community of millions of people. Dart is the programming language for Flutter, providing a UI toolkit for building beautiful, natively compiling mobile, web,
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and desktop apps from a single codebase. Flutter is basically a software development kit (SDK) and is considered as one of the most efficient tools to build native apps in record time. The apps made with Flutter are platform independent, i.e. made for iOS and Android environment. Support of PWA (web deployment) and desktop operating Systems (Windows, Linux and MacOS) are currently under development. Taking such tech decision triggered that the first screens of the new AMOSmobile/STORES suite were developed with this new tech stack, which has lived up to its promises. AMOS users will enjoy a completely new user experience due to material design language. The POC phase of AMOSmobile/STORES will be finished at the end of this year and with the issuance of Release 21.6 in summer 2021 AMOSmobile/ STORES will be mature enough to be implemented in the AMOS community and will include off-line
capabilities. Once the POC phase of this pilot project has been successfully completed, the new front-end technology will also be rolled out to AMOSmobile/ EXEC, the mobile suite for line and base maintenance management, while introducing to this business context all the potential of this new framework. And here the process does not stop. Swiss-AS has already identified other high-priority areas where they will start using this framework and programming language. The long-term vision is to extend the deployment of Flutter / Dart over the whole functional set of AMOS while thereby ultimately replacing the current AMOSdesktop technology. It goes without saying that there will be a period where Swiss-AS will develop new apps with the new framework, while maintaining the existing apps in the current technological framework. To be able to
grant the best possible user experience during that transition period, the developer is currently evaluating different bridge technologies that will allow them to bind the different tech stacks into a uniform user interface. For Swiss-AS as a software supplier, the choice of a sustainable tech stack adding to their competitive edge is as important as adding new functions to AMOS to ensure the product’s longevity. One of the many testimonials published in the web summarizes the use of Flutter from a developer perspective as follows: “We can build expressive UIs with the help of Flutter. It uses Material design for Android and Cupertino widgets for iOS. It has rich motion APIs and smooth natural scrolling. It has in-built feature to develop our application very fast with fully customizable widget.” Swiss-AS believes in the long-term future of this tech stack and looks forward to delight end-users with ‘beautiful apps created in record time’. INTERACTIVE Click here for full product details
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CASE STUDY: ATSG
MRO IT System Modernization at ATSG Paul Harding, Director, Information Technology, Air Transport Services Group — ATSG shares the experience of selection and implementation of a new MRO Solution AIRCRAFT IT MRO • SEPTEMBER-OCTOBER 2020 • 32
CASE STUDY: ATSG
I
n this article we’ll start with a brief overview of ATSG then walk you through how we selected IFS to be our partner for MRO IT and, finally, tell you something about the implementation of IFS Maintenix at ATSG and what we have gained from it.
AIR TRANSPORT SERVICES GROUP — ATSG
ATSG is a leading provider of an array of services including aircraft leasing, air cargo lift, passenger ACMI (Aircraft, Crew, Maintenance and Insurance) charter services, aircraft maintenance, conversion services and airport ground services. ATSG is also the world’s largest owner and operator of Boeing 767 freighter aircraft. With 40 years of experience under our belt, there are more than 90 aircraft in the fleet, 4,800 employees worldwide across more than 45 domestic (US) and international stations. ATSG has several subsidiaries who provide a strong array of capabilities to complement the leasing and aircraft assets (figure 1).
Charter. There are also Airborne and PEMCO who undertake Heavy and Line maintenance, component services, engineering services passenger to freighter conversions with Boeing and Airbus capability. And there is a logistics business, LGSTX, which undertakes support operations, GSE (Ground Support Equipment) leasing, facility support services and MHE (Material Handling Equipment) service, engineering, design and install. The fleet totals 94 aircraft in the in-service fleet (figure 2).
IN-SERVICE FLEET - 94 AIRCRAFT Freighter aircraft – 75 in service
Passenger aircraft – 15 in service
Boeing 767-300
Boeing 777-200
42 in service
3 in service
Thirty-seven dry-leased to UPS DHL, Amazon, NAC, Amerijet, Cargojet, up to 10 yr. terms Two supplied by Amazon operated under CMI
Commercial, DoD, and U.S. and allied Governments
Boeing 767-300 9 In service
ATSG OPERATING ENTITIES
Leasing
Commercial, DoD, and U.S. and allied Governments
Boeing 767-200 32 in service
ATSG’s subsidiaries provide a strong array of capabilities to complement the leasing company’s core aircraft assets
CMI & ACMI services
Twenty-six dry-leased to Amazon, DHL, Amerijet, Cargojet, SkyTaxi, Raya, West Atlantic, up to 7 year terms
Boeing 757-200
Aircraft maintenance & other
1 in service
One 757-200F under ACMI agreements with DHL
n Dry leasing
n CMI services
n Engine leasing
n ACMI services
n Engine power-by cycle (PBH) services
n Wet2Dry transitioning n On-Demand charter
n Heavy and line maintenance
n Sort operations
n Component services
n GSE leasing
n Engineering services n Passenger to freighter conversions n Boeing and airbus capability
n Facility support services n MHE Service, Engineering, Design and Install
Figure 1
CAM is the leasing agency undertaking dry lease, engine leasing and engine power-by-cycle (PBH) services. There are three airlines in the group being ABX Air, Omni Air International (OAI) and Air Transport International (ATI) and covering CMI services, ACMI services, Wet2Dry transitioning and On-Demand
Boeing 767-200 3 in service
Commercial ACMI/Charter, DoD
Combi aircraft – 4 in service Boeing 757-200 4 in service
Four 757-200 combis under ACMI agreements with U.S. Military
Figure 2
We chose IFS Maintenix (see below) for most, not all, of the fleet. When the process started, ATSG hadn’t acquired Omni and so Omni is not involved in this implementation which we’ll cover later. There are 42 in-service Boeing 767-300 as well as 32 B767-200, one B757-200F plus, now, the Omni fleet on the right of the figure. Our aircraft are in service with Amazon, DHL, UPS, Amerijet, Cargo Jet and Department of Defense (DoD). Omni does a lot of charter work with DoD plus commercial charters for the sports industry and corporate clients. So, it is a pretty diverse group of services provided by ATSG.
“we first went to some MRO conferences to try to better organize our thoughts, what we wanted to do and how to do it. We then created a selection team who saw many vendors in ATSG facilities, and we walked through a range of scenarios.” AIRCRAFT IT MRO • SEPTEMBER-OCTOBER 2020 • 33
CASE STUDY: ATSG
SELECTION OF A NEW MRO IT SYSTEM
Getting into the selection process and how ATSG chose IFS Maintenix, the starting point was that ATSG’s systems were in desperate need of an overhaul. The scope for this exercise included ABX Air, which was using PMI a legacy green screen technology system, ATI and CAM, both of which were using Prime, another older system. Neither of those programs had been updated with any sort of enhancements in, probably, ten years prior to this project. As we did the selection of the IT system, we first went to some MRO conferences to try to better organize our thoughts, what we wanted to do and how to do it. We then created a selection team who saw many vendors in ATSG facilities, and we walked through a range of scenarios. Next, the selection team visited some existing customers of the vendors, visiting their sites and viewing their day-to-day operations, how they did what they did every day using the IFS Maintenix product. The key component in our decision was that ATSG airlines are always moving engines and aircraft to cover for out-of-service aircraft and maintain customer reliability requirements because, even if an aircraft is in maintenance, we still have to fly the route. So, we were looking for a software system that could decrease downtime when we were doing all that plus reduce the man/effort to move engines and aircraft around. That added up to a huge part of what ATSG was looking for and a huge reason why we selected IFS Maintenix. Selection criteria were… • To have strong multi-entity functionality. • Impressive partnership qualities: when undertaking something of this magnitude, you really need a partner, you can’t just give them orders, they’re the ones that have done this before so it’s best to listen to their guidance;
perhaps shape it a bit for your business but you still need to follow their plan and work towards what they’re looking to do: they are the experts. • Reasonable implementation approach. • Positive feedback from current customers. • Realistic pricing. • Presence in Southern Ohio/Region — this was not originally a selection criterium but IFS has a presence right in the corridor where ATSG is based so we were able to reach out to some of their people for advice and support to make sure we understood what they were doing. During the selection process IFS created and presented an Organization chart and in that Organization chart, was a resource allocation for themselves and for ATSG. It took us a little while to get our arms around that because it entailed a lot of man hours, a lot of people, a lot of different roles and, as project leader, I kept thinking, ‘we can do [with] two people for this role and figure out how to make that work and we can do this…’ but as we got further and further into the project we realized that we had to follow the IFS Maintenix resource plan or we’d have been in trouble. Two further main reasons that we picked IFS Maintenix, other than what I’ve already mentioned are the ease of use of the software and, the really key piece was that we believed that the team they were going to send would really hold our hands throughout the implementation process and they really did so.
KEY SOLUTION DESIGN QUESTIONS
These are the things (figure 3) that ATSG was looking at when we were considering the solution we would need. KEY SOLUTION DESIGN QUESTIONS What should we consider as we are designing the solution? How can we streamline and consolidate business processes across 2 airlines and 1 leasing Co to develop a unified solution?
How will we capture maintenance data, in real-time via field devices or through a delayed back office function?
What interfaces and integrations do we need to build with other systems?
What data do we need to migrate to the new system, and how can this be best achieved?
Figure 3
AIRCRAFT IT MRO • SEPTEMBER-OCTOBER 2020 • 34
CASE STUDY: ATSG
We wanted to streamline and consolidate business processes across two airlines and one leasing company to develop a unified solution. To help address that, prior to even starting the project with IFS, we engaged Oliver Wyman to help us with our process design. There were two airlines to come off two legacy systems and we wanted to get them into one instance of IFS Maintenix following as much of the same rule sets as could be managed within FAA regulations and such like. We wanted to capture maintenance data in real time as well as delayed back office functionality. We had to establish what interfaces were needed to build the system; obviously there was an interface with the finance function, also with Flight Operations, and we introduced, at the same time and out of necessity, IDMR Job Card and Task Card authoring system, so there had to be an interface with that. The big piece of the project and one of the most complicated was to determine what data was needed to migrate to the new system and what would be the best way to achieve that. This was very difficult, ranging in complexity from the state of current data. If you have strong data, it helps things to progress a lot more smoothly. ATSG has two airlines and one airline’s data set was solid while the other was not so solid which made things a lot more complicated. In fact, for readers who are considering a similar project, I’d suggest going through your data and trying to clean it up beforehand as that would help significantly in the process.
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WHAT DOES REAL AVIATION MRO OPTIMIZATION LOOK LIKE?
IMPLEMENTATION
Implementation timescale
Going through the timeline, it took ATSG 22 months to complete the implementation of IFS Maintenix and IDMR (figure 4). IMPLEMENTATION TIMELINE Took 22 months for complete implementation of IFS Maintenix and IDMR Workstreams
2018 Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun
Jul
2019 Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun
Jul
Aug Sep Oct Nov
1. Solution Detailed Design 2. Infrastructure Build 3. Data Migration 4. Reports 5. Integrations
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6. Training (Development / Delivery) 7. Business Process Testing 8. Data Validation 9. Dress Rehearsals 10. Site Activation
Go-Live Nov 6, 2019
Figure 4
AIRCRAFT IT MRO • SEPTEMBER-OCTOBER 2020 • 35
CASE STUDY: ATSG
But, looking at the solution design, this is more complicated than you think when you talk about solution detailed design, because as you learn more things about IFS Maintenix, you want to tweak it over and again, and to add different things. It’s complicated and users can get overwhelmed and spend more time than needed optimizing options, so at some point, you have to apply a 90/10 rule and move forward. The infrastructure build was relatively painless: we hosted that in-house. The data migration was, again, a tremendous amount of work with constant checking of data, loading data, checking for accuracy; there were many iterations and it meant a lot of work for a big team of people. Reports: the key thing here is that you have to start early because there are a lot of them, they take a bit of time to
“…users can get overwhelmed and spend more time than needed optimizing options, so at some point, you have to apply a 90/10 rule and move forward.”
create and there is a constant process of gathering requirements; then you deliver and then tweak until you are satisfied. We created more than eighty reports to be ready for go-live. The interesting thing is that when you talk about reports to customers, in our case the airlines at first wanted a huge number of reports but as we got through requirements and asked the right questions, we developed what we call the P1 reports, to be ready before go-live, down to the eighties. There were still another forty or so that the airlines wanted post go-live but, after go-live, nobody has even talked about those forty… it’s very important to walk people through that process to make sure they really need what they say they want. The only thing I can say about integrations is test, test, test and document, document, document. There are a lot of pieces and moving parts involved so it’s important to constantly test every time you do any kind of operation, any time there are any changes you have to re-test… all to make sure that you’re getting what you need. Training is probably the most important piece in all this. Just to give you some idea, I’m not telling you which is which but, ATSG has two airlines one of which did a tremendous training job and was ready nine days after go-live. However, the other team didn’t have the ability to do as much training and were not ready until two and a half months after go-live. Having people engaged 24/7, because that’s the ATSG’s operation, it pays to focus on training… you can’t do enough training. For business process testing you need to create scripts that can be done over and again for this testing because you are going to test constantly. The great thing about IFS is that they are constantly putting out enhancements and improvements to the system but, in order to put them in play, users must first test them. So, you must create test scripts, keep refining those and keep progressing. Data validation is key because as you’re going through the data migration process, a lot of times you’re getting the data, it’s transferring: even if you’re seeing transfer accuracy of 100 percent you need to check the validity of that data; if the data is not valid then it’s not useful whether or not it’s been properly transferred. There needs to be a lot of iterations as we’ve already seen. Originally, we had hoped to implement IFS Maintenix in 18 months, but that timescale was a guess with no experience to base it on, it was just our self-imposed timescale. We were about a year in before we really felt we understood where we were and how much time there was left to run. So, IFS came back in and created a new project plan with things that needed to be done with a more realistic date. We had originally thought of June as the end date, but it was already January or February when we realized that was looking to be a challenge so a new date was set to October 23. In that additional time, IFS Maintenix came up with a different plan of attack and one that was new to them but which I believe was very beneficial to our success. We had dress rehearsals in little pieces to test individual pieces of the solution as we progressed with the implementation.
AIRCRAFT IT MRO • SEPTEMBER-OCTOBER 2020 • 36
CASE STUDY: ATSG
Implementation approach
The migration decision that we settled on was to go for a ‘big bang’ so that meant we did everything in both airlines at once. We felt that the way that our systems integrated with each other it would have been complicated to do things in pieces albeit that that approach might work for others; the key is to decide what is right for your business in your circumstances. IMPLEMENTATION APPROACH How to tackle this program? Key planning decisions Migration decision: Big Bang Single cutover for all functionality (aircraft and materials)
Dress rehearsals Multiple dress rehearsals with incremental business involvement
Continued cleanup Post-migration cleanup continued for a few months post cutover
Contributions to success
1
Early planning Developed Business Process Mapping early on
2
Committed resources Committed SMEs & IFS worked hand in hand
3
Strong project management Weekly touchpoints with clear escalation process / decision authority
4
Teamwork Airlines and Partners committed to working together
Figure 5
The way that ATSG implemented (figure 5) was that we had, in essence, five dress rehearsals. Throughout the whole project, one of the things that the IFS team did a great job on was that they consistently kept track of issues using Jira (an issue tracking product that allows bug tracking and agile project management) as we went through the different dress rehearsals. The first one was an IT system dress rehearsal which we numbered zero (DR0). There were then only about three weeks until starting DR1 and during those three weeks the idea was to fix all the bugs and glitches that had been discovered as issues. Some of those things might require IFS to put some code in place or something like that. Dress rehearsal 1 (DR1) was again for IT and added engineering, planning, execution, API (Application Programming Interface) and reports. There were five weeks between DR1 and DR2 during which time we tried to close as many issues as we possibly could. In DR2, we added supply chain and finance API. After DR3, five weeks later again, there was originally a three-week window before we were going to go-live, but we needed to push that by two additional weeks. Once we felt comfortable that we had the scope of what we were undertaking and we really could project plan, we packed the project plan really tight because it peaked for us with the plan for Amazon and DHL to start
with the new system in early November according to our original go-live date of October 23 (see above) so we pushed that to November 6 for our go-live. But in between dress rehearsal 3 and go-live we had to do what we called dress rehearsal 3.5 to address a few snags that had to be ironed out and to re-test to feel comfortable that we were ready to go-live. These dress rehearsals were critical and meant that, when we went live, we had pretty much one hundred percent confidence that we would not have to turn back because we had rehearsed the process three or four times already. All that said, when we did go-live, we still had to undertake a continued post-migration clean-up, there were a lot of things to do.
Contributing factors to success
One of the main contributing factors was early planning and the business process mapping that ATSG had done with Oliver Wyman was critical to the success of the project. Committed resources with the SMEs (Subject Matter Experts) on the ATSG team and IFS. Other contributing factors were strong project management and teamwork with the airlines and partners committed to work together which they did very well.
LESSONS LEARNED FROM THE IMPLEMENTATION… … and things we would have done differently
Change management is key. IFS offered a change management program but the ATSG airlines felt they had that under control so we opted out. That was a mistake because, as it turned out, half the user community didn’t even know we were rolling this out up to a week or two before go-live! IFS had templates and plans with which we could have worked; but our choice to opt out cost us a bit. There really needs to be strong leadership throughout the organization because you’ll need to make decisions quickly to be successful: without that, the project could run on into infinity. ATSG avoided multiple implementations in order to reduce complexity but, again, that must be a decision for each business to make. Getting data ready takes a lot of time and, as you’re doing that and as you’re doing the solution detailed design, you don’t have any data so you’re using IFS Maintenix data. Once you get your own data, it makes a big difference: it’s something you’ll have to get used to because you design things and now, you’re seeing your own data and it’s a little bit different.
“Some critical pieces must be one hundred percent but if you wait until everything is one hundred percent, you’ll delay going live.”
