ISSUE 4 • WINTER 2012
Merging MRO systems
Think about it!
Implementation: Audit for the best results Does this fit? Choosing new MRO software Win an iPad2 in the AircraftIT Survey
White Papers: SAKS Consulting, Team SAI. Case Study: Icelandair Technical Services. Vendor Job Card: Gen2Systems PLUS News, Webinars and MRO Software Directory… All in our new, convenient landscape format
Products • DigiMAINT • DigiDOC • WebPMI Integration Solutions • DigiPLAN • DigiREPORTS • AeroBUY Platforms • VM/Java • WebServer/Browser • MS Server/ SQL • Linux/ Oracle • iSeries/ DB2
Offering DigiPLAN, DigiREPORTS and AeroBUY – common Logistics, Analytics and B2B tools for DigiMAINT and WebPMI MRO systems. Our DigiDOC CMS is agnostic of MRO with proven integration with any competitors’ system, in addition to our own. Spec2000
04 Latest News & Technology Updates A New Year brings old and new challenges for Airlines and pure MRO businesses. Check the latest developments on www.aircraftit.com/MRO and here in AircraftIT MRO e-journal for the news, and who is making it, set out for your convenience.
Editor’s comment Aircraft IT MRO: market intelligence delivered in the way you want it. Every issue of Aircraft IT MRO brings new developments. IT advances at such a pace and we want to ensure that Aircraft IT comes to readers in the most accessible and convenient format for their busy lives. Also, one advance often leads to another. When we introduced the iPad app in the last issue, we struck a chord with a fast growing number of IT professionals. But they also asked if we could update from the traditional portrait to landscape orientation. That would enhance the reading experience for iPad users and those whose PC monitor or laptop screen is in the popular wide-screen format. We listened and bring you this latest issue in the landscape format that a majority of readers now prefer. And, while on the matter of iPads, you’ll see in the News section that we are already working on a second generation app with enhanced features to add yet further value to your copy of Aircraft IT. It all comes from listening to what you, the readers, want and in this issue we’ll be canvassing your views in a more formal sense with the Aircraft IT MRO 2012 Business Transformation and Software Survey sponsored by Rusada. It will only take five minutes and might win you an iPad 2. This issue includes items on the challenges of selecting a new MRO system and how one operator dealt with them, the place of auditing in aligning all the components for a successful implementation and how to navigate the merger of two MRO systems in order to realize the full benefits of the new order. As well as that, the Aircraft IT live demonstration webinars just go from strength to strength. With hundreds of participants already having participated to research the software package most appropriate for their needs, readers can also access past webinars and, of course, future webinars (already planned until mid-2012) are open for every reader who registers. We feel really great about packing so much into your Aircraft IT issue: we hope that you’ll read it, enjoy it and use it to build your own knowledge bank. Ed Haskey, Editor, Aircraft IT MRO CLICK HERE: Send your feedback and suggestions to AircraftIT MRO 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 2012 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.
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10 WHITE PAPER: Auditing makes for a successful implementation Sharhabeel Lone, Partner Global Business Strategy at SAKS Consulting Aligning all the components for an enterprise wide technology implementation into their optimum places and ensuring that the implementation program gets the best work into and results from them can be likened to using feng shui in a room. 14 CASE STUDY: Starting with your Destination Viktor Vigfússon, Manager Finance & Resources at Icelandair Technical Services A key challenge in selecting a replacement MRO system is identifying a solution that best complements the current and future business model. This case study reviews a recent selection process for MRO software. 18 VENDOR JOB CARD: The secret of Gen2Systems’ success – Adrian Ryan shares with us In the latest in our series of Q&A pieces, we ask Adrian Ryan; Managing Director; Gen2Systems / FLYdocs to answer our questions. 19 SURVEY: The chance to win an iPad2… Aircraft IT MRO 2012 Business Transformation and Software Survey The chance to win an iPad 2 in the Aircraft IT MRO Annual Survey 2012: and share with us your experiences of and views about Business Transformation and Software 20 Upcoming live MRO software demonstration webinars A preview of the live MRO Software Demonstration Webinarof Volartec’s Alkym – Management & Control System for Aircraft Maintenance on 23rd February 2012. 22 Past webinars: knowledge transfer and access for industry experts View Video Recordings of our Past Live MRO Software Demonstration Webinars See full information and view video recordings of past Live MRO Software Demos, including: TRAX, AeroSoft Systems, Rusada and Swiss Aviation Software. 24 WHITE PAPER: When two become one David Marcontell, Executive Vice President & Principal at TeamSAI Inc. Airline mergers can generate significant benefits for the new business, not least in the MRO area. But, in order to properly realize those benefits, the merging of MRO IT systems has to be properly planned and thoroughly executed. 28 MRO Software directory A detailed look at the world’s leading MRO IT systems.