AIRCRAFT IT MRO • SEPTEMBER-OCTOBER 2020 • 37
CASE STUDY: ATSG
You’ll have to allow for the 80/20 or the 90/10 rule. Some critical pieces must be one hundred percent but if you wait until everything is one hundred percent, you’ll delay going live. Finally, and importantly, be aware of burn out. This is a marathon, not a sprint and, as with ATSG, you’ll be using resources that are also doing their day-to-day job as well as implementing IFS Maintenix. Try to pace them out and give some dedicated time to work on the project; the more you can do that, the better. This is a tremendous undertaking for any organization and fatigue, or awareness of it, definitely is a factor. One thing that we did learn was that just ten days after go-live the IFS people had gone, but they were only a phone call away. They had done a tremendous job of holding our hands throughout the implementation so we became frustrated because we wanted some more help. In the end it was good because it forced the ATSG team to troubleshoot and be more independent. Another reason for the success of the project was not just the team commitment from both partners but was that IFS was on site so much and able to reassure the ATSG team when things seemed difficult that it was a normal part of the process which went a long way for the team.
we can use IFS Maintenix as our one source of truth which is great for accuracy and validation of data: also we’ve reduced the time and effort to transition assets between subsidiaries which is important for ASTSG where transition of aircraft and engines is a common occurrence and this new system has really reduced the time it takes to do that. Inventory control: IFS Maintenix has enabled us to change what we were doing and introduce more centralized purchasing amongst our subsidiaries which would not have previously been possible. Also, visibility on parts, we have a much better visibility into our inventory than in the past. Reporting features: before the system there would be times when a ‘C’ level executive would need a report on something specific and that might take two or three days for someone to manually create the report on the old system. Now, it’s a great deal quicker.
SUPPORTING PARTNERS
We really could not have managed this whole project without the partners (figure 6) with the ATSG group ‘customers’ and with Oliver Wyman and IFS who gave phenomenal support. SUPPORTING PARTNERS Couldn’t have done it without our partners!
And its subsidiaries:
• • • •
KEY BENEFITS
This is probably what readers most want to know, what did ATSG Group gain? Configuration control: we talked about fleet configuration and the management process across our subsidiaries. Also assured compliance was critical because we had some compliance issues which this new system really helped us to get under control. User experience: the ATSG workforce is aging as is the case across the sector, so to retain younger talent it helps to have modern IT systems. Multi-platform capability via the Cloud means that ATSG can access IFS Maintenix without it being in our network behind our firewall. And possible integration with third party solutions such as scanning. Data availability: ATSG has a challenge to get data together in one source but
• Business process mapping (BPM) • Training material development, including user guides and computer-based training • Manuals updates • Program assurance and supporting tools
Solution design and deployment Data migration support Cutover and post-cutover support Program assurance
Trusting Partners relationship (with clear roles / responsibilities) was a key enabler of success!
Figure 6
The key part of that was everyone understanding their role and contributing in their space, making recommendations and then executing those recommendations. All the support they gave in the planning and preparation along with cutover and post-cutover support all helped build program assurance. If we had to do this project over again, we would change a few things but one thing we wouldn’t change is the partners who we chose to help us execute this.
AIRCRAFT IT MRO • SEPTEMBER-OCTOBER 2020 • 38
CASE STUDY: ATSG
PAUL HARDING
“If we had to do this project over again, we would change a few things but one thing we wouldn’t change is the partners who we chose to help us execute this.” LOOKING AHEAD — NEXT STEPS There is still some work to do (figure 7)
LOOKING AHEAD – NEXT STEPS Still some work to do… 01
02
03
04
05
Post-cutover cleanup / Stabilization
Finalizing fallout cleanup and ensuring proper adoption by all groups within the organization
Reporting improvements Continuously updating / refining reports after operational validation and feedback
Maintenix Solution Council Group of stakeholders acting as Maintenix product owners and for ongoing issue resolution
Solution Maintenance Testing and releasing regular solution updates to maintain product current
User Support Group Engaging with broader network of Maintenix users to share best-practices / improvements
Figure 7
We have to do the post-cutover cleanup and stabilization, including finalizing fallout cleanup and ensuring proper adoption by all groups within the organization. Reporting improvement is a continual task with updating and refining of reports after operational validation and feedback. The IFS Maintenix Solution Council: ATSG had to put a group together and the main reason for that is that there are three entities using the tool and if either one of the airlines or the leasing agency make some sort of change, that can have a tremendous downstream
impact on the whole solution. So, the Council still meets weekly and probably always will, to ensure that we’re all on the same page and not making changes to the system. There are a lot of controls in place to ensure that but it is complicated; it’s not just ‘set it down, put it in place, walk away’, there is a lot of work to do, upgrades, testing, coordinating those tasks and similar. Solution maintenance involves testing and releasing regular solution updates to maintain product current. Then, critical to the long-term success of the IFS Maintenix user community is the User Support group which meets four times a year (twice in person and twice on the phone). There are ten or eleven customers of IFS Maintenix meeting in one place and IFS attends as well. What it enables us to do is to share with IFS those enhancements and/or changes that users have identified as being what they would find valuable in practice. For a project like this to succeed, there needs to be top down commitment. There has to be the buy-in from management, there has to be the resources and it has to be possible to make decisions that are right and quickly settled — that doesn’t mean that the decision can never change but, if it isn’t made, you’ll be spinning your tires for weeks. If you decide and even if somebody doesn’t like it, the fact that the decision has been made will ensure that they come quickly to discuss it, the fact of the decision injects urgency. That has been our experience at ATSG of selecting, planning for and implementing our new MRO IT solution with IFS Maintenix. AIRCRAFT IT MRO • SEPTEMBER-OCTOBER 2020 • 39
Paul has been working in IT for 25 years. He joined ATSG, Inc in 2017 to assist the company with anticipated growth and expanding IT needs. After less than a year, he was promoted to Director of IT. Prior to ATSG, Paul spent 10 years with Electronic Data Systems (EDS) managing major customer accounts and then moved to IBM serving US and global accounts in various sectors including legal services, consumer products, financial institutions, manufacturing, medical and beverage distribution.
AIR TRANSPORT SERVICES GROUP (ATSG Air Transport Services Group (ATSG) is an American aviation holding company which provides air cargo transportation and related services to domestic and foreign air carriers and other companies that outsource their air cargo lift requirements. ATSG, through its leasing and airline subsidiaries, is the world’s largest owner and operator of converted Boeing 767 freighter aircraft. Through its principal subsidiaries, including three airlines, ATSG provides aircraft leasing, air cargo lift, passenger ACMI and charter services, aircraft maintenance services and airport ground services.
IFS
IFS provides modern, powerful and user friendly business software supporting cost reduction and achievement of required service levels through the life cycle of commercial aviation fleets. The business understands that operators, suppliers and service providers need to continually improve performance of fleets, assets and the associated maintenance processes with a fleet perspective, considering geographic locations, in an enterprise wide solution, and targets fleet availability by recognizing that this is improved where processes are agile and efficient, and fleet maintenance and operational servicing are synchronized. INTERACTIVE GIVE US YOUR OPINION CLICK HERE TO POST YOUR COMMENT INTERACTIVE SUBSCRIBE HERE CLICK HERE TO READ ALL FUTURE EDITIONS
AIRCRAFT MRO: VENDOR JOB CARD
VENDOR JOB CARD: RUSADA
Julian Stourton shares the secrets and ‘people-first’ priorities that underpin Rusada’s global success Julian Stourton has been the CEO of Rusada and Koukis Holdings SA since 2011. From 2001 to 2009 he served with Temenos SA, the world’s largest banking software company. From 1989 to 2001, he served as the COO Europe at System Software Associates Inc. As CEO of Koukis Holdings, he sits on a number of boards and has a proven track record of success managing computer and software companies, where he has 30 years of proven sales and management. Aircraft IT: Your name, your job, and the name of the business? Julian Stourton: Julian Stourton, CEO of Rusada. Aircraft IT: How did Rusada get started? JS: Rusada began over 30 years ago as Russell Adams, an aviation and MRO consultancy. After successfully developing our first software solution in 1987, we expanded into the market and in 1993 released the first version of our ENVISION solution. Today we have offices and customers across the
globe with our software supporting over 2,000 fixed and rotary wing aircraft. Aircraft IT: What is the guiding business principle that drives the business? JS: We believe that through the delivery of highquality software, effective implementation, and dedicated ongoing support, we can enable our customers to gain key strategic advantages in their field. Our aim with every customer is to significantly lower their costs, or substantially increase their
efficiency, preferably both. Aircraft IT: What has Rusada’s greatest business achievement been to date, and why? JS: What I am most proud of in my time here is the growth we have achieved over the last eight years. Since 2012 we have seen a growth of over 200% both in clients and employees. This has all been down to our dedicated colleagues, who work tirelessly to support our customers day in, day out. Despite signing numerous significant deals over the
“…we have seen a growth of over 200% both in clients and employees. This has all been down to our dedicated colleagues, who work tirelessly to support our customers day in, day out.” AIRCRAFT IT MRO • SEPTEMBER-OCTOBER 2020 • 40
AIRCRAFT MRO: VENDOR JOB CARD
past few years, the way our team has adapted and grown throughout this period has, in my view, been our greatest achievement. Aircraft IT: What are the disappointments and what have you learned from them? JS: My greatest disappointment is the resistance to change we sometimes see from the industry. We have had many scenarios where organizations look to modify ENVISION to replicate exactly what they were doing before with older, less advanced software. One of the key benefits we provide is our wealth of experience, gained from performing over 100 implementations worldwide. Therefore, the best solution is often a combination of our experience alongside the organisation’s unique ways of working. In the past we have walked away from agreements where we believe the customer will only reimplement what they had before, as to continue down that path would be a waste of their time and resources.
“…I think our people-first approach to business is what truly sets us apart from other vendors. Our customers know we are always there to support and improve their business…” Aircraft IT: In a sentence, how would you summarize what the business does for aircraft maintenance customers? JS: Our software and support provide customers with modern and easy-to-use solutions that improve their efficiency and their bottom line. Aircraft IT: What will be the next big thing in maintenance Aviation IT? JS: There are many promising technologies emerging in the industry, but in my view the ability to utilise Predictive Analytics will bring about the greatest efficiency gains for organisations.
Aircraft IT: What do you want your customers to say about Rusada JS: Both our customers and prospects consistently note ENVISION as having the best user-interface and easiest configuration on the market. That said, I think our people-first approach to business is what truly sets us apart from other vendors. Our customers know we are always there to support and improve their business, through difficult times, such as the ones we are experiencing now, and times of prosperity. Aircraft IT: Julian Stourton, thank you for your time.
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WHITE PAPER: IATA
IATA’s Digital Aircraft Operations Initiative Iryna Khomenko, Manager, Operational Efficiency, IATA SFO, IATA shares the latest thinking on Digital Aircraft Maintenance COVID NOTE: This article was written prior to the Covid crisis. IATA will be supplying a further article in the next issue of Aircraft IT outlining the impact of Covid on aviation and IATA’s response and recommendations. AIRCRAFT IT MRO • SEPTEMBER-OCTOBER 2020 • 42
WHITE PAPER: IATA
M
any airlines are making good progress in the field of digital aircraft maintenance but a lot of them still need help. It’s good to see the many interesting projects and improvements but a lot of airlines are struggling with basics as far as transitioning their aircraft maintenance from paper to digital is concerned. So the IATA Digital Aircraft Operations initiative was created to assist airlines as much as possible with those necessary improvements. But, first of all, I’ll quickly tell readers about IATA.
THE INTERNATIONAL AIR TRANSPORT ASSOCIATION (IATA) Rather than writing at length about IATA, we have here a short video that will introduce the Association. IATA is a trade association that includes and represents today some 290 airlines across many areas of activity such as ticketing and passenger handling, cargo and airport handling, and clearinghouse activities within industry players (airlines, travel agents, various service providers etc.). There is an IATA division focused on operational matters for airlines, Safety and Flight Operations, and my work and mandate are part of that division, including the external leadership who are airlines from all levels starting at CEOs and extending to engineers and line managers. There is also an internal structure including Heads and Assistant Directors and Managers.
“The average number of routine (scheduled maintenance) tasks per aircraft per year can vary between aircraft types…” The Scheduled Maintenance Data Standard Group is a joint group with ATA Business Program — one of the producers of the S1000D standard — that is working to define a data standard for scheduled maintenance. Also, in parallel, by defining that standard, we’re working to optimize and make scheduled maintenance more efficient. And we’re trying to harmonize scheduled maintenance requirements across the OEMs. Full details in figure 2.
Scheduled Maintenance Data Standard Group Objective
↗ Define industry standard for electronic data exchange between OEMs, operators and regulators using S1000D for all scheduled maintenance requirements, including maintenance program ICAs Scope
DIGITAL AIRCRAFT OPERATIONS
↗ Include all Maintenance Requirements related to Scheduled Maintenance process
Digital Aircraft Operations activities at IATA (figure 1) include a few work streams that are in existence today.
Digital Aircraft Operations activities at IATA Existing:
Scheduled Maintenance Data Standard
Skills Shortage
Aircraft Heath Monitoring
Aircraft Operational Data
RFID Applications, eTechLog
Software Reliability Metrics
Next in line:
E-enablement and connectivity
Figure 1
The initiatives that exist today are the linked ones in the figure with E-enablement and connectivity scheduled to be the next in line. To just quickly go through the initiatives:
Out of Scope
↗ SMDS implementation of changes in TCHs’, Regulatory Authorities’ and operators’ internal processes ↗ Conversion of legacy aircraft maintenance requirements to S1000D standard
Deliverables
Development of SMDS process standard covering: ↗ Single source electronic data repository by aircraft program with standardized input ↗ Defined business process covering regulatory approval by digital signature, revision process, archiving revision history
Group exists since 2015, meets twice a year, includes six major airframe OEMs, 10+ airlines
Figure 2
“…the Scheduled Maintenance Data Standard Group has come up with the concept of moving away from the maintenance planning document philosophy and having a maintenance requirement that originates with the OEM and is carried across all documents…”
AIRCRAFT IT MRO • SEPTEMBER-OCTOBER 2020 • 43
WHITE PAPER: IATA
The average number of routine (scheduled maintenance) tasks per aircraft per year can vary between aircraft types (figure 3).
The number of routine tasks per aircraft per year
A/C type
B787
A350
A220
B737NG
A320
B767
B777
A330
Source: IATA airline survey
Figure 3
The survey on which figure 4 is based was conducted across IATA members selected as the largest operators of those aircraft types. This has been compiled to show how many routine tasks have to be planned and executed every year. Plus, of course, we’d need to add non-routine tasks to those findings. Readers will know that, for newer aircraft, the non-routine to routine ratio could be as low as in the ten to twenty percent range but, if we consider older aircraft types, nonroutines might add as much as fifty percent and more on top of the routine tasks.
But, in truth, there are too many sources to the extent that, to keep them all updated and synchronized is become a challenging task for an operator. And so, the Scheduled Maintenance Data Standard Group has come up with the concept of moving away from the maintenance planning document philosophy and having a maintenance requirement that originates with the OEM and is carried across all documents up until the operator’s maintenance program at the end (figure 5) while preserving its source.
Moving away from the MPD philosophy ↗ The due date of source documents’ special compliance times are often earlier then the subsequent MPD Revision – MPD cannot be used. ↗ To meet the approved documents’ compliance time (MRB, CMR, ALI, etc.), operators have to process source document revisions without waiting for the next MPD
↗ ↗ ↗ ↗ ↗ ↗ ↗ ↗ ↗ ↗ ↗
MRB / MRBR ALI EWIS CMR FSL / FAL / SCIAWL ETOPS EZAP CPCP NR SAL, ISL, SB, REC And more …
Maintenance Review Board Report Airworthiness Limitation Instructions Electrical Wiring Interconnection System Certification Maintenance Requirements Fuel System Limitation Items Extended Twin Engine Operations Enhanced Zonal Analysis Procedure Corrosion Prevention Control Program National Requirements Manufacturers’ Recommendations
+ Lack of harmonization between Type Certificate Holders Figure 4
MPD
ALI processing
time1
Sources for Maintenance Planning Document:
DESIRED SITUATION
CURRENT SITUATION ALI
Scheduled Maintenance Data Standard
Also, there is the MPD (Maintenance Planning Document) which is not, in essence, as airlines again will know, just one document but is a collection of requirements that come from many different sources (figure 4).
↗ These source documents do not contain the full set of data, required to complete a maintenance task (eg. Zones, Panels, AMM-reference, etc.). ↗ Consequently the missing data have to be investigated by the operators (with the risk of errors) and have to be validated after MPD publication.
ALI Compliance time ! MPD processing
+
time2
Maintenance requirement MtceReq inc.
time1
Maintenance requirement
Maintenance requirement
MtceReq inc.
MtceReq inc.
time1
time1
Figure 5
As you can see in the lower left half of the figure, the current situation is that there is a maintenance requirement document issued, then the MPD has to incorporate that document and, by the time that incorporation has been completed, the source document has already become part of compliance with a date. So, we want to move from that philosophy to the concept of data modules where we have the maintenance program in step with the maintenance requirement.
Aircraft Health Monitoring (AHM)
Another activity that we keep our eyes on while participating in and voicing the airlines’ community perspective, is Aircraft Health Monitoring (figure 6). There are important stepping stones laid out by standards setting organizations like SAE (Society of Automotive Engineers) and MPIG (Maintenance Programs Industry Group), with the involvement of major aircraft Type Certificate Holders / OEMs, the participation of Airlines and benefiting from the direct oversight and contribution of CAAs (Civil Aviation Authorities).
AIRCRAFT IT MRO • SEPTEMBER-OCTOBER 2020 • 44
WHITE PAPER: IATA
seen as a potential new paradigm in the aviation industry. Although the existing number of implemented AHM cases is still limited, IATA is actively pursuing the developments and the involvement of all relevant players. While the schedule may have shifted, due to civil aviation critical priorities that emerged in 2020, the latest IATA Engineering and Maintenance Group update (from 2019) shown in figure 7 is indicative of some of the on-going activities with AHM relevance.
Current Activities
Aircraft Health Monitoring (AHM)
Industry Standards Evolution of AHM Supporting Landscape
SAE –ARPs and AIRs from: ↗ HM-1 Integrated Vehicle Health Management Committee ↗ Aerospace Industry Steering Committee on Structural Health AISCSHM ↗ E-32 Aerospace Propulsion Systems Health Management MPIG –MAP 2019-004 Operator Qualification of Aircraft Monitoring Process for purposes of satisfying ICA requirements Regulators ↗ IMRBPB –IP 180 Aircraft Health Monitoring (AHM) integration in MSG-3 ↗ FAA –draft AC 43-218 Operational Authorization of Integrated Aircraft Health Management Systems (comments due by Sep 12, 2019) Figure 6
IATA and MPIG steered the effort of a dedicated AHM working group which finalized the document IP-180 adopted by the nine Aviation Authorities forming (at the time) the IMRBPB (International MRB Policy Board). Subsequent to the IP-180 initial issue, and embracing the approach in which AHM is recognized as Aircraft Health Management, the FAA is finalizing the AC 43-218 together with the set of FAA specific implementation documents (like Ops Spec) necessary to airlines. The shifting of aircraft maintenance towards AHM implementation is
Figure 7
RFID Airline Interest Group
It is likely that some readers will have heard about this group (figure 8).
RFID Airline Interest Group 36 Airlines with various RFID projects in M&E
↗ Airlines, OEMs, ATA e-Business, suppliers ↗ Activities: • Tracking location and expiry date of emergency equipment • Tracking movement of the components for logistic purposes • Tooling and kitting
Latest Activities:
↗ SAE AS5678 standard “Passive RFID tags Intended for Aircraft Use” - UPDATED ↗ FAA AC 119-2A: Operational Use of Radio Frequency Identification Systems Onboard Aircraft - UPDATED ↗ TSA acceptable means of compliance of life Vest RFID tamper seals inspection made with RFID – On GOING
Figure 8
The RFID Group has been very successful since being established in 2011. There are now thirty-six airlines conducting activities in the area of RFID for aircraft
AIRCRAFT IT MRO • SEPTEMBER-OCTOBER 2020 • 45
WHITE PAPER: IATA
maintenance. We have not stopped the work of this group but we put it on a hibernation mode whereby, if airlines have questions, they come to IATA and we open the floor for discussion but, for now, we have achieved a lot in this group. We have updated the SAE standards for passive RFID tags; we have updated the FAA Advisory Circular 119-2A and were in close contact with EASA on this. We are pleased with what we have achieved but, that said, there remain a few action items still pending so, while the group will not be as active in future, it will continue.
eTechLog guidance
We’re also working on guidance for the implementation of an electronic log book or electronic techlog; the consultants and the subject matter experts on that project are MRO IT companies that are offering those solutions as well as the airlines at the forefront of this implementation. IATA has received feedback from between ten and fifteen airlines who are using eLogBooks today and some five MRO IT companies who are offering this solution. The aim of the guidance document is to help those airlines who are just setting off down the road of eTechLog/eLogBook (ETL/ELB) to understand what will be the correct project approach and the approach most suited to their business and circumstances.
Aircraft software reliability
Another activity that we were planning to start this year focuses on improving the reliability of avionics software (figure 9).
Aircraft Software Reliability Metrics 2. Background
The number of applications developed to control aircraft systems and flight functions has grown exponentially in just the last decade. Older Boeing 737s and Airbus A320s were loaded with, maybe 30 pieces of software that changed fairly infrequently. They could be kept track of on a sheet of paper. With the introduction of the Boeing 777 in the mid-1990s, the number increased to 120+ pieces of software. Fast forward to today’s newest aircraft like the Boeing 787, and not only has the quantity of software jumped to as high as 500 units, but those 500 applications of software are not loaded to just 500 locations, they’re being loaded onto 800 to 900 locations. Software management has clearly become challenging, especially since most airlines are still using archaic distribution methods. Imagine piles of floppy disks, hours spent loading software parts into multiple Line Replaceable Units (LRUs) on multiple aircraft in multiple locations, while still being able to keep track of all aircraft configurations and aircraft equipment loaded. The downside of aircraft software is that when things do not go correctly the aircraft simply sits on the ground. With such experiences becoming more commonplace in the industry, the need for established software management and configuration control processes is no longer an option, it is a necessity (Teledyne n.d.)
“The aim of the guidance document is to help those airlines who are just setting off down the road of eTechLog/eLogBook (ETL/ELB) to understand what will be the correct project approach and the approach most suited to their business and circumstances.” products and challenges that airlines have encountered in recent years have accumulated and this has built sufficiently to become another workstream for IATA to start in 2020. Why is software reliability important? I’m sure readers are familiar with the notion of MTBF (Mean Time Between Failures) and MTBUR (Mean Time Between Unscheduled Removals) for hardware parts. However, there is not that type of metric for software parts. How do we measure the quality of software; how do we make sure that we know the history of updates and issues of the software and how do we make sure that there is a system to assess the supplier and the software quality? There are a few issues that airlines are encountering today with regard to software reliability. There are no targets for reliability; basic functions can be deferred; bug fixes are combined with the block point updates and then, not only the bug fixes are delivered but also some improvements and, at the end, the airline has to pay for the block point update. Furthermore, new updates bring with them new bugs… so all these issues need to be addressed in the industry and that is what we will be doing. Some work has been carried out by the aviation industry committee in 2016 and 2018. So, we’re not starting from zero; there is a report that identified five root causes for the problem: 1. Lack of product support coverage; 2. Insufficient rollout process; 3. Lack of learning from the IT industry; 4. Combining bug fixes with functional upgrades; 5. Lack of transparency.
Figure 9
IATA issued a paper in 2013 about loadable software. Seven years ago, we realized that the number of software components in aircraft was increasing exponentially and it was clearly becoming necessary to address this from the product support standpoint and the reliability metrics standpoint. Some of the
Aircraft operational data
Another issue that comes up in the sector is operational data and what it means for airlines. IATA defines aircraft operational data (AOD) as “data produced from/by the aircraft, its systems, components and sensors, once the aircraft is
AIRCRAFT IT MRO • SEPTEMBER-OCTOBER 2020 • 46
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And readers will be aware that data volumes have increased in recent years (figure 11) as illustrated by the simple comparison on the right of the figure comparing the amount of data generated between the Boeing 777 and the same company’s 787. The Aircraft Operational Data Working Group has the objective to educate IATA members about the data they receive from OEMs and to address any monopolistic practices; also, in the future, to build the independence of the Sampling rates of the existing “Maintenance Data” data and be capable of acquisition (QAR, DAR, ACMS Reports…) are limited working with the data themselves if they choose, in which case, the data should be able to serve their purposes and objectives. For now, this group only includes airlines but, of course, when the airlines have With Connected Aircraft Interface Devices Next Gen ð more data + higher sampling rate come up with the objectives and 24,000 Parameters = 12 GB per Flight 40,000 Parameters = 30 GB per Flight deliverables, OEMs and Rockwell-Collins - Connected Aircraft Interface Devices Next Generation (C-AID NG) for extended connectivity enabling Aircraft Big Data analysis (2017); ICF, April 2017 regulators will probably Figure 11 be invited to join the group. However, for now, we’re at the start of the process which commenced last year (2019). There are some principles that come out of all this, in particular the CCC principle (Control, Choice & Competition) (figure 12).
Data volume increase
accepted into operation by an airline. This data is generated during flight, when the aircraft is undergoing maintenance, or while on the ground waiting or being serviced”. Figure 10 shows a few examples of operational data that exists today in various areas of an airline, including the maintenance area.
Aircraft Operational Data
Ops-generated data ä
ä
ä
ä
ä ä
Flight operations data (FOQA, QAR, DAR, SAR, FDAU, etc.) Digital Flight Data Recorder and Cockpit Voice Recorder Meteorological, weather, turbulence: dissipation rates Atmospheric: moisture, radiation, temperature, pressure, wind, etc. AC data: speed, climb rate, etc.
Utilization: Flight hours, cycles, etc.
Maintenance data ä
ä ä ä
ä ä ä
Maintenance status (TSO, CSO, TSN, CSN, etc.), checks, tasks etc. Aircraft health monitoring
Engine condition monitoring
Cabin related defects (seats, IFE, galley, lavatory, etc.) Major structural damage/corrosion Aircraft system failure modes
Engine and component reliability data (MTBR, Time on Wing, etc.)
Ground ops data ä
ä ä
On-Time Performance, Aircraft delay & cancellation
Control
Fuel
Ground handling
AOD: The CCC principle
§ Operators must have
access to all data generated by the aircraft.
§ Data must be retrievable
in a form that it can be used.
§ Data Ownership = Data
Control
Figure 10
Figure 12
AIRCRAFT IT MRO • SEPTEMBER-OCTOBER 2020 • 47
Choice
§ Operators are the only
one to decide what data to use, to whom to give the data to, and for what purpose.
§ Full market use
generates benefits for safety, efficiency, and cost reduction.
Competition
§ An open supplier market
fosters healthy competition to turn data into actionable insights.
§ Competition leads to
innovation, market variety, and competitive prices.
WHITE PAPER: IATA
“…a future mechanic will have to be tech savvy, which is not always the case today.” An issue that is increasingly discussed in aviation circles today is data ownership, a vague notion that is poorly defined in legal terms. So, at IATA, we moved towards the definition of data control or ‘first right’ to use data rather than ownership. And, of course, the airline should be able to choose whether or from where it wants to receive the data, which competition should, in turn, open the market to third party suppliers. Data analytics is a new fast developing field and the more experts work on data the higher the chance for innovation for data use to improve safety, performance and efficiency.
SKILLS SHORTAGE
Figure 13 shows an issue that is increasing in importance within the sector: skills shortages and not just in aircraft maintenance. There are IATA working groups addressing the issues of shortages in pilots, in ground ops staff, in air traffic management but, in this article, we’re talking about aircraft maintenance on which IATA conducted a survey in 2018.
Qualitative
Skills Shortage
Quantitative
Future technologies (skill precursors)
↗ ↗ ↗ ↗ ↗ ↗ ↗
↗ Traffic doubles by 2038 ↗ Average age of mechanic in US – 51
Robotics
Innovations in Inspection Additive Manufacturing
Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning Predictive Data Analytics
Virtual QARs (quick access recorder) Augmented Reality
Auto-ID tags
Figure 13
Robot, identifying cracks in a structure
↗ ↗ ↗ ↗ ↗
years old
Average retirement age – 62 years old Massive retirements in a 5-7 years
Difficulties in attraction and retention Outdated regulatory requirements
Little to no harmonization between CAAs
Robotic bugs for inspections
Smart glasses
We asked airlines whether they are experiencing problems in this regard and the reason for including this topic in an article about digital aircraft operations is because, as the figure 13 shows, on the left side, what are the precursors for the
future qualitative skills for mechanics. The list displayed is not exhaustive but it can be seen that a future mechanic will have to be tech savvy, which is not always the case today. On the quantitative data, there are also some issues: most forecasts predict that air travel traffic will double by 2038. However, and also from the results of the IATA survey, the average age for a mechanic today is over fifty years old while the average retirement age is 62 years which suggest that there will be massive numbers of retirements in five to seven years from now. That prospect is compounded when we consider that the sector has difficulties in attracting and retaining personnel because young people do not understand why they have to be out there in 20 degrees below zero Celsius under the wing and doing an unattractive job when they could work in IT or machine learning or artificial intelligence: it’s becoming ever harder to motivate young people to become interested in this job added to which, the sector has not tapped into the potential for female members in the labor force. Also contributory to that problem is that training requirements are outdated in some jurisdictions and they are not harmonized even in the two major jurisdictions which are FAA and EASA whose requirements differ significantly. For the supply chain side of MRO, IATA’s new product, MRO Smart Hub, is a commercial product developed in 2018. MRO Smart Hub is the connector between spare parts providers/vendors and buyers. However, rather than just
AIRCRAFT IT MRO • SEPTEMBER-OCTOBER 2020 • 48
WHITE PAPER: IATA
MRO Smart Hub
imitate the functions of those platforms that already exist in this area, the benefit of this platform is the real or fair market value evaluation in addition to which, we have been working for many years on the likes of LLP (Life Limited Part) traceability and have established an agreed standard between the lessors and the airlines as to what LLP traceability back to birth means to the industry; so that will also be incorporated into this tool. Rather than just selling and buying parts this is telling the airline community what is out there and what is the quality of that product. Do take a look at the short video about the Smart Hub. In conclusion, I hope that this article (created prior to the current Covid pandemic) has brought readers up to speed on this aspect of IATA’s work.
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IRYNA KHOMENKO
Iryna Khomenko is a Manager of Operational Efficiency in IATA with 14 years’ experience in Aircraft Operations including, for the last six years, being responsible for development and progress for several projects within the Digital Aircraft Operations Initiative. Before joining IATA Iryna worked at Aerosvit Airlines in Ukraine for six years, having started her career in Ukrainian – Mediterranean Airlines after she had obtained her master’s degree in Management and Economics.
THE INTERNATIONAL AIR TRANSPORT ASSOCIATION — IATA
The International Air Transport Association (IATA) is the trade association for the world’s airlines, representing some 290 airlines or 75% of total air traffic. IATA supports many areas of aviation activity and helps to formulate industry policy on critical aviation issues. Over more than 75 years, IATA has developed global commercial standards upon which the air transport industry is built. The aim is to assist airlines by simplifying processes and increasing passenger convenience while reducing costs and improving efficiency. INTERACTIVE GIVE US YOUR OPINION CLICK HERE TO POST YOUR COMMENT INTERACTIVE SUBSCRIBE HERE CLICK HERE TO READ ALL FUTURE EDITIONS
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AIRCRAFT MRO: VENDOR JOB CARD
VENDOR JOB CARD: SEABURY SOLUTIONS
Carlos Bianchi offers us an insight into the forward-looking ethos that drives Seabury Solutions enduring success Carlos Bianchi joined the company into 2011. In the 2015 merger of SES and Volartec he took over responsibility for all Seabury Solutions aviation IT product range. Carlos started his career with FAdeA as Engine Workshop Planner. He subsequently moved to Seabury Solutions as Project Manager with vast experience managing a multitude of projects globally. The past half-decade has been spent at management level within aviation IT, leading to his current role. Aircraft IT: Your name, your job, and the name of the business? Carlos Bianchi: Carlos Bianchi, SVP Head of Sales & Marketing, Seabury Solutions. Aircraft IT: How did Seabury Solutions get started? CB: Seabury Solutions was formed in 2002 when it acquired the company Volartec, based in Argentina. While the business began solely as an MRO Software company, we now have a diverse suite of products for the whole aviation sector. We have also expanded our offices to 10 countries worldwide. Aircraft IT: What is the guiding business principle that drives the business? CB: Seabury Solutions delivers industry leading solutions, for some of the largest airlines and aircraft operators in the world, down to the smallest
operators. When we began the development of Alkym we had six simple goals in mind for an integrated MRO software: those goals are as follows: • Flexible Integration; • User Friendly; • Short time scale to implement; • Be able to grow with the customer; • Highly Customisable; • Maximum Functionality. Aircraft IT: What has Seabury Solutions’ greatest business achievement been to date, and why? CB: The current situation surrounding Covid-19 is possibly one of the most challenging times in aviation history. We are delighted that we have been able to adapt our solutions to meet the immediate needs of airlines and MROs. For example, our ‘Avem Fleet Monitoring’ tool, which is already contained AIRCRAFT IT MRO • SEPTEMBER-OCTOBER 2020 • 50
with the Alkym suite, can now be bought as a standalone solution and integrated with many third party or in-house systems. It can be implemented within 10 days depending on requirements and all training can be provided remotely. This reduces the large upfront costs that can be associated with buying a new system and still enables the maintenance team to effectively manage their fleet with live flight data and seamlessly communicate with flight ops. Aircraft IT: What have been the disappointments and what have you learned from them? CB: Overall there is a huge disconnection in terms of technological applications between different sectors of the aviation industry. Furthermore, the miscommunication between areas in the same organization (airline) it is disconcerting to say the
AIRCRAFT MRO: VENDOR JOB CARD
least. At Seabury, we are working to bring every stakeholder of the industry into the future of technology by means of enhancing the existing communication channels. We believe that not only is communicating the Flight Operations area with the M&E area something we have to address, but also the communication with different aviation organizations (airlines, ATOs, AMOs, AOC, etc) with the Civil Aviation Authorities, via a seamlessly integration of their SMS system, and with the CAAs. That is why we are investing a great deal of money on access, development and automation of BPM/ CMS tools that will allow us to create a healthy interaction at process management level, between the CAAs/DGCAs and their Stakeholders. Aircraft IT: In a sentence, how would you summarize what the business does for aircraft maintenance customers? CB: Alkym represents one of the most comprehensive and fully integrated MRO software
“…we are investing a great deal of money on access, development and automation of BPM/CMS tools that will allow us to create a healthy interaction at process management level, between the CAAs/DGCAs and their Stakeholders.” solutions for, fixed wing, rotatory wing, MROs and defense, driving efficiencies through the entire organisation. Aircraft IT: What will be the next big thing in maintenance Aviation IT? CB: I believe augmented reality and virtual reality will become much more widespread especially in the areas of training and aircraft maintenance education. It will allow the trainees to participate in lifelike on-the-job scenarios, giving them a better
understanding of how the aircraft system works. Aircraft IT: What do you want your customers to say about Seabury Solutions? CB: Seabury Solutions exceed on their delivery promise and the 24/7 support team is always on hand to answer any queries. Alkym has also greatly improved their operational processes, allowing them to see a quick return on investment. Aircraft IT: Carlos, thank you for your time.
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CASE STUDY: ETIHAD
Looking into the future at Etihad Airways
Borja Dosal Roiz, Avionics Engineer / CAMO Fleet Management at Etihad Airways, shares the benefits of Predictive Maintenance and Big Data on Connected Aircraft AIRCRAFT IT MRO • SEPTEMBER-OCTOBER 2020 • 52
CASE STUDY: ETIHAD
T
he plan for this article is to share with readers what Etihad Airways is planning to do in terms of predictive maintenance and big data on the connected aircraft. But it will first be useful to know about Etihad Airways and, in particular, the fleet.
ETIHAD FLEET
At the top of figure 1 is Etihad’s legacy fleet of Airbus A320 and Boeing 777 aircraft. The Etihad fleet A32X Fleet
Skywise & FOMAX
T
EA
OO
TO
Y RL
OL
AT E
B777 Fleet ON TIME
• Preventive Maintenance • Reactive Maintenance • Predictive Maintenance
Figure 2
30 aircraft
A380 Fleet
10 aircraft
25 aircraft
B787 Fleet
38 aircraft + deliveries
Figure 1
At the bottom of the figure is the new fleet. Etihad flies ten Airbus A380 and approximately 38 Boeing B787 with further deliveries scheduled over the next few years. But this presentation will focus on the Airbus A320 and what Etihad is doing in terms of predictive maintenance by using a software called Skywise Predictive Maintenance (SPM), which has been developed by Airbus.