4 | NEWS | AIRCRAFT IT MRO | WINTER 2012
Aircraft IT MRO welcomes Omega Airline Solutions, IFR France, IDMR Solutions and Aviation42 P
rofessionals in Aircraft IT face a daunting task: it isn’t just selecting the best system but being responsible for a significant investment that must have the capability not only to serve the airline or MRO business’s needs today but also for the future. Add to that the significant array of solution providers in the market, with the task of identifying all those who might have a solution appropriate for one operator’s purposes, let alone analysing, reviewing and comparing those solutions, and it would put even the best IT executive’s skills to a very demanding test. Aircraft IT Portal aims to make that task, more straightforward by providing a single platform on which potential software buyers can compare vendors. It is therefore with particular pleasure that we welcome four new Vendors to the portal: Omega Airline Solutions, IFR France, IDMR Solutions and Aviation42 bring to 27 the number of MRO IT Vendors showcasing their software solutions on Aircraft IT MRO; offering unparalleled opportunities for airlines and MROs to search through and keep up-to-date with the latest software solutions and upgrades. Omega Airline Software has been supplying the aviation industry with Ames, the Advanced Planning and Scheduling software tool, since 1991. Ames currently supports maintenance planning on over 4000 aircraft at 19 customer sites around the world. Companies using Ames include mainline commercial operators, regional airlines, fractional ownership companies and MRO operations. Amesfive, the current release, combines the power of Ames with the versatility and access of the Web. IFR France serves demanding commercial and military customers. As part of the EADS group, the firm is able to provide an integrated suite. Its recognized know-how is based on a central strategic axis of the entire aircraft management process. Solutions available include a consistent range of information systems to control aircraft maintenance and airworthiness, operations, on board services, revenue accounting and finance, and support services to guarantee successful integration. IDMR is a global provider of technical documentation management solutions designed exclusively for fleet operators, MRO providers and OEM organizations. These solutions have proven success in increasing operational performance and decreasing operational cost while ensuring airworthiness, safety and regulatory compliance for airlines including Atlas Air, Polar Air, JetBlue and World Airways. Aviation42 is a software company focused on providing Airlines with highly skilled, cost effective solutions in data migration (AMOS , Envision), custom software development, system Integration and middleware. Developers are chosen very carefully in a stringent interview process and technical tests which have eliminated staff turnover to enhance continuity of service and rapid turnaround on any issues. With this further extension of the line-up of high-quality IT solution providers, it is more than ever the case that Aircraft IT Portal is the place to go for airline and MRO professionals seeking new software options or upgrades, or simply wishing to keep up with the latest developments. Either using the site itself, with its practical software search engine, or this eJournal, or in the live software demonstration webinars regularly hosted on the platform and the valuable recordings of past webinars also available on the site, Aircraft IT makes a challenging task more straightforward. The portal channels users’ professional skills, experience and knowledge towards a range of available solutions from which to select the one most suited to theirs and their business’s needs.
AMOS implementation at finnair is underway In Spring 2011, Swiss-AS and Finnair Technical Services started a project definition phase to review and evaluate the AMOS product in the context of the Finnish MRO provider’s integrated business processes. The objective was to analyse the software’s functions and to define the project plan for the implementation phase. In November 2011, Swiss-AS announced the successful completion of the project definition phase and the continuation of the project implementation phase. Finnair Technical Services will become one of the most extensive users of the new AMOS functions. AMOS will be used to support the continuing airworthiness, maintenance and other technical services for the Finnair fleet, and their customers’ aircraft, to plan and perform Base Maintenance at their Helsinki facility, and to manage and track the internal Component Shop repair cycle. At ‘Go-Live’, Finnair Technical Services will immediately benefit from the integrated Shift Planning tools for rostering and capacity planning. “With AMOS we can bring further efficiencies into Finnair’s MRO processes. AMOS will replace our current system consisting of mainframe based legacy, ERP, planning and... other supplemented software. [An] important part of AMOS as a product is the implementation project model, which has proven to be effective in Swiss-AS customer projects,” says Jorma Ryske, director of IT, Finnair Technical Services.