SKYWISE AND FOMAX
Before we go into this, let’s consider a basic definition of maintenance and what kind of maintenance can be done on an airplane (figure 2). First, there’s preventive maintenance. As we know, components have limited usage and we can replace them before they reach their end of life, based on flight hours, flight cycles or calendar days. But this would mean replacing the component too early. Second, there is reactive maintenance which means replacing the component once it fails on the aircraft but, of course, that’s too late and will cause an operational interruption or delay. Finally, there is predictive maintenance, which consists of predicting when a component is going to fail and replacing it before it causes a delay or operational interruption. Hence, the component will be removed right on time.
If we can move from a preventive maintenance model to a predictive maintenance model, the component will remain on the aircraft for a longer period of time and will only be removed right on time, avoiding unnecessary maintenance and saving costs. What is needed in order to be able to do predictive maintenance? The first requirement is big data. We need the aircraft to tell us what is going on and that means the aircraft needs to transmit thousands of parameters from its systems. The other requirement is to have algorithms, software and logic that will analyze the big data and, as an output, generate warnings and alerts that can be taken into consideration in order to perform a maintenance action on the airplane. Big data needs special technology to extract aircraft parameters, and at FOMAX (Flight Operations and MAintenance eXchanger) Etihad we use FOMAX for this purpose; while for the algorithms that turn that data into useful information, we use Skywise. FOMAX stands for Flight Operations and Maintenance eXchanger and it’s a new computer (figure 3.1) manufactured by Collins Aerospace that Etihad has installed on the Airbus A320 fleet. On the front face of the FOMAX computer there are eight SIM card slots (figure 3.2), four dedicated to Airbus and four dedicated to the airline. To provide a rough idea, some sort of predictive maintenance would be possible Figure 3.1, FOMAX (Flight Operations without FOMAX but it would only allow us to and MAintenance eXchanger monitor up to 400 parameters and generate up to 50MB of data per day. With FOMAX, it’s possible to monitor up to 24,000 parameters or generate up to 12GB of data per day. So, here is where Big Data comes into place.
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CASE STUDY: ETIHAD
Up to 8 SIM card slots: • 4 SIM slots for Airbus • 4 SIM slots for Airline
Currently 400 parameters = 50 Mega Bytes FOMAX 24,000 parameters = 12 Giga Bytes
Figure 3.2
As shown on Figure 3.3, FOMAX transmits the data to Skywise through a 4G network at every landing. Skywise analyzes this data to generate warnings and alerts that the maintenance organization can take into account when performing maintenance actions on the airplane, like replacing a component, servicing the aircraft or refilling an aircraft system.
FOMAX FIRST INSTALLATION AND ACTIVATION
This first installation of FOMAX took place on an Etihad A320 in September 2018. Figure 4.1 shows the associated wiring required to connect FOMAX to other aircraft computers and its location on the Avionics rack. FOMAX first installation and activation
A320 MSN 5407 (A6-EIR) 17th, 18th and 19th September 2018
SKYWISE Figure 3.3
Figure 4.1
AIRCRAFT IT MRO • SEPTEMBER-OCTOBER 2020 • 54
CASE STUDY: ETIHAD
For the antennas, Etihad installed two 4G antennas near the passenger door in the forward section of the airplane (figure 4.2) – the purple cables in the top photograph are the coax cables that come from FOMAX, through the frame and up into the overhead compartment. 3. FOMAX first installation & activation
Circuit Breaker
FWD A/C
4G Antennas
Figure 4.3 3. FOMAX first installation & activation
This is a view of the Avionics compartment from the forward cargo area and circled in red is the location of FOMAX (figure 4.4). Avionics Compartment
Figure 4.2
The two white brackets (also top photo and circled in diagram) are where the 4G antennas will be installed. The circuit breaker (figure 4.3) is circled bottom left in the main CB panel of the Airbus A320 cockpit. As we are installing a new computer, we need to install a new circuit breaker.
“Skywise analyzes this data to generate warnings and alerts that the maintenance organization can take into account when performing maintenance actions on the airplane.”
Figure 4.4
Once we have installed FOMAX, next we need to load the software onto the computer. For that, we used a portable data loader and the ARINC 615-A
AIRCRAFT IT MRO • SEPTEMBER-OCTOBER 2020 • 55
CASE STUDY: ETIHAD
THE NO FAULT FOUND DILEMMA
This is how the ‘No Fault Found’ (NFF) dilemma works. The predictive software tells us that the performance of a certain component is degrading and so a mechanic is sent to the airplane in order to replace this component. Once it has been removed, it will be sent to a shop where it will be tested either to establish the fault or, very occasionally, to record No Fault Found (figure 5.1). The No Fault Found Dilemma
standard to accomplish the loading. During the installation we also install two new data ports. One is for software loading (ARINC 615-A), while the other is an Ethernet port used to connect a laptop in order to communicate with FOMAX using a software called LMF from Collins Aerospace (top left figure 4.5).
1. Prognostics software advises to remove the component before its failure
4. Component results in No Fault Found
2. Mechanic performs component replacement
3. Component is tested by approved repair shop
Figure 5.1
Airlines don’t like no fault being found because they are still charged for component testing. This happens because the component was removed in a degraded but not faulty condition, causing the NFF diagnosis. The question is, how can the No Fault Found be avoided? Well, there are two options, as shown on figure 5.2.
2 possible solutions:
• Algorithm accurate enough to fail in shop.
Figure 4.5
With this software, we can troubleshoot FOMAX, communicate with the computer, check the status of the FOMAX connection etc. What figure 4.5 shows is the cross-checking of the SIM card serial number that is physically installed into FOMAX with the SIM card serial number that FOMAX is reporting as being installed. Once we have a match, we raise a Tech Request to Airbus in order to activate the SIM card and start the transmission of data.
Confirmed Fault (No NFF) • Establish Maintenance agreement with OEMs. NFF Figure 5.2
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CASE STUDY: ETIHAD
The first one, if the algorithm is accurate enough, will result in eliminating NFF events because the component will be removed in an almost faulty condition. Unfortunately, predictive maintenance algorithms are not always mature enough to achieve such level of accuracy and a quick maintenance action is required. In a very few cases, the removed component could result in NFF. For these cases it is essential to establish a maintenance agreement with the manufacturer of the component so that they will accept an airline’s predictive maintenance alert as a valid reason to remove the component, in which case the airline will not have to pay for the no fault found testing.
CASE STUDIES
Before we look at any case studies, let’s consider how much a delay costs on an Airbus A320. On average, a flight delay can cost up to $9,000 per hour. Plus, the associated costs in the case of a flight cancellation, air turn back or aircraft diversion. Figure 6 is a screenshot from Skywise Predictive Maintenance and each line seen on the screen represents a different predictive maintenance alert, applying to a different aircraft.
It shows the applicable ATA chapter, the title of the alert and the number of times that the alert has taken place over past flights. Once a user clicks on each of these alerts, they will see a graph, an evolution of the system and, based on that graph, it will be up to the airline to take a maintenance decision. With this I would like to make clear that predictive maintenance software will not tell us what to do. It will give us a picture or an overview of what is happening, with tailored maintenance advice provided, but it’s up to us (the airline) to decide what to do. Now, let’s take a look at three different real alerts that were generated by Skywise and concluded in maintenance actions that increased Etihad safety, avoided delays and reduced fuel penalties.
Case 1: Oxygen Servicing
On the Airbus A320 Cockpit there are oxygen masks for the crew to use in case of an emergency (figure 7.1). The oxygen comes from a bottle located in the avionics bay and what we monitor on this alert is the amount of oxygen inside the bottle. Case study – Oxygen servicing
Figure 7.1
Figure 6 — tail numbers removed
“…it is essential to establish a maintenance agreement with the manufacturer of the component so that they will accept an airline’s predictive maintenance alert as a valid reason to remove the component.” AIRCRAFT IT MRO • SEPTEMBER-OCTOBER 2020 • 57
CASE STUDY: ETIHAD
And this (figure 7.1) is the graph.
“…we should have stopped refilling the bottle and started looking for leaks because clearly something was wrong. We didn’t, and in just a few more flights the pressure fell to a critical level, after which we found a leak in the bottle.”
Figure 7.2
The horizontal axis shows the timeline and the vertical axis shows the amount of oxygen in the bottle. Each blue dot represents a flight and over the flights the bottle will lose oxygen because every time a new crew takes over the aircraft they will test the system and there will be a loss of the amount of oxygen in the bottle. Each spike in the graph represents a maintenance action in which the bottle has been refilled. The purple line represents a threshold that can be modified so, when the amount of oxygen falls below the threshold value, alerts will be generated. In this case it’s up to engineering to take the necessary maintenance action; in this case, replace or refill the bottle with Oxygen. Another example on oxygen servicing is the one below and, in this case, an example of what happens when we do not react right on time (figure 7.3).
The bottle in this graph (figure 7.3) has been losing oxygen regularly over a period of one week. Suddenly, as it reaches the threshold, the decision is taken to refill it. After just a few flights, it has lost an amount of oxygen again and it is refilled again; a sequence that is repeated each time the amount of oxygen falls below the threshold. This is now the third time that the bottle has been refilled in just a few flights. At this point, we should have stopped refilling the bottle and started looking for leaks because clearly something was wrong. We didn’t, and in just a few more flights the amount of oxygen fell to a critical level, after which we found a leak in the bottle itself and then it was replaced.
Case 2: Low Pressure fuel shut off valve
The Low Pressure fuel shut off valve (LP SOV) is a valve that plays the critical role of opening the fuel supply to the engine (figure 8.1). Case study - Low Pressure fuel shut off valve
Figure 8.1
Figure 7.3
This valve is commanded by a dual motor actuator. On figure 8.2 we can see how the valve was operating abnormally, giving a clear indication that the operation of the actuators was degraded. After a few flights showing a degraded performance, we decided to replace the dual motor actuator. AIRCRAFT IT MRO • SEPTEMBER-OCTOBER 2020 • 58
CASE STUDY: ETIHAD
Case study - Low Pressure fuel shut off valve
Valve actuator replaced
Figure 8.3
Case 3: Wing anti-ice valve
In order to avoid icy conditions affecting the leading edge of the wing, hot air can be diverted from the engine to the leading edge. This function is controlled by the wing anti-ice valve (figure 9.1). Case study – Wing anti-ice valve
Figure 8.2
Figure 8.3 shows the test bench results of the dual motor actuator. According to the shop report “unit failed operational bench test”, which confirmed the predictive maintenance alert. In this case, the component was replaced right on time and just before its failure on the aircraft. Furthermore, the report states the following about the motor actuators “R1 operates good in open direction and fails operation to close”, while the other motor actuator “R2 operates good in the open direction and has a rough operation to close”. So, clearly the valve was having trouble to operate in the close position and this was due to the degraded operation of the dual motor actuator.
Figure 9.1
This alert will tell us if the valve is behaving abnormally. This is a good example because, if the valve is operating abnormally and there is no time available to replace it or no spare, the valve can be kept in the open position through an aircraft maintenance task. But if that is done, hot air is being channeled through the leading edge of the wing continuously which means an extra bleed of air
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CASE STUDY: ETIHAD
CONCLUSIONS
Etihad is an Abu Dhabi based airline and Formula 1 is the biggest sporting event that takes place in Abu Dhabi every year. For that reason, I wanted to make an analogy between the evolution of Formula 1 pit-stops over the years and how aircraft maintenance will evolve in the future. Figure 10 shows a pit-stop in the 1980s, when it took 16 seconds to service an F1 car. By 2017, that time was down to 3 seconds. This is how I think predictive maintenance is going to change the way we do aircraft maintenance today compared to how we will do it in the future. Conclusions – the evolution of engineering
coming from the engine which, in turn, incurs a fuel penalty estimated to be 80kg of fuel per flight hour. So, just by monitoring the functioning of this valve, not only can we avoid a delay but a fuel penalty too. Figure 9.2 shows that the valve was operating abnormally but on an intermittent basis.
1981 / 16 seconds
2017/ 3 seconds
Figure 10
BORJA DOSAL ROIZ
Borja Dosal Roiz obtained a Business Management degree in 2002 and an Aeronautical Engineer degree in 2007, specializing in Air Navigation. He started his professional career in 2007 working for Iberia Airlines followed by Spanair Airlines and British Airways, always holding the position of CAMO Avionics Engineer. Finally, in 2013 he settled down in Abu Dhabi and currently continues his Avionics Engineering career working for Etihad Airways.
ETIHAD AIRWAYS
Etihad Airways is a national airline company of the UAE headquartered in Abu Dhabi. The airline operates more than 1,000 flights per week to over 80 passenger and cargo destinations in the Middle East, Africa, Europe, Asia, Australia and the Americas. As of August 2020, the Etihad fleet consisted of a mixed fleet of Airbus A320/321, A380, Boeing B777 (inc freight types) and B787. Figure 9.2
In this specific case, the two spikes (circled red) recorded times when the valve operated abnormally which triggered two Airman fault messages. We decided to replace the wing anti-ice valve. As can be seen on the graph, the newly-installed valve operated perfectly after being replaced, and when the removed valve reached the shop, tests confirmed that it was faulty.
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MISSED AN ISSUE OF MRO?
CLICK ON THE COVER TO FLY BACK IN TIME NOW… CASE STUDY: AIR FRANCE-KLM GROUP • WHITE PAPER: LAMINAAR AVIATION INFOTECH • SOLUTIONS IN PRACTICE: ATP CASEBANK
WINTER 2019-2020 • V8.5
MARCH-APRIL 2020 • V9.1
A digitally well-maintained cabin at KLM Faster and better processes mean increased cabin quality
Identifying recurring faults
Teaching machines to see patterns
CASE STUDY: COPA AIRLINES • JAL ENGINEERING • FL TECHNICS • AMP • SOLUTIONS IN PRACTICE: CLOUDCARDS
AI and advanced analytics solutions
A roadmap for development and delivery
NEWS AND TECHNOLOGY UPDATES • VENDOR JOB CARDS • HOW I SEE IT • MRO SOFTWARE DIRECTORY
AIRCRAFT IT MRO V8.5 WINTER 2019-2020
CASE STUDY AIR FRANCE–KLM GROUP WHITE PAPERS LAMINAAR AVIATION INFOTECH
JULY-AUGUST 2020 • V9.2... The COVID issue
Zero delays and 100% on time operations are the goals at JAL
Mobile and paperless M&E to achieve the ultimate in reliability
Copa Airlines harnesses the power of M&E mobility A successful transition to the Cloud
CASE STUDY: APLUS • WHITE PAPERS: RAMCO SYSTEMS & ICF • IFS • SOLUTIONS IN PRACTICE: SEABURY SOLUTIONS
Virtual Reality training at FL Technics Mechanics readied for the future
NEWS AND TECHNOLOGY UPDATES • VENDOR JOB CARDS • HOW I SEE IT • MRO SOFTWARE DIRECTORY
AIRCRAFT IT MRO V9.1 MARCH-APRIL 2020
CASE STUDY COPA AIRLINES • JAL ENGINEERING FL TECHNICS • AMP SOLUTIONS IN PRACTICE CLOUDCARDS
AircraftIT 2020 Survey: Covid-19
Its effects and how IT is responding
Aviation Maintenance and Covid-19
How digital technology can help
Digital drives efficiency at APLUS
Digital journey and bottom line benefits
Doing better in a post-Covid world ETL and e-Signatures
Reduce the ‘No Fault Found’ rate
Using data to keep track and improve performance
NEWS AND TECHNOLOGY UPDATES • VENDOR JOB CARD • MRO SOFTWARE DIRECTORY
AIRCRAFT IT MRO V9.2 JULY-AUGUST 2020 CASE STUDY RAMCO SYSTEMS & ICF • IFS SOLUTIONS IN PRACTICE SEABURY SOLUTIONS
AIRCRAFT IT MRO: HOW I SEE IT
COVID-19: Impacts and progress Words: Allan Bachan, VP, Managing Director, MRO Operations, ICF
T
he keynote subject at the last Aircraft IT conference in Miami was ‘Optimal usage of MRO IT Systems — How do we get there?’ In recent times, ‘Optimal usage of IT Systems’ has become a stark reality across the board and in all industries as a result of Covid-19. On its last quarterly earnings call Microsoft’s CEO, Satya Nadella said “We’ve seen two years’ worth of digital transformation in two months”. Over the past six (6) months, the digitalization of business processes has become a normal part of professional life at a pace exponentially faster than previous adoption levels. Interestingly, ‘Improving systems Adoption’ was featured in our SeptemberOctober 2019 ‘How I see IT’ column and also the subject of our recorded Webinar on October 10, 2019. We then showcased our philosophy on how to realize continuous improvement and internalize better adoption of technology as a normal part of operations. We now urge you to re-read ‘Improving Systems Adoption’ and ‘What’s in your Solution Blueprint’ and to again take a look at the ‘Optimizing Aviation MRO Systems and Processes’ webinar. These will hopefully provide some context and reminders on how we can avoid being reactive and become more proactive by design. Also, on how to meaningfully build on and internalize recent ‘adoption behaviors for MRO IT. Further thoughts specific to COVID-19 impacts now follow.
DEALING WITH COVID-19
In December 2019, IATA predicted that global airline profits for the year would be US$29.3 billion. In June 2020, the financial outlook by IATA projected a loss of US$84 billion. If nothing else, COVID-19
demonstrates the fragile nature of the aviation industry. With all that is going on, including reduction in air travel; accelerated aircraft retirements; a drop in workforce levels; rescheduled maintenance events and several suspended projects — what then should be the main priorities for MRO IT?
Coping strategies
Let us first consider some of the coping strategies (in no particular order) in which most airlines have been engaged over the period commencing in March 2020. Creating liquidity — converting negotiable and unencumbered assets to cash still continues to be a big push. Aircraft, materials inventory, and airport slots are all being leveraged for lines of credit with lending institutions. Conserving cash — curbing all spending and cutting costs across the board went into immediate effect. Support divisions, administrative functions and projects are feeling the most pinch. Reducing operations — fulfilling services only as necessary and as the market indicates. Movement of PPE (personal protective equipment), medical supplies and personnel were all that some airlines focused on for a while. Gradually adding passenger flights is only now picking up (July 2020). Generating revenue from alternate sources — finding as many ways as possible to make money. For example, passenger aircraft are being used as freighters — ‘Preighters’ — has become the norm where both the cabin and belly space are filled with materials rather than people. Maximizing staff productivity — optimizing people resources, roles, and assignments. Cross AIRCRAFT IT MRO • SEPTEMBER-OCTOBER 2020 • 62
functional roles and responsibilities; reduction in headcounts; furloughs; reduced paid time; and redundancies are some of the methods employed by several organizations. Right-sizing facilities, materials, and other resources — maximizing the usage of physical spaces and assets to the point of consolidating down to just a few locations from many is now common. Airlines have eliminated some network airports and facility locations completely from their foreseeable operating plans Guaranteeing personnel safety — ensuring that all staff are protected from the virus has become a key priority for all businesses.