E-Techlog, SPEC2000, and onboard loadable software
Finnair Technical Services will interface their existing aircraft e-TechLog advanced system with AMOS. The integration of both systems will facilitate an efficient defect control and planning process. The business adheres to a wholly integrated Spec2000 ordering process (Chapters 2, 3 and 4) which is fully supported by AMOS. Additionally, the new AMOS Onboard Loadable Software configuration control programs will enable them to support the approaching delivery of the A350.
Transaero Airline commits to AMOS to strengthen its role as second largest airline in Russia January 2012
Swiss-AS was pleased to announce, in mid-January 2012, its latest customer: Transaero Airlines, the second Russian airline to join the AMOS community. After an RFP and meetings in Russia and Switzerland, the MRO software evaluation of Transaero Airlines verified AMOS as the best product to support the airline’s ambitious plans to increase its fleet. “After two years of MRO software market analysis and evaluation, Transaero Airlines… decided to implement AMOS as the… product… which covers all business processes of aircraft engineering and maintenance, logistics, store management etc.,” stated Aleksandr Shipulin, Lead Engineer at Transaero Airlines. The implementation project is planned to take 14-16 months with commencement early in 2012. The first major milestone will be the end of the definition phase which includes successfully conducted workshops and a detailed fit-gap analysis. The training organization to support almost 700 potential AMOS users will be a challenge and is planned as a combination of classroom training, e-learning and a train-the-trainer approach.
Implementation of Boeing Toolbox interface As an operator of a large Boeing fleet with different aircraft types, Transaero Airlines will take advantage of the interface landscape that links AMOS with Boeing Toolbox functions. Due to these interfaces, AMOS/Boeing customers benefit from the electronic transfer of taskcards from the Boeing Toolbox to AMOS which, in turn, eases revision handling and makes manual data entry redundant.
WINTER 2012 | AIRCRAFT IT MRO | NEWS | 5
Another European flag carrier to welcome into the AMOS community: Brussels Airlines
About a year prior to a January 2012 joint announcement, Brussels Airlines invited Swiss-AS to participate in a Request for Proposal (RFP) process regarding an MRO software package that would help the airline to streamline processes regarding the maintenance, repair and overhaul of its fleet. Today, Swiss-AS is very happy about the decision of Belgium’s leading airline to implement AMOS. “We value this project as a ‘straightforward one’ without major customisations and would like to thank Brussels Airlines for its trust in AMOS,� stated Ronald Schaeuffele, CEO of Swiss-AS.
Implementation within 10-12 months
Brussels Airlines’ legacy system environment is built up of multiple systems, spreadsheets and databases which are used on a daily basis to conduct the business and operations of the Maintenance & Engineering department. The end to end integration of AMOS in combination with the appliance of best industry practices and the possibility to use AMOS ‘out
of the box’ without the need to specify major customisations finally convinced Brussels Airlines to go for Swiss-AS’ AMOS. “It became readily apparent that our existing system needed to be replaced. AMOS has been identified as a valuable replacement tool. It is consistent with our goals to meet business and regulatory compliance requirements by reducing costs, improving efficiency and providing our employees with an efficient user-friendly tool,� stated Koen Vanaenroyde, Vice-President Maintenance & Engineering at Brussels Airlines. The project team plans to turn off the legacy system after 10-12 months of project work. As data transfer is always a major issue in the process of changing over to a new system, Brussels Airlines will be supported by CrossConsense (Frankfurt, Germany), a proven partner of Swiss-AS. The involvement of a 3rd party service provider will give the Belgian airline more time to fully concentrate on the establishment of new and adjusted processes in the technical division.
Work commences on V2 of AircraftIT for iPad Conduce Software announced in December 2011 that they have started work on the design and development of version 2 of AircraftIT for iPad, the highly successful app version of AircraftIT.com The first version of the AircraftIT app was launched in October of 2011 as a simple eReader for the latest AircraftIT eJournals. Version 2 is planned to allow users to browse back issues of the eJournals with alerts and downloads of the latest issues