Behaviors and actions
In order to realize benefits from these strategies in the short to medium term, organizations now have to exercise key behaviors and to act deliberately as listed below. How to behave 1. Measure 2. Analyze 3. Design 4. Optimize 5. Simulate
How to deploy 1. Be agile 2. Be nimble 3. Cross-utilize 4. Cooperate and Collaborate 5. Adopt and go
So, what exactly does this mean?
On the subject of how to behave: we believe that recent circumstances now dictate that organizations must continually measure their performance; analyze the data from those measurements; design new and improved ways of operating from that analysis;
AIRCRAFT IT MRO: HOW I SEE IT
optimize those designs and simulate identified optimizations prior to full implementations and execution. Change is inevitable moving forward and these behaviors are seen as core to doing that effectively. Regarding how to deploy: we have historically had a much slower rate of technology adoption versus innovation in the MRO IT arena. This cannot remain the same. Fundamentally, transformation begins with being truly agile for innovation; yet we must immediately buck the historic trend of weaker adoption by being nimble in implementing solutions. No single organization currently has the full maturity and knowhow across all potential solutions so we must cross-utilize, cooperate, and collaborate for the best cumulative impact. This applies both internally within organizations and with external partners. The adopt and go approach is strongly recommended since any projects consistent with the above approach will all be improvements, no matter how small or large. Deliberating and stalling for ‘new’ information or with expectations of ‘further advancements’ will just be standing in the way of progress.
Technology and processes
No solution is truly complete in today’s world without processes and technology enablers. This is especially true when organizations now have to do much more with much less. We have therefore identified several key enablers which should form the basis of such solutions. Accelerate digital adoption — this is now beyond digital transformation and the adopt and go philosophy applies. For example, more recently all of us have had to collaborate and execute on tasks 100% virtually and online. This adoption was mandated
through circumstances, yet very successfully realized globally. The result would not have been the same had this been optional. Nor would it have been as quick. The best use of this adoption, timing and momentum should now be harnessed, exercised, and mobilized for other adoption projects. Use real-time data to analyze, make decisions and act — this should emerge naturally as learned behavior. Business analytics as key decision support tools leading to processes (re)design and improvement is desirable as a normal consequence moving forward. Identify what and where for the maximum impact. Automate as many tasks and activities as possible — in the era of bots and RPA (robotic processes automation); human effort should be actions prompted by predictive and prescriptive information. The more technology dependencies are identifiable within organizational processes would indicate this maturity. Integrate disconnected applications — this acknowledges that there is no one ‘silver bullet’ when it comes down to software applications. Open architectures which allow seamless integrations yet sharing common data structures is most preferable. Deploy standard applications rapidly — do not try and reinvent or over invent. The best way to remain agile and nimble is to optimize with minimal customizations yet leveraging on maximum configuration options. The best way to do so is to design to-be processes around available technology. Decommission legacy and progress prohibitive software — far too prevalent today is strong internal advocacy for traditional and literally ‘old’ software applications which cloud an honest view of the future. These must be realized for what they are — obstacles to progress — and put on a firm retirement path now.
“…we have historically had a much slower rate of technology adoption versus innovation in the MRO IT arena. This cannot remain the same.” AIRCRAFT IT MRO • SEPTEMBER-OCTOBER 2020 • 63
SUMMARY
Technical Operations across the aviation ecosystem are severely challenged today. This environment however can be also seen as an opportunity for change and improvement. We have identified several coping strategies which should be employed. Applied correctly, these strategies should influence core behaviors and prompt definitive actions. For the best results on those actions, we have also listed key processes and technology approaches to be leveraged for identification, enablement, and execution on sound solutions. It is hoped that the application of this philosophy and model will help organizations to frame how they handle the impacts and secure progress. For now, that’s how I see IT.
SIMPLIFY YOUR CHOICE
BOOK A FREE CONSULTANCY SESSION WITH ALLAN TO DISCUSS THE ISSUES HERE, IN GREATER DETAIL AND IN THE CONTEXT OF YOUR BUSINESS AND CHALLENGES. INTERACTIVE GIVE US YOUR OPINION CLICK HERE TO POST YOUR COMMENT
ALLAN BACHAN
Allan is a Vice President at ICF with 32 years of industry experience as an Aviation M&E, MRO and Supply Chain solutions and systems domain expert. He is responsible for ICF’s MRO Operations and IT practice and he manages the Aircraft Commerce Consulting relationship with ICF. His experience includes managing application design, development, and full cycle implementation – from selection to go-live – for strategic clients in the MRO industry using different commercially available MRO IT products. In his career, Allan has fulfilled the following leadership roles: MRO IT practice and technical lead; MRO systems Product Principal; M&E and MRO Solutions Director and Manager of Technical Records, Maintenance Planning and Production Control.
CASE STUDY: EMBRAER
A better view of process in a paperless environment Neal Reagor, Director Planning and Commercial Services — EAMS, shares the experience of a paperless implementation as an enabler for efficient MRO Operations
AIRCRAFT IT MRO • SEPTEMBER-OCTOBER 2020 • 64
CASE STUDY: EMBRAER
B
efore starting the article proper, I’d like to share a brief history of EAMS (Embraer Aircraft Maintenance Services), prior to looking at what has been changed in terms of paperless and digital developments; then, as importantly, how things are now different and, finally, what EAMS has gained as a result of these changes.
ABOUT EAMS
A wholly owned subsidiary of Embraer since 2002, EAMS was the first Embraer MRO for commercial aircraft in the United States. In 2006, EAMS opened Hangar 2, which was built to support the E-Jets (E170 — E195), and in 2012 opened Hangar 3 to replace the paint area with a dedicated space. In 2013, a temporary hangar was opened, Hangar 4, to provide additional hangar and shop spaces. Today, EAMS provides Aircraft and Component maintenance as well as factory authorized training on the E-Jet from 11 aircraft maintenance bays and with over 400 maintenance technicians.
Where we were
In the period 2014 to 2016, prior to the exercise that is the subject of this article, EAMS was struggling to establish on time delivery performance. The goal was to see 90 percent of jobs delivered on time but the reality was that delivery performance varied between 20 percent on-time deliveries up to more than 90 percent on time (figure 1).
On Time Percent
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“Part of the problem was the volumes of paper involved with, for instance, more than 3,000 pieces of paper generated during a single Heavy Check.” Part of the problem was the volumes of paper involved with, for instance, more than 3,000 pieces of paper generated during a single Heavy Check. Furthermore, this plethora of paper offered no real time visibility of aircraft workflow and meant a lack of data from which to be able to make informed decisions. Everything, stamps, signatures, dates… it was all handwritten on paper. Also, because workflow was neither straightforward nor visible (figure 2), when paperwork moved to the various locations where it was needed, it was often lost which, even when temporary, meant delays.
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AIRCRAFT IT MRO • SEPTEMBER-OCTOBER 2020 • 65
Approved or Unapproved Bin
CASE STUDY: EMBRAER
There were very large volumes of paperwork in the hangars: each bay would have a board of nearly 500 panels that would have to be opened and closed during the check. Also, they were listed alpha numerically as opposed to by location. There was much that was not available from that paper-based system and, specifically, there was no real-time data being generated. Hence, there was no live status of aircraft progress; no real time task completion data; no standardized aircraft flow; and the Aircraft Checks’ status was manually populated. It was clear to us that this situation had to change; the question was how and with whom?
CHOOSING A SOLUTION
During Phase I of its value optimization project, EAMS was able to leverage its connection to one of the leading aircraft manufacturers to perform a comprehensive Kaizen A3 exercise analysis of its production processes, information flows, sets of problems and constraints. Identifying non-value adding activities received special attention. The entire staff was involved in the process from the beginning so all team members would have a clear understanding of the future goals and the contributions expected from each one of them to reach the objectives. Part of the results of this exercise
“The entire staff was involved in the process from the beginning so all team members would have a clear understanding of the future goals and the contributions expected from each one of them…” was a detailed list of required improvements. Multiple key processes were optimized, including re-engineering task card distribution and implementing revised service flows. This type of approach effectively prevented EAMS from looking for software, for the sake of token innovation. Instead, it set the business on the pursuit of a platform and infrastructure, driving the necessary change in its behavior and way of doing business. EAMS needed a proven toolkit that would integrate with the new change management processes. After evaluating a series of vendors and solutions, EAMS decided
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Airlines. MRO. OEM. Defense. www.empowermx.com
Intelligent MRO Software Suite for the Airline and Defense Industry that improves Operational Efficiency, Real-time Collaboration, and Profitability. AIRCRAFT IT MRO • SEPTEMBER-OCTOBER 2020 • 66
CASE STUDY: EMBRAER
Understanding the legacy process
The first step of the project was to analyze and understand the processes within the business and then to identify the issues that would need to be tackled in preparation for implementation of the new solution. A strategy had to be defined and we had to complete our Kaizen objectives. Kaizen is a Japanese business philosophy for continuous improvement of working practices, personal efficiency, etc. It is a commitment that involves all employees from the CEO to the assembly line workers and is applied to all processes. By improving standardized programs and processes, Kaizen aims to eliminate waste. The next stage was, of course, to implement the new solution and then to work to optimize the new process. The first job was to understand what happened to paperwork within the old processes and to map those processes (figure 3).
EmpowerMX offered the best fit to its goal of becoming an excellency center in commercial aviation MRO and enabling its technical staff to effect change and sustain it. Its selection formed part of the drive, not just to attain better visibility of emerging risks and constraints, but also to open a smooth path to paperless. Phase II of the project saw EmpowerMX’s MRO Manager© being implemented at EAMS in seamless integration with other solutions already in place as part of the company’s IT portfolio. The two companies worked together to configure the software to meet most of the business requirements defined as part of Phase I, and additional development and customization covered the remainder while keeping in consideration proven and emerging MRO world best-practices. The software was implemented in waves, gradually increasing the number of bays until the entire facility utilized the new, improved processes and streamlined procedures controlled by real-time data.
WHAT HAS BEEN CHANGED AND HOW IT HAS CHANGED
Starting in 2014, EAMS embarked on a program of process improvement and preparation for the changes that were planned. In 2015 the new paperless and digital solution from EmpowerMX was implemented and the work processes were automated. With the new solution now in place and working, EAMS can look to the future and towards standardized and optimized processes. The whole program was named P3E and stood on four key pillars: People; Culture; Leadership; and Business Efficiency.
Figure 3
In order to do this effectively, we involved the whole team in the project to ensure that everyone had a stake in the changes; we also encouraged ideas from the team based on the principle that ‘there is no such thing as a bad idea’.
The value of a paperless and digital process
We then considered how the move to a digital and paperless process might benefit the business (figure 4), especially non-routines.
AIRCRAFT IT MRO • SEPTEMBER-OCTOBER 2020 • 67
CASE STUDY: EMBRAER
“It’s now easy for managers to check task card and labor/hour progress on any job, and to identify overdue milestones and tasks. Quality indicators are also easily available including reopened, rejected and voided task cards. ” Figure 4
The first clear benefit was the legibility of a digitally produced document as against one on which many different people with different handwriting standards and different pens had made entries; plus the fact that, in a workshop environment, paper picks up dirt which a digital image will not do. Also, date and time stamp entries can be built in to the digitalized process so that they never get missed or incorrectly entered. Perhaps an obvious benefit is that there will be less paperwork on the floor but also the use of electronic signatures will both speed up the processes and ensure that each step in the process is correctly signed off in for the process to continue. Last, but not least, digital notes ensure that nothing is missed and that all notes are always available to technicians in the right place at the touch of a button.
Task Cards
In the legacy system, the flow of task cards around the work environment was complex as seen in figure 2. Moving to a new paperless and digital process reduced the process from 12 steps to just six steps (figure 5)
Inspector
NR Directly Entered Into Empower
Lead Bids Job & Orders Materials
Customer Approval Website
Customer Approves Task Card
Task Card Ready to Flow and Work
Figure 5
This change offered much better control of task cards in the process. Task card movement has become visible and online customer approvals are possible which can save a lot of time when unexpected issues arise. Because the process is so visible, it’s possible to have increased accountability and, without the need to
handle large quantities of paper but with the capability to access documents almost instantly, the time into work has also been improved.
Pre-shift work assignments
With the new paperless digital system, it is easier to arrange work for technicians before their shift commences and to group jobs into executable packages so that technicians can better focus on the job in hand without distractions from all the paper documents that used to be around. It is also easier to flow work out from the project manager to the crew and on to the individual technicians who will be undertaking the work.
Real-time data and maintenance flow
As we’ve already said, the big change is that EAMS is now able to see in real time the progress of each task underway not only for that task itself but also relative to other work in the shop which makes planning and managing processes much easier because planners and managers are better informed about what is happening on the shop floor and informed in real time. The current status of each aircraft in the shop, how far it has moved along in the process; what if any unplanned jobs and non-routines have been revealed and what remains to be done, all that is now available at any time. Also, the major and minor check milestones are all available on the system along with all relevant factual data about the work. Any critical factors that will require customer involvement can be viewed by the customer from the system and, taking a higher level view, planned versus actual labor trends are now plotted to add further value to planning capability.
DATA TO MAKE INFORMED DECISIONS
Decisions are crucial to making progress in a process and (whether they’re right
AIRCRAFT IT MRO • SEPTEMBER-OCTOBER 2020 • 68
CASE STUDY: EMBRAER
or wrong) in the outcome of that process. Suhail Doshi, CEO of Mixpanel has said, “Most of the world will make decisions by either guessing or using their gut. They will be either lucky or wrong.” That is a very good reason for decisions to be based on as much information as possible. The real-time nature of EAMS’s new solution means that plenty of high quality and relevant decision support information is available when it’s needed. It’s now easy for managers to check task card and labor/hour progress on any job, and to identify overdue milestones and tasks. Quality indicators are also easily available including reopened, rejected and voided task cards. Non-routine evaluation status can be quickly accessed and, importantly, so can real-time budget process — keeping control of the financial aspect of any work is vital for both EAMS and for its customers. Finally, it’s now possible to compare the planned versus actual labor used in the production process. Furthermore, because the new solution is digital, reporting is automated (figure 6).
Data to Make Informed Decisions
Over Estimate:
Labor Plan:
As Is: Automated Reporting
Evaluation Summary:
Figure 6
AIRCRAFT IT MRO • SEPTEMBER-OCTOBER 2020 • 69
And more…
CASE STUDY: EMBRAER
are other examples of data trends from the new solution. We can spot rework trends and, perhaps, identify any similarities in the cases to minimize reworks. Not only that but we can also spot work stoppages and, again, ask why that has happened plus we are now able to identify incorrectly classified findings. We can capture audit and tally data and all the data now available helps support better shop resource utilization.
THE RESULTS OF THE CHANGE
Since moving to the new paperless digital system, we have found at EAMS that many of our processes and other aspects of the business have improved. Increases in technician efficiency (figure 8) that have been achieved (see above) have also enabled increases in quality (figure 9) and in employee safety (figure 10).
Task Card Efficiency 116%
120%
It also makes possible ‘Task card life cycle analyses’ (figure 7) that generates data to improve the execution of task cards and identify bottlenecks. With that information, informed changes can be made to increase mechanics’ hands-on time and decrease overall Check turn time, one task at a time.
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Instant reporting is now available to all departments based on needs. Plus there
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AIRCRAFT IT MRO • SEPTEMBER-OCTOBER 2020 • 70 40 1
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CASE STUDY: EMBRAER
SUMMARY FROM GOING PAPERLESS
Increases in data volumes, organization and availability have greatly enhanced our ability to make quick and accurate business decisions based on factual real-time data. No more guesses or acting on hunches, decisions can be linked to real world events and trends. Also, a better and more defined process means that what happens within the system is properly defined and so requiring few work-arounds or none at all. Finally, we have achieved increased accountability throughout the process with the defined processes highlighting new and previously unknown bottlenecks that were delaying the work but without us really knowing why.
“…EAMS’s on time delivery performance has stabilized now and at a higher level that our previous but rarely achieved objective with on time deliveries running at around 100 percent for most of the time…” On time deliveries
If you remember, at the beginning of this article, we saw that EAMS was struggling to establish on time delivery performance. The goal was to see 90 percent of jobs delivered on time but the reality was that delivery performance varied between 20 percent on-time deliveries up to more than 90 percent on time (figure 1). I’m very pleased to be able to report that EAMS’s on time delivery performance has stabilized now and at a higher level that our previous but rarely achieved objective with on time deliveries running at around 100 percent for most of the time (figure 11).
EAMS – On Time Delivery Performance 120% 100%
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Figure 11
EAMS
Embraer Aircraft Maintenance Services is an MRO and has been a wholly owned subsidiary of Embraer since 2002. The company provides component repair, aircraft maintenance and MRO training services at its maintenance base in Nashville, TN. EAMS is the world’s center of excellence for Embraer ERJs and E-Jets heavy maintenance and component repair and has performed more than 1,400 heavy inspections since 2008. The facility offers 11 hangar bays with more than 500 highly skilled technicians and has more than 2,800 components part numbers on their repair capabilities. EAMS is a Certified Repair Station under a number of regulatory authorities.
EmpowerMX is a world leader in providing cloud-based intelligent maintenance support for today’s aircraft, with a focus on delivering software solutions supporting the planning, execution and tracking of maintenance in the commercial aviation environment. Since inception, EmpowerMX has evolved into a global operation providing software, services and support to air carriers, MRO’s, OEMs and startup operators. The suite is fully modular so it can be deployed as part of complex IT portfolios to leverage on pre-existing investments, or deployed to cover all the business needs of operators and independent MRO organizations.
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Neal is a data driven operations business leader with 12 years of experience using data and analytics to make well informed decisions. Skilled in strategic long range planning, business development, continuous improvement, program management, and contract negotiations.
EMPOWERMX
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NEAL REAGOR
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AIRCRAFT IT MRO • SEPTEMBER-OCTOBER 2020 • 71
AIRCRAFT MRO: VENDOR JOB CARD
VENDOR JOB CARD: RIGHT ON TIME AVIATION (ROTA)
James Cornelius offers us an insight into the partnership principles and enthusiasm for IT that ensures customers’ continuing confidence in ROTA James is an experienced MRO IT Program Manager with deep experience in both Commercial and Defense aviation software. Prior to starting ROTA, he spent 20 years working in aviation. Starting with Boeing and transitioning to FAR 121 carriers, James worked through the ranks to leadership roles across multiple departments in Maintenance and Engineering, and the IT world. He is a Veteran of the Special Operations of the United States Marine Corps. Aircraft IT: Your name, your job, and the name of the business? James Cornelius: James Cornelius, President and Founder, Right On Time Aviation (ROTA) Aircraft IT: How did ROTA get started? JC: ROTA was established in 2014 at a time when commercial and defense aviation along with the MRO industry was in a period of growth. The expansion of fleets both in size and diversity, geographic locations, and varying operating models allowed ROTA to bring a differentiating solution to market. Choices exist in every part of aviation and ROTA was formed with the passion and experience gained through the ranks of OEMs and Part
121/135/145 Operators, coupled with the discipline gained in the Marine Corps and an enthusiasm for information technology. Aircraft IT: What is the guiding business principle that drives the business? JC: ROTA was founded as a veteran owned business and that Marine Corps discipline carries through to
every Customer, every project, every member of the team. Working together, one plan, confidence in the abilities of each other, and integrity in all that we do. In the chaos of battle, character matters. Aircraft IT: What has ROTA’s greatest business achievement been to date, and why? JC: ROTA has continued to be successful and grow
“ROTA was established in 2014 at a time when commercial and defense aviation along with the MRO industry was in a period of growth…” AIRCRAFT IT MRO • SEPTEMBER-OCTOBER 2020 • 72
AIRCRAFT MRO: VENDOR JOB CARD
amidst the impact of Covid on the industry due to its relationships and reputation. A relatively small project to assess a new M&E IT solution forged the path to a strong partnership. Our continued success relies on finding those customers that want to embrace a working together culture, giving us their implicit trust to become part of the inside team and drive the results. Aircraft IT: What disappointments have you encountered and what have you learned from them? JC: Our Process Development System (PDS) facilitates upgrades, documents requirements, and defines use cases. During the development lifecycle there was functionality that proved difficult to implement given the established framework. Today, the PDS has been
“ROTA strengthens core technology platforms across customers’ operations through a trusted adviser relationship, implementations, upgrades, customizations, training, and on-going support ”
used on multiple upgrades and allows customers to further use the data captured in the system for development of technology roadmaps, data consolidation and migration, and event-process chain mapping.
JC: ROTA strengthens core technology platforms across customers’ operations through a trusted adviser relationship, implementations, upgrades, customizations, training, and on-going support.
Aircraft IT: In a sentence, how would you summarize what the business does for aircraft maintenance customers?
Aircraft IT: What will be the next big thing in maintenance Aviation IT? JC: Expanded application of VR/AR utilizing digital twins and integration
into existing M&E IT systems allowing maintenance personnel to evaluate the current condition of the asset, predict future behavior, refine the control, and optimize the operation. A digital twin reflects the current asset condition and includes relevant historical data allowing access to a library of data that can be shared across operators to improve reliability and maintenance practices. Aircraft IT: What do you want your customers to say about ROTA? JC: ROTA is a committed, steadfast, and experienced partner that will continually be linked across the evolution of our businesses. Aircraft IT: James, thank you for your time.
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DIRECTORY
MRO Software Directory Key ‘at-a-glance’ information from the world’s leading MRO software providers. IT is a powerful force but, to leverage its greatest value, it must be harnessed and directed. It must also be able to handle huge and growing data streams that record every aspect in the lives of aircraft and the processes by which they fly. This challenge has attracted the best brains and most innovative enterprises to create IT solutions for one of the most demanding working environments, Aircraft MRO and M&E. Inevitably, there are many such developers and vendors offering solutions ranging from single function `Specialist Point Solutions’ to complete `End-to-End’ solutions covering the whole process. Only readers will know the specific requirements of their businesses but we have assembled a directory of the best MRO software providers and listed them alphabetically to make it easier for you to undertake a brief-ish (there are 35 providers and the number continues to grow) survey of the market, as a preliminary to starting on any specification and selection process. Or you might simply read it to keep up to date with what is available today.
2MoRO
ADSoftware
W: www.2moro.com T: +33 (0)559 013 005 E: sales@2moro.com
W: www.adsoftware.fr T: +33 (0)4.50.89.48.50 E: contact@adsoftware.fr
Locations: France (HQ), Canada and Malaysia
Location: France, Thailand, South Africa, Brazil
ADT: Applied Database Technology W: www.adbtech.com T: +1 (425) 466-5013 T: +1 (614) 377-9644 E: sales@adbtech.com
Location: Bellevue, Tampa USA; Istanbul, Turkey
NAME OF PRODUCT MARKETED • Aero One, Aero-Webb, BFly
NAME OF PRODUCT MARKETED • AIRPACK
NAME OF PRODUCT MARKETED • Wings NG
KEY BUSINESS/SOFTWARE AREAS • MRO: Line, Base, Engine maintenance • Airworthiness and Fleet Management • Flight and Crew management • Material Management • ERP: Finance, Purchasing, Sales, HR
KEY BUSINESS/SOFTWARE AREAS • AIRTIME — Fleet management & CAMO • AIRSTOCK — Inventory control & Logistic • AIRDOC — Documentation management • AIRSTAT — Reliability and statistic reports • AIRWORK — Time Tracking Software
KEY BUSINESS/SOFTWARE AREAS • Fleet Management • Maintenance Engineering • Material Management • Production Planning • Labor Collection, Billing
2MoRO is a software development company dedicated to the aviation market. Our teams are located in Europe, America and Asia. We work with partners and resellers worldwide and our software solutions are used in more than 20 countries. We propose 3 different software solutions in order to fit every type and size of Aviation, Aerospace and Defense companies. Our solutions have been chosen by aircraft and engine manufacturers such as Airbus Helicopters, Dassault Aviation or Safran Group but also by aircraft operators, airlines or independent MROs. We also have a R&D department and can help you in data migration. Aero One® and Aero-Webb® have been designed to complement your ERP solution regarding aviation and MRO specific needs. They are certified by SAP®, and Aero-Webb® can also be used as stand-alone. BFly®, our latest software, is a new way to create customized software for aviation and enables users to collaborate, design personalized screens, workflows and business processes.
ADSoftware has developed an integrated fleet management system and logistic package called AIRPACK. This 6 module system answers to the needs of aircraft and helicopters operators, as well as MRO and CAMO centres. It meets all requirements in terms of functionality, traceability, performance, aviation legislation and regulations. Today, ADSoftware counts more than 54 clients worldwide. The strength of ADSoftware is the simplicity of its products; they are Microsoft Windows® ready, Web-enabled, available in various languages and a complete training program can be done in just five days. The company also provides a 24/7 online technical support and extremely competitive pricing conditions.
APPLIED DATABASE TECHNOLOGY (ADT) is a professional services and software development firm that provides MRO software solutions for aircraft operators as well as aircraft repair and overhaul organizations. Our commitment to this business segment is proven with our software package, WINGS, designed specifically for aerospace companies. ADT has been in the software business since 1992 and has built an excellent customer reference base. Our first priority is always customer satisfaction; thus we have obtained 100% customer satisfaction since 1992. ADT has a proven record to develop reference accounts in the Aviation industry along with other high technology companies which are considered to be leaders in their fields.
At 2MoRO, we are proud to offer a very dedicated customer service, as reflected by our 95% retention rate. We work mainly on a fixed-price base and we are ISO 9001 certified for aviation software development, maintenance and support.
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AIRCRAFT IT MRO • SEPTEMBER-OCTOBER 2020 • 74
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DIRECTORY
AeroSoft Systems
Aerostrat
AirInt Services
AMC Aviation
W: www.aerosoftsys.com T: +1 905.678.9564 E: sales@aerosoftsys.com
W: www.aerostratsoftware.com T: +1-888-558-2860 E: info@aerostratsoftware.com
W: www.airintservices.com T: +33 6 14 39 81 55 E: mlopez@airintservices.com
W: www.amc-aviation.fr T: +33 6 33 27 80 38 E: contact@amc-aviation.fr
Location: Ontario, Canada; Miami, FL, USA; Austria
Location: Seattle, USA
Location: Bordeaux & Paris (France)
Location: France and Dubai
NAME OF PRODUCT MARKETED • DigiMAINT, DigiDOC, WebPMI/DJM
NAME OF PRODUCT MARKETED • Aerros
NAME OF PRODUCT MARKETED • Cabin App, RFID App, Cargo App
NAME OF PRODUCT MARKETED • iCare AMS, iCare SMS, iCare iTech
KEY BUSINESS/SOFTWARE AREAS • Maintenance and Engineering Management • Digital Document Content Management • Business Intelligence Reporting • Business 2 Business transaction interface • Interface to Financials / Flight Operations
KEY BUSINESS/SOFTWARE AREAS • Heavy/Base Maintenance Planning • Capacity/Workload Planning • Maintenance Schedule Optimization • Maintenace Event Performance Tracking • Heavy/Base Production Schedules
KEY BUSINESS/SOFTWARE AREAS • Cabin Maintenance • Data Management & Analytics • Digital Solutions & Mobility • Safety Equipment Inventory (RFID)
KEY BUSINESS/SOFTWARE AREAS • Full Operator / independent CAMO management • Full Operator / independent AMO/MRO management • Full Logistics / Purchase Management • QA Conformity and SMS management • Costs and invoicing management
AeroSoft Systems Inc. is unique in MRO IT, born in 1997 out of aircraft OEM digital document systems and the evolution of ATA iSPEC2200 and SPEC2000 standards. AeroSoft has two distinct MRO IT products: DigiMAINT and WebPMI sharing a common set of optional modules for BI, B2B, Finance and Flight Operations, plus DigiDOC, a state of the art digital content management system. AeroSoft has the unique expertise to integrate DigiDOC with any competitive MRO IT system. Strategic partners include Hexaware Technologies Inc. who are jointly going to market internationally offering large IT capacity at competitive rates.
Aerostrat is based in Seattle, WA and offers one product called Aerros, a one-of-a-kind program that manages an airline’s or MRO’s aircraft maintenance schedule. Aerros enables users to optimize the maintenance program by managing various maintenance and operational constraints, which maximizes event yield, drives costs down, and enables the organization to plan proactively, not reactively. Aerros provides robust ‘what-if’ scenario capabilities that allow users to see the effect of different variables. This aids in making sound business decisions concerning the maintenance and fleet plan. Some of these variables are maintenance programs limits, min/target/max yield, aircraft hr/cy utilization, track/requirement compatibility, and maintenance allocations. To forecast an optimal maintenance plan within an operation, Aerros also provides a Capacity Planning feature. This feature allows users to input and view vendor capacity available and labor hour demand to better manage the labor force. Aerros also provides easy-to-navigate scenarios with drag and drop event movement and manipulation. Scenarios can be published so others (including vendors or operators) can view the plan. Aerros provides excellent system stability and reliability with standard IT practices. It is also integrationready and designed to work as an extension of a user’s existing information systems.
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AirInt Services is a French aviation software provider created in 2011 and specialized in developing digital maintenance solutions for Airlines & MROs. Our headquarters are located in Bordeaux in the South of France, and we do also have sales offices in Paris to easily connect with all our customers. We exclusively work in the aerospace industry because our background and our DNA is cabin maintenance. Indeed, we have accumulated decades of experience in: • Equipment removal, installation, modification and overhaul
With 20 years of experience, AMC Aviation is an EASA CAMO PART-M, EASA PART-145 and Cosulting company. We offer an important range of services to airlines and leasing companies such as Maintenance support, engineering services, airworthiness management, civil aviation trainings, software solutions and flight operation services. Our Moto is “Your sucess is our comitment”
• Spare part logistics, purchase and supply • Shift for A & C checks in MROs, daily & weekly checks with airlines • EASA Form 1 issue in PART 145 workshop At AirInt Services, we strongly believe that, in a challenging environment where competitivity and performance are always more important, having the modern and adequate tools to perform your missions are key to success. This is why we are here. This is why we developed our softwares. And this is why we have several Airlines, MROs and OEMs trusting our solutions and daily using them to facilitate their maintenance activities.
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AIRCRAFT IT MRO • SEPTEMBER-OCTOBER 2020 • 75
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DIRECTORY
APSYS
ASQS (Advanced Safety and Quality Solutions)
ATP
Aviation InterTec Services
W: www.asqs.net T: +43 1 306 1234 E: sales@asqs.net
W: www.atp.com T: +1 415-330-9500 E: marketing@atp.com
W: www.aviationintertec.com T: +1 807-625-9260 E: info@aviationintertec.com
Location: France
Locations: ASQS GmbH, Vienna, Austria, ASQS Ltd., Bangkok, Thailand
Location: Brisbane, California; Toronto, Canada; Austin, Texas; and Bonita Springs, Florida
Locations: Canada, Malta
NAME OF PRODUCT MARKETED • AMASIS, IBIS, Simfia and Simlog
NAME OF PRODUCT MARKETED • IQSMS (Integrated Quality and Safety Management System) • Flight Data Monitoring (FDM) Service • The IQSMS Suite consists of a total of 10 modules, varying according to the operator. (Airlines, Business Jets, Helicopter, Airports, MROs...)
NAME OF PRODUCT MARKETED • ChronicX • SpotLight • ATP Libraries • ATP Aviation Hub • Flightdocs
NAME OF PRODUCT MARKETED • RAAS
W: www.apsys-airbus.com T: +33 (0) 5 61 30 99 00 E: gesine.varfis@apsys-airbus.com
KEY BUSINESS/SOFTWARE AREAS • Consulting Services • Enterprise Risk Management • Digitalization and Analytics • Airline and MRO Excellence • Maintenance and Risk Management Solutions As an Airbus subsidiary APSYS serves customers worldwide in determining leading risk management standards in close cooperation with our customers. Deeply rooted in aerospace engineering, the company’s experts are involved throughout the entire lifecycle of an aircraft from design to in-service operations guaranteeing reliable and safe aircraft operations (Product Assurance & Safety). APSYS supports its customers in achieving highest security standards for their operational and Information Technology to reduce vulnerability, making sure that clients have state of the art tools and processes established to manage attacks and threats (Product Security). On behalf of customers, APSYS has defined and implemented processes and tools for controlling technical, human and operational risks. With more than 450 employees APSYS supports the aerospace industry, but also the defense, transportation and energy sectors.
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KEY BUSINESS SOFTWARE AREAS • Quality Management Module • Reporting Module • Risk Management Module • Document Distribution Module • Emergency Response Planning Module ASQS (Advanced Safety and Quality Solutions) is a global supplier of highly innovative QMS and SMS software for the aviation industry, supporting more than 200 large and small operators, including airlines, business jet and helicopter operators, groundhandling agents/FBOs, airports and maintenance organizations, in creating a safe and productive work environment. The company specializes in intuitive, integrated, web-based solutions with exceptional customer support. ASQS’s core product IQSMS allows clients to manage operational data 24/7 online and offline with a single integrated tool which significantly simplifies daily tasks. The easy handling of the software creates a positive reporting culture, enables comprehensive quality management and proactive risk management to maximize productivity, reduce operating costs, and optimize internal and external working procedures. IQSMS automates laborious processes like the submission of ECCAIRS or IDX compliant incident reports which, combined with a consolidated, up-to-date regulations database, ensures legal compliance with national and international requirements and standards.
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KEY BUSINESS/SOFTWARE AREAS • Maintenance Operations Solutions • Maintenance Tracking • Flight Operations • Reliability Tools • Aircraft Troubleshooting • Business Intelligence for Aircraft • Recurring Defect Analysis ATP is a global information services and software solutions company focused on making flying safer and more reliable. ATP Information Services is the general and business aviation industry’s source for aircraft technical publications and real-time regulatory information. ATP Software Solutions is the leading provider of maintenance tracking, flight operations, inventory management, repetitive defect analysis, and troubleshooting software. The company’s applications help reduce operating costs, improve aircraft reliability, and supports technical knowledge sharing and collaboration within the general and business aviation, military/defense, commercial aviation, and OEM industries. The company has deployed solutions for multiple Fortune 100 companies, supporting more than 75,000 aircraft maintenance professionals worldwide. As a global company, ATP has more than 7,500 customers in 137 countries, with nearly 50 years of experience in the information services and software industries.
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AIRCRAFT IT MRO • SEPTEMBER-OCTOBER 2020 • 76
KEY BUSINESS/SOFTWARE AREAS • Production Planning and Management • Inventory and Procurement • Inspection Document Management • Reliabiliity and Performance Analysis • Financial and Flight Operations Integration RAAS is an MRO and CAMO software system designed to meet the needs of mid-tier commercial fleet operators. Enabling modern, high-efficiency workflows in a powerful and straightforward package, RAAS is the best fit for midsize fleets and user groups. Scalable, intelligent and 100% browser-based, RAAS includes efficiency-creating features such as automated real time airframe time updating and exchange of aircraft next due items, electronic technical dispatch, MPD/MRB driven program management and check package creation, purchase order e-approval and e-signature, integration with finance/accounting for payables or inventory value management, and of course approved paperless and e-signature maintenance processes from the hangar floor to the cockpit. RAAS customers enjoy the benefits of a widely accessible and easy-to-use inventory management and maintenance support system that through continued use is able to reduce maintenance costs by increasing maintenance procedure efficiency, reducing held inventory, providing proof of quality for inspection escalations, and by directly reducing clerical manpower requirements. The quick deployment, ease of support, and low TCO inherent in cross-platform browserbased information systems coupled with high levels of integration, easy-to-use user interfaces, and many automated reporting and data analysis features make RAAS a leader in its field.
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DIRECTORY
AIRCRAFT IT The Boeing Company
CloudCARDS
Comply365
W: www.boeing.com/supportandservices T: +1 206-655-2121 E: BoeingSupportandServices@Boeing.com
W: www.cloudcards.ie T: +353 (0) 61748767 E: sales@cloudcards.ie
Location: Over 65 locations around the world
Location: Limerick, Ireland
W: www.comply365.com T: +1 (800) 206-2004 E: info@comply365.com
NAME OF PRODUCT MARKETED • Airplane Health Management • Business Consulting • Maintenance Performance Toolbox • Optimized Maintenance Program
NAME OF PRODUCT MARKETED • CARDS (Civil Aviation Remote Delivery System) • AMS (Asset Management System)
KEY BUSINESS/SOFTWARE AREAS • Technical Content Management • Vehicle Health Mana gement • Maintenance Optimization Consulting Boeing is the world’s largest aerospace company and leading manufacturer of commercial jetliners and defense, space and security systems. Boeing Support and Services combines airplane design and manufacturing expertise with unique access to fleet-wide operational data to offer optimization solutions. With these offerings, Boeing addresses the evolving need for integration and optimization of data and information across the aviation ecosystem to empower smart decision-making. The portfolio includes services and solutions for flight operations, maintenance & engineering and procurement organizations to optimize the operational efficiency of airplanes and operations. Boeing has more than 250 customers for its optimization solutions. The portfolio draws on solutions from a family of Boeing companies: AerData, Inventory Locator Services and Jeppesen, serving operators of Boeing and non-Boeing airplanes.
KEY BUSINESS/SOFTWARE AREAS • Aircraft Asset Management • Aircraft Delivery and Re-delivery Management • Aircraft Annual Inspection Management • Aircraft Project Management • Aircraft Technical Services CloudCARDS Ltd. an aircraft delivery and asset management software provider, formed in Ireland April 2013, has an experienced team of aviation experts working together to seamlessly deliver its exceptional software products to both Airlines and Leasing Companies around the globe. The long-term objective in CloudCARDS Ltd. is to dramatically reduce the cost of aircraft asset management and improve the oversight the owner and operator has on the asset. CARDS® — Civil Aircraft Remote Delivery System is a software platform designed to financially manage the asset and fully project manage the technical review, aircraft physical & records audit. AMS — Asset Management System is designed to manage the day-to-day management of the asset including utilization, maintenance reserves, alerts, forecasting, invoicing and reporting. All CloudCARDS Ltd. products are securely built using the latest cloud based technology. After all, your aircraft operate in the clouds, so why not manage them there too?
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Operations
Location: USA
NAME OF PRODUCT MARKETED • ProAuthor (XML-Based Authoring Solution) • Electronic Flight Bag (EFB) • Digital Briefing • Document & Communication Manager • Training Solution (LMS Learning Manager) KEY BUSINESS/SOFTWARE AREAS • XML-Based Authoring Solution (ProAuthor) • Electronic Flight Bag (EFB) • Digital Briefing Flight Release • Document Mgmt. and Distribution Platform • Targeted Distribution w/ Compliance Tracking Comply365 delivers secure, cloud-based solutions, focusing on Authoring, EFB and Digital Briefing Solutions, as well as Targeted Distribution of Mobile Manuals. The Authoring Solution, features ProAuthor: the aviation industry’s first and only XML-based solution for authoring, revising and distributing publications. Comply365’s proven Electronic Flight Bag (EFB) solution lets crews access mission-critical information throughout each phase of flight. Digital Briefing helps turn planes faster for more on-time departures with instant feedback to dispatchers when the flight crew accepts a release and signs Fit for Duty. Comply365’s full-featured Document Management and Targeted Distribution Platform boosts productivity by delivering any type of manual or document directly to any mobile device or stationary workstation.
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AIRCRAFT IT MRO • SEPTEMBER-OCTOBER 2020 • 77
Webinars eJournals Software Conferences News Advisory Unit Want to be involved? Simply email scott.leslie@aircraftit.com for more information
www.aircraftIT.com
DIRECTORY
Conduce
CrossConsense
EmpowerMX
eTT Aviation
Location: Nuneaton, Warwickshire
Location: Frankfurt Germany; Heusenstamm Germany
W: www.empowermx.com T: +1 866-498-3702 E: info@empowermx.com
W: www.ettaviation.com T: +1 208-424-9424 E: info@ettaviation.com
Location: Frisco TX, USA
Locations: Boise, ID, USA
NAME OF PRODUCT MARKETED • eTechLog8 • eCabinLog8 • eTraining8 • eCentral8
NAME OF PRODUCT MARKETED • Aicraft Fleet View • ACSIS
NAME OF PRODUCT MARKETED • FleetCycle® Execution Suite — MRO Manager (FCXM)
NAME OF PRODUCT MARKETED • MISA: Complete Aviation Management Information System
KEY BUSINESS/SOFTWARE AREAS • Support • Consulting • Business Intelligence solutions • App and dashboard development
KEY BUSINESS/SOFTWARE AREAS • FleetCycle® Execution Suite: Production Manager (FXPM), MRO Manager (FCXM) and Line Manager (FCXL) • Maintenance Program Manager (FCMPM), Planning Manager (FCPM), Reliability Manager (FCRM), Material Manager (FCMM), and Maintenance Intelligence (FCMI), Electronic LogBook (FCELB) • Coming Soon: FleetCycle® Executive Suite — Shop Manager (FCXS))
KEY BUSINESS/SOFTWARE AREAS • Accounting • Maintenance • Inventory Management • Purchasing • Human Resources/Payroll
W: www.conduce.net T: +44 333 888 4044 E: info@conduce.net
KEY BUSINESS/SOFTWARE AREAS • Electronic Tech Log • Cabin Log • Document Viewer Conduce specializes in producing mobile applications for the aviation industry, writing native Win8/10 and IOS tablet “Touch” solutions and integrating these with responsive modern connected websites. The current flagship product eTechLog8 enables an airline to eliminate the traditional paper based tech log/cabin log and deferred defect books and is currently in differing stages of contract, trial & acceptance with various airlines. Several NAA’s are also now involved with respect to monitoring these projects, enabling the necessary approval for the eventual roll out of paperless tech log systems with multiple EASA approved airline fleets.
W: www.crossconsense.com T: +49 69 4035 7600 E: contact@crossconsense.de
CrossConsense’s portfolio stretches from AMOS Support, BI-Management, Data Migration and Hosting to the products Aircraft Fleet View (progressive web app for up-to-date fleet status) and ACSIS (tool for predictive maintenance). AMOS Support: CrossConsense has a long tradition in providing support for AMOS with one single point of contact for 1st and 2nd level. CrossConsense realizes well-planned and perfectly organized data migration projects for airline customers; plus offers Reporting and Business Intelligence Analytics for AMOS customers. Aircraft Fleet View is a user-friendly Progressive Web App (PWA) developed by CrossConsense that gives you an always up-to-date view on your airline’s fleet status. It indicates AOGs, delays and other important information. It provides the right level of detail to be useful but not crowded with information. ACSIS is a powerful software tool developed to assist any airline, aircraft operator, MRO facility and OEM to avoid AOGs, delays and turnbacks, as well as improve aircraft utilization, and enhance safety. ACSIS integrates with any MRO / M&E Software solution to deliver better insights into aircraft health and potential future problems to be dealt with during scheduled maintenance.
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EmpowerMX is an aviation industry-recognized software development/consulting-services business. We are purely focused on empowering our customers with the ability to decrease the costs of making air travel safer by equipping their decision makers with reliable, real-time/globally available intelligence for minimizing maintenance turn times/ OpEx while maximizing airworthiness/profits. FCXM allows MROs, airlines, and lessors to effectively control the entire maintenance lifecycle or only the portions for which they are responsible. Airlines can jointly manage their outsourced and insourced activites like engineering reliability, QA and maintenance programs at the line, heavy and shop levels with an expected reduction in cycle times and increase in labor productivity on the magnitude of 16-30 percent. Third-party MROs can run their entire operation from bidding through contracting to invoicing.
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AIRCRAFT IT MRO • SEPTEMBER-OCTOBER 2020 • 78
The Management Information System for Aviation (MISA), is a fully integrated, and expertly supported product that provides extensive tools for an aviation company to manage all aspects of their business, including accounting, maintenance, inventory management, purchasing, flight operations, employee training, human resources, payroll, labor collection, government contracting, and flight school management. It is a common practice for aviation companies to use multiple applications to manage their operations. Often, such applications have limited interfaces necessitating duplicate data entry — a recipe for inducing errors and decreasing efficiency. And even when interfaces exist, they can be difficult to manage and require resources to build, maintain, and support them. MISA provides the solution for these issues by standardizing, streamlining, and integrating business processes across all the various departments and functional areas within the company; and this integration improves the bottom line while providing employees a user-friendly and consistent application experience across the whole organization and access to real-time, comprehensive, and relevant information from a single system rather than from disparate sources. MISA boasts impressive customer loyalty as evidenced by a number of aviation companies who have used MISA as their ERP system for more than two decades.
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DIRECTORY
EXSYN Aviation Solutions
Flatirons Solutions
Gamit
IDMR Solutions
W: www.exsyn.com T: 0031-20-760 8200 E: hello@exsyn.com
W: www.flatironssolutions.com T: +1.303.627.6535 E: info@flatironssolutions.com
W: www.gamit.co.uk T: +44 1279 818800 E: roam@gamit.co.uk
W: www.IDMR-Solutions.com T: +1-347-565-4367 E: sales@IDMR-Solutions.com
Location: Amsterdam
Locations: Europe, Asia, USA, Middle East
Location: London UK (HQ), Basel Switzerland, Beirut Lebanon
Location: New York/Tel Aviv
NAME OF PRODUCT MARKETED • Avilytics, TITAN
NAME OF PRODUCT MARKETED CORENA Suite
NAME OF PRODUCT MARKETED • InForm
KEY BUSINESS/SOFTWARE AREAS • Aviation Analytics solution • Aircraft Reliability Management solution • Predictive Maintenance solution • Robotic Process Automation • Data Migration • Consulting Service
KEY BUSINESS/SOFTWARE AREAS • Content Management System (CMS) • Interactive Electronic Technical Publisher (IETP) • Maintenance & Engineering • Flight Operations • Tablet Solutions & Mobility
NAME OF PRODUCT MARKETED • ROAM — Online digital airworthiness records archive and records complance manager. • RDOC — ROAM Document OCR & Classification engine, through the use of configurable algorythems RDOC can recorgnise your documents easily, accuratly and fast.
EXSYN Aviation Solutions is specialized in the field of aircraft data, analytics & processing and provides user-friendly and innovative aviation IT solutions for aircraft reliability management and predictive maintenance. Also offered are data processing and managed services for data migration, interface design and software implementation management. They also build customized solutions and software tools if off-the-shelf products do not meet a customer’s needs.
Flatirons provides consulting, technology, and outsourcing for content lifecycle management (CLM). For more than 20 years, we have served global Fortune 1000 customers in aerospace, automotive, electronics, financial services, government, healthcare, and publishing. Our customer engagements help organizations efficiently deliver the right information, at the right time, to the right people by leveraging structured content and digital media — Turning Content into Knowledge®. The CORENA Suite by Flatirons is the leading content lifecycle management (CLM) solution developed specifically for organizations that rely on missioncritical data to design, manufacture, operate, or maintain complex assets over their product and service lifecycles as well as across multi-echelon business networks. For more than 25 years, the world’s leading airlines, aerospace manufacturers, OEMs, and defense organizations have relied on the CORENA product suite to create, manage, and deliver large volumes of technical information throughout its lifecycle. Today, CORENA customers rely on the CORENA suite to modernize their IT infrastructures, improve customer satisfaction, and maintain their competitive advantage.
Avilytics is EXSYN’s Predictive Maintenance, Aircraft Reliability, and Engineering & Maintenance KPI Solution, reducing AOG’s through informed decision making to prevent delays, cancellations and save costs. TITAN is a source independent data processing solution for data migration purposes during an MRO software implementation and for aircraft phase-in & phase-out. Because of its unique technological framework TITAN eliminates most human intervention during migration of aircraft airworthiness & maintenance data and allows repetitive usage to directly migrate fleets between MRO software systems.
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KEY BUSINESS/SOFTWARE AREAS • Airworthiness records archive • Status Builder • Document Indexing • Communication module • Outsourcing
KEY BUSINESS/SOFTWARE AREAS • Technical Publication • Engineering Orders • Task Cards • Planning • Maintenance Programs IDMR is a global provider of easy to use and all encompassing Technical Documentation Management Solutions which have been designed exclusively for Fleet operators, MRO providers and OEM organizations. IDMR’s Technical Documentation Management Solutions have proven success in increasing operational performance and decreasing operational cost while ensuring airworthiness, safety and regulatory compliance.
Gamit was founded in 1990 to provide technical support for operators, MRO’s and leasing companies, including on spare parts, technical support, records auditing, on site representation, and technical consultancy. Through years of experience, Gamit developed ROAM, airworthiness records management solution and an online enterprise solution that is more than scanning a document into a PDF and storing on the company server. It uses advanced technologies to deliver an aviation specific document management solution. ROAM is highly scalable making it beneficial for an engineering team looking after 5 or 500 aircraft. One of the key benefits is allowing users to have full access to an entire library of records from birth, online. This means its users can simply navigate and identify key documents and prepare an aircraft for sale, lease or lease redelivery. The user can package up records quickly and easily, either themselves, or outsourcing the task to the ROAM support team.
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AIRCRAFT IT MRO • SEPTEMBER-OCTOBER 2020 • 79
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DIRECTORY
IFS
Laminaar Aviation InfoTech
W: www.ifs.com T: + 613-576-2480 E: AndInfo@ifsworld.com
W: www.laminaar.com.sg T: +65 6239 0150 E: contact@laminaar.com.sg
Locations: 60+ Worldwide
Location: Singapore, Denver, Bangalore, Mumbai
Location: Germany, Switzerland, USA
NAME OF PRODUCT MARKETED • IFS Applications, IFS EOI, IFS Maintenix
NAME OF PRODUCT MARKETED • ARMS®2.5, ARMS®NS, ARMS®on the TAB, InfoPrompt 2.5
NAME OF PRODUCT MARKETED • DocManage Product Suite, DocSurf Mobile, EFFOM, DocCreate
KEY BUSINESS/SOFTWARE AREAS • Fleet and Asset Management • Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (incl line, heavy, complex assembly, component repair) • 3rd-party MRO bidding, quoting, invoicing, product lifecycle management, enterprise operational intelligence
KEY BUSINESS/SOFTWARE AREAS • Network / Commercial Planning with Optimizers • Flight Operations / Fleet Following • Flight Planning & Dispatch • Crew Operations Management with Optimizers • Maintenance, Engineering & Logistics
KEY BUSINESS/SOFTWARE AREAS • IT Solutions and Process • Consulting for MRO • Electronic Flight Operation Manuals • Airline Job Card Content Management • Predictive Analytics and Maintenance • RFID
IFS is a globally recognized provider of software solutions for global aerospace & defense (A&D), including airlines and fleet operators, A&D manufacturers, defense in-service support and independent MROs. IFS’s solutions support project and program-centric manufacturing; a complete spectrum of maintenance management capabilities for sea, land and air assets, from heavy, complex, and component MRO, to line maintenance or at-platform/asset support; as well as all types of procurement models. IFS’s innovative enterprise solutions are designed for the regulated A&D industry and markets where manufacturing, MRO, project and service functionality are business- and operationally-critical whilst also supporting global, core enterprise capabilities for managing finance, inventory and human resources. With flexible, modular and enterprise breadth, IFS solutions empower A&D organizations to quickly adapt and manage change whilst delivering bottom-line value, increasing efficiencies and cost savings, and safeguarding compliance. IFS customers include BAE Systems, Lockheed Martin, General Dynamics, SAAB, GE Aviation, Pratt & Whitney, HAL, Emirates, LATAM, Qantas, China Airlines, Air France-KLM, and Southwest Airlines.
A future-ready and fully integrated software applications suite for the aviation business: airlines, non-scheduled operators, MROs, airport operators, regulators and training facilities, with in-built optimizers, business intelligence (BI) & Data Analytics. Our offerings may either be accessed as a complete suite covering the full spectrum of operations, or as a stand-alone module addressing a specific functional area, e.g., Network Planning, Flight Ops, Crew, Maintenance, Logistics or Safety or Analytics. The suite has a unified database that allows a seamless flow of data and information between operational functions. Our product is highly customizable and designed to adapt to clients’ specific requirements. We do our own implementations, on a turnkey basis, and also provide prompt, reliable and economical technical support in-life.
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Lufthansa Industry Solutions
W: www.lufthansa-industry-solutions.com T: +49 40 5070 30000 E: marketing.sales@lhind.dlh.de
Lufthansa Industry Solutions is an IT service company for process consulting and system integration. This wholly-owned subsidiary of Lufthansa Group supports its customers with the digital transformation of their company. Its customer base includes both companies within Lufthansa Group as well as more than 150 companies in various other industries. The products EFOM and DocSurf Mobile were developed together with Lufthansa Airlines based on 15 years of common experience and excellence in electronic flight operations manuals and processes to fulfill both current and future requirements. EFOM — A manufacturer independent Content Management System. Functionally mature and based on 17 years of experience, EFOM makes it possible to fulfill FlightOps requirements, e.g. expandable for new publishing backends; flexible to integrate new documents; open for customized enhancements or to integrate business processes such as Compliance Management. DocSurf Mobile — A Library Viewer for MRO and FlightsOps documents is available as a native iOS app or Windows application. The revision service allows change lists to be checked and content to be compared with a previous version. Navigation is intuitive and includes a fast and easy search. A user independent management of favorites and notes is provided, keeping this information revision safe and available.
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AIRCRAFT IT MRO • SEPTEMBER-OCTOBER 2020 • 80
MRX Systems W: www.mrxsys.com E: contact@mrxsys.com Location: Luxembourg/Monaco
NAME OF PRODUCT MARKETED • Blue EYE, Blue MRO, Blue STOK KEY BUSINESS/SOFTWARE AREAS • Quotation & Invoicing • Project Management & Reporting • Work Report Automatic Generation • eJobCard iPad App • Logistics & Inventory Management The MRX Systems software solution is a fully-integrated digital platform enabling aviation professionals to access real-time data and take control over their fleet and their operations. Thanks to more than 10 years of customer feedback and perpetual development, MRX Systems brings a complete, secure and scalable solution to challenges faced by operators, CAMOs and MROs. The system is divided into three modules, each of them designed to meet the specific operational needs of their users. Blue MRO — designed for MRO management, this module enables you to digitalize maintenance process from issuing quotations, assigning jobs to technicians, reporting repairs and findings until compiling all related paperwork into one exhaustive and automatically-generated full work report. Multi-User, 100% paperless, always up-to-date, and Cloud based, all data is accessible at any time worldwide enhancing operation and maintenance efficiency
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DIRECTORY
AIRCRAFT IT NVable
Orlando
Ramco Systems
W: www.nvable.com T: +44 141 280 0050 E: contact@nvable.com
W: www.orlandotechpubs.com T: +33 (0) 534 362 971 E: contact@orlandotechpubs.com
Location: Glasgow, UK
Location: France
W: www.ramco.com/aviation-suite/ T: +91 44 2235 4510 E: contact@ramco.com
NAME OF PRODUCT MARKETED • ConNVerge for Aviation
NAME OF PRODUCT MARKETED • Orlando Suite for Tech Pubs
KEY BUSINESS/SOFTWARE AREAS • Electronic Techlog • Electronic Forms (Assessments) • Document Management • Operational Analysis • Station Operational Compliance
KEY BUSINESS/SOFTWARE AREAS • Cloud Aviation Document Management • OEM and company manuals XML authoring • Controls & Data Analytics • Publishing and Distribution • Web & Mobile & EFB document viewer
The concept behind our CoNVerge platform is simple. We believe that businesses should have the flexibility to easily innovate and add new applications to their toolbox, without being stifled by legacy technology or a single technology brand. CoNVerge is all about minimising risk, fuss and capital costs and maximising efficiency. Provided as a service, it combines a hosted environment and web portal with mobile applications and data interfaces to virtually any system. The platform is easily integrated into your existing business systems and brings together the best tools to handle data acquisition and data analysis — all on scalable infrastructure. Best of all, we even take the day-to-day management off your hands. Our CoNVerge platform is blazing a trail in the aviation sector. In a hi-tech industry, where the stakes are even higher, long-standing clients such as British Airways Cityflyer know they can rely on NVable and our custom-designed software to make things simple, safer, more secure and streamlined. We provide airlines with technology solutions that reduce effort, improve processes and produce useful information, with one simple goal — to change things for the better. Bring everything together and do IT better when you bring onboard CoNVerge and NVable.
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Operations
Location: 21 offices worldwide
Orlando Suite for Tech Pubs is an XML-based cloud Document Management System designed for airlines, MRO and manufacturers. It is the unique solution capable of managing Company, Flight Ops, Maintenance and Engineering manuals in one system. It is natively compliant with OEMs’ proprietary electronic data schemas and with the main aviation technical data standards (ATA Spec 2300, ATA iSpec 2200, S1000D). Orlando Suite features are in 7 modules to streamline the manuals lifecycle: Library (Cloud CMS), Editor (Web based WYSIWYG editing, content reuse), Merger (automated OEM/ airline manuals reconciliation), Analytics (data checker, compliance to regulations, revision report), Publisher (HTML, PDF and XML), Dispatcher (Distribution of publications, Mobile Content Management), Explorer (Web & Mobile & EFB viewers). It also supports interoperability with other systems, and (manuals can be exported to their native XML standard. Our customers benefit from the best in class secured Cloud offer as well as premium support services delivered by our Tech Pubs experts committed to assisting users at every stage of the process. Orlando is the sole off-the-shelf solution approved by the leading turboprop manufacturer ATR to manage the ATR Flight Operations XML manuals.
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NAME OF PRODUCT MARKETED • Ramco Aviation M&E Solution, Ramco Aviation MRO Solution, Ramco Anywhere Apps, Ramco flyMORE KEY BUSINESS/SOFTWARE AREAS • Maintenance & Engineering • Maintenance, Repair & Overhaul • Mobility Solutions Ramco Systems offers Aviation Maintenance solutions on premise and on cloud, with multi-tenant capability and nextgen mobility for Airlines, Heli-Operators, MROs and Charter operations. Its comprehensive scope spans the spectrum of organizational needs, including Finance, HCM, Manufacturing, Planning and Optimization, in one integrated platform. Ramco Aviation’s latest Next-Gen digital technologies include: Mobility Solutions: Ramco’s next-gen mobility solutions for maintenance operations are available through an app ecosystem wherein everybody involved can seamlessly execute critical operations on the go, from anywhere, anytime; The BOTS Revolution: Ramco intelligent CHATBOTS deliver parts data, manage AOGs, and perform daily admin tasks for a more personalized and immersive ERP experience; HyperConnected Ecosystem: B2B integrations with AeroXchange, Gains, Logistics providers and OEMs bringing Suppliers, Customers and Logistics providers together on ONE platform Ramco Series 5 reduces Turn Around Time (TAT) while increasing operational performance and compliance through user-friendly interfaces. Ramco has always been an innovator in maintenance IT — enabling clients to focus more on business-critical activities, while the solution processes transactions and decision support, based on intelligent rules. Powering 4000+ aircraft and 21,000+ end-users, Ramco is used by more than 75 operators world-wide.
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AIRCRAFT IT MRO • SEPTEMBER-OCTOBER 2020 • 81
Webinars eJournals Software Conferences News Advisory Unit Want to be involved? Simply email scott.leslie@aircraftit.com for more information
www.aircraftIT.com
DIRECTORY
Rolls-Royce Controls and Data Services
ROTA.technology Inc.
Rusada
Seabury Solutions
W: www.rolls-royce.com T: +44 (0) 1332 777 100 E: info@controlsdata.com
W: rota.technology T: +1 321 710 7682(ROTA) E: info@rota.technology
W: www.rusada.com T: 03333 440730 E: information@rusada.com
W: www.seaburysolutions.com T: +353 61 749 010 E: mkt@seaburysolutions.com
Location: Germany, UK, USA, India, New Zealand
Location: Melbourne, FL USA and global
Location: Switzerland, USA, UK, UAE, India, Singapore, Australia
Location: Ireland; Argentina
NAME OF PRODUCT MARKETED • VisiumDIAGNOSTIC, VisiumFUEL, VisiumAQD
NAME OF PRODUCT MARKETED • Consulting, MXF Software, PDS(Process Development System) and custom applications
NAME OF PRODUCT MARKETED • Envision
NAME OF PRODUCT MARKETED • Alkym, EPAS, eAuthority
KEY BUSINESS/SOFTWARE AREAS • Fleet Management • Base Maintenance • Line Maintenance • Flight Operations • Materials Management
KEY BUSINESS/SOFTWARE AREAS • Technical Operations • CAMO • MRO • Performance Analytics • Regulator Applications
Rusada develops ENVISION - an industry leading MRO and Flight Operations solution. With over 100 customers worldwide and a combined fleet of 2,000 fixed wing and rotary aircraft, ENVISION is used by aircraft operators and MRO’s to successfully manage their operations.
Seabury Solutions is a leading global aviation software development and consultancy company. It was established in 2002 and forms part of the Seabury Group. Seabury Solutions has built a reputation in that time as the vendor who delivers cost effective world class aviation management software. The integrated product range includes solutions for Airlines, MRO Organizations, Aviation Regulators. Enterprise Performance Analytics Systems (EPAS) includes models used for Maintenance Analytics, Contracts and Invoicing, Flight Profitability, Budget Planning, Fuel Planning, Market Analytics and Sales / Distribution Analytics.
KEY BUSINESS/SOFTWARE AREAS • Equipment Health Management • Fuel Efficiency Management • Emissions Monitoring • Fleet Reporting • Safety, Quality and Risk Management • MRO Business and Parts Management Today, in the aerospace sector only, over 1,300 customers are benefiting from Rolls-Royce digital services globally. Through our EHM services, we monitor around 10,000 engines, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year, analysing billions of data points on-board per flight, and millions every day on the ground. Our digital services complement the Group’s TotalCare® Service Solutions of Maintenance, Availability, Efficiency and Asset Value, allowing our customers to increase availability of their critical assets, minimising risk and operational disruption to ultimately improve their operational efficiency.
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KEY BUSINESS/SOFTWARE AREAS • MRO IT Software Implementations • MRO IT Software Upgrades • MRO IT Software Support/Managed Services • MX Long Range Planning • MRO IT Custom Software Development With MRO systems projects and support spanning both the military and commercial markets ROTA brings proven experience to all sides of aviation. Our team has been embedded for years in the business functions we support. In both military and commercial. Specializing in system implementations and upgrades ROTA brings deep knowledge of aviation business processes, integrated into custom built software, to provide not only all testing documentation but also leave customers with a full manual of SOPs moving forward. Aside from upgrades ROTA has completed a number of data projects from cleaning up aircraft configuration to system security overhauls. After these upgrades or projects, training and ongoing admin support can be provided for any MRO IT needs.
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The latest version of ENVISION is web-based and deviceagnostic with an intuitive and user-friendly interface. Modules, which can be purchased individually or as part of an integrated solution, include: Fleet Management, Base Management, Line Maintenance, Component Maintenance, Materials Management, Financial Management, Resource Management, Quality & Safety Management and Flight Operations.
With our software products serving over 80 customers in 35 countries globally they are suitable for the largest to small / medium sized operations. Alkym Management and Control System for Aircraft Maintenance is a modular solution where each organization can select which tools meet their requirements. This proven solution brings the top functionality in market leading implementation time scales. Typically, the average time to GO LIVE is between 8 and 15 weeks. With 24 / 7 professional support services to make sure your teams are getting the best from our systems Seabury Solutions should be on every short listing to compare the value proposition against the market.
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AIRCRAFT IT MRO • SEPTEMBER-OCTOBER 2020 • 82
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DIRECTORY
AIRCRAFT IT Swiss Aviation Software
TRAX
TrustFlight
W: www.swiss-as.com T: +41 61 582 72 94 E: marketing@swiss-as.com
W: www.trax.aero T: +1 305.662.7400 E: sales@trax.aero
Location: Basel, Switzerland; Miami, FL, USA; Singapore
Location: Miami, FL, USA; West Sussex, UK; Tokyo, Japan; Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
W: www.trustflight.io T: 44 (0) 330 229 0219 E: info@trustflight.io
NAME OF PRODUCT MARKETED • AMOS
NAME OF PRODUCTS MARKETED
KEY BUSINESS/SOFTWARE AREAS • Material Management • Engineering • Planning • Production • Maintenance Control Swiss AviationSoftware unites over 30 years of IT experience with profound MRO expertise and offers its customers the functionally unsurpassed and technologically state-of-theart maintenance system AMOS. AMOS is a comprehensive, fully-integrated software package that successfully manages the maintenance, engineering and logistics requirements of modern airlines and MRO providers by fulfilling demanding airworthiness standards. Today, more than 180 customers worldwide steer their maintenance activities with AMOS, which makes AMOS one of the industry-leading MRO software systems worldwide.
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• eMRO • eMobility KEY BUSINESS/SOFTWARE AREAS • Engineering & Planning • Production & Shop • Technical Records & Reliability • TRAXDoc Document Control • Supply Chain Management • E-enabled Aircraft Capabilities • Aircraft Mobility apps • Maintenance Mobility apps • Paperless Maintenance • Warehouse Mobility apps TRAX is the global leader in the aviation industry for MRO ERP software, with over 190 airlines and MROs using their products. TRAX has the most advanced maintenance software solutions available for airlines and MROs worldwide with fleets consisting of all types of aircraft. TRAX eMRO is a completely integrated product, in addition, the eMobility suite offers a range of iOS apps to provide mobile accessibility. Organizational efficiency gains can be substantial when using TRAX eMRO and eMobility, and ROI is quickly realized. TRAX maintains its advantage over the competition by developing software that works for customers through modern technology, world class support and strong customer relationships.
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Operations
Location: Leamington Spa, UK; Edinburgh, UK; Luton, UK; St Helier, Jersey
NAME OF PRODUCT MARKETED • Tech Log, Task Cards • Digital Logbook • CAMO (service) • Aircraft Registry (service) KEY BUSINESS/SOFTWARE AREAS • Aircraft log books • Aircraft maintenance task cards • Digital and paperless working • CAMO support • Aircraft Registry support From inception, TrustFlight has been ingrained in the aviation industry. Founded by two commercial pilots with a proven track record at the intersection of technology and business, the business has grown considerably and with stability, having recently celebrated the opening of a fourth office. Throughout, TrustFlight gained an incredible team with backgrounds spanning different areas of aviation and technology, ensuring a solid presence in the industry. Now offering a range of products and services within the sector, TrustFlight helps to remove costly paperwork and associated errors, preserve aircraft value, and increase efficiency and safety in aircraft operations. Five values shape TrustFlight’s culture, guide the business’s work and the way it grows. Integrity Transparent and open: offering trust to partners and assuming it from them. Responsibility Owning the work they do and taking responsibilty for it: striving to make it the best possible. Leadership Leading from within: providing support for the team to do incredible work and drive the industry forwards. Innovation Products are crafted for the future needs of the industry, going beyond what exists in the market. Excellence Every one of TrustFlight’s values contributes towards the excellence in their products.
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AIRCRAFT IT MRO • SEPTEMBER-OCTOBER 2020 • 83
Webinars eJournals Software Conferences News Advisory Unit Want to be involved? Simply email scott.leslie@aircraftit.com for more information
www.aircraftIT.com
DIRECTORY
Ubisense
Ultramain
Vistair Systems
Yonder
W: www.ubisense.net T: + 44 (0)1223 535170 E: GLOBALenquiries@ubisense.net
W: www.ultramain.com T: +1.505.828.9000 E: sales@ultramain.com
W: www.vistair.com T: 01454 550663 E: info@vistair.com
W: www.yonder.info T: +41 43 215 27 94 E: contact@yonder.info
Location: Cambridge, UK; Denver, USA, Düsseldorf, Germany; Paris, France; Tokyo, Japan; Vancouver, Canada
Location: Albuquerque, New Mexico, USA
Location: United Kingdom
Location: Zurich, Switzerland
NAME OF PRODUCT MARKETED • SmartSpace, enterprise location intelligence platform
NAME OF PRODUCT MARKETED • ULTRAMAIN® v9™ M&E / MRO • ULTRAMAIN Mobile Mechanic™ • ULTRAMAIN Mobile Inventory™ • ULTRAMAIN ELB™ • ULTRAMAIN M&E / MRO: 31 modules including: Configuration Management; Line/Base Mx Planning; Line/ Base Mx Scheduling; GATe; Quality Assurance; Asset Management
NAME OF PRODUCT MARKETED • DocuNet, CrewNet, SafetyNet, QualityNet, RiskNet
NAME OF PRODUCT MARKETED • Yonder Mind
KEY BUSINESS/SOFTWARE AREAS • SmartSpace Production Logistics Monitor • SmartSpace Asset Monitor • SmartSpace Audit & Compliance • SmartSpace Compliance Monitor Digital transformation is driving a fundamental change in the Aerospace, Defence and MRO sectors. By focusing on their culture, processes and tools, companies will leverage new technologies to become smarter, more productive and lay the foundations for greater competitiveness in a digital world. Connecting manufacturing systems to real-world business process is fundamental to realising this vision and Ubisense’s SmartSpace provides a foundation platform for our customers’ Industry 4.0 strategy. SmartSpace enables OEMs and MROs to create a real-time digital twin of their environment, connecting activities to manufacturing, execution and planning systems, making real-world processes involving moving assets visible and measurable. Offering in-depth knowledge of the sectors in which it operates, Ubisense has long standing relationships with many customers across target markets including aerospace and defence, passenger and commercial vehicle manufacturing, communications and utilities. Since inception in 2002, we have built up a strong customer base including 6 of the top 10 Fortune 500 manufacturers, 9 of the leading 10 automotive manufacturers, 2 of the top 3 aerospace manufacturers and 5 of the major telecoms network operators around the world use our solutions including 3 of the top 4 in North America.
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KEY BUSINESS/SOFTWARE AREAS • Maintenance & Engineering • MRO • Military Maintenance • Maintenance Planning & Scheduling • Paperless Customer Care on Mobile Devices • Electronic Technical Logbook Ultramain Systems, Inc. develops M&E / MRO and ELB software for the aviation industry and is the only aviation software provider with customers running full, end-to-end paperless operations from the cockpit to the ground. ULTRAMAIN v9, featuring Mobile Mechanic and Mobile Inventory enables real-time paperless data collection for the full maintenance and inventory process. Combine ULTRAMAIN v9 with ULTRAMAIN ELB, the easy-to-use electronic logbook, and the entire maintenance process becomes paperless. Contact us to learn what you need to equip your organization with customer mobile devices and see why elite aviation customers around the world are choosing ULTRAMAIN to reduce costs and increase aircraft up time.
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KEY BUSINESS/SOFTWARE AREAS • Aviation Document Management Solution • Aviation Safety Management Software • Aviation Quality Management Solution • Crew Notices and Bulletins Software Vistair provides document, safety and quality management technology solutions to support the delivery of improved safety, compliance, and operational efficiency that results in significant commercial savings to airline organisations. Combining technology, development delivery, Vistair’s solutions provide both airlines and ground operations with an approach that helps demonstrate a clear link between increased reporting and a change in procedures and behaviours, to drive a safer organization Document Management: DocuNet™ is a powerful document management and distribution solution, capable of delivering a complete operational library of all mission-critical content across multiple platforms and fleets. It provides a process for airlines to control the intellectual content of manuals, handling processes relating to data, publication and delivery, enabling airlines to focus on core business operations. Safety/Quality Management: SafetyNet™ is an aviation reporting system and investigation solution that drives real change in the management of safety-related occurrences. It is currently deployed by a number of global airlines including Delta and also counts the military among its user base. Complementing this is RiskNet™ an advanced, change and aviation risk management solution that provides hazard identification. Integrating with both, QualityNet™ is a comprehensive aviation compliance software that enables Quality Managers to manage audit schedules, checklists and non-compliances through an intuitive interface. Yonder
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AIRCRAFT IT MRO • SEPTEMBER-OCTOBER 2020 • 84
KEY BUSINESS/SOFTWARE AREAS • Content Management System • Workflow-based Content Distribution • Compliance Tracking • Content-based Learning Stay in control of your content and bring reliable, rolespecific information to frontline employees — with one fully customizable content management solution. Yonder Mind is an easy-to-use content management solution designed specifically for controlled information like operation manuals, guidelines, rules, or regulations. Our unique approach allows users to work with dynamic content instead of static documents. Dynamic content will display the right information at the right time, depending on the user profile and on the context of use. A powerful search function further improves end-user satisfaction. Yonder Mind brings operational documentation and manufacturer manuals together in one solution. Pilots work with the easy to use YM Offline App and enjoy role-specific revision updates instead of having to go through hundreds of revised pages. Editors create and enhance content in the YM Editor while revisions become manageable again thanks to the fully integrated YM Workflow. Company guides (e.g. Winter Ops Guide) can be created without having to worry about duplicates anymore since information is only contained once in Yonder Mind. And never miss a change in regulation again thanks to our IQSMS Connector. We have over 15 years of experience with electronic documentation in aviation that we can leverage to our customers’ benefit. Our team has a diverse background ranging from a former EFB administrator for a large international airline to a long-haul captain knowing, from his own experience, what crews need.
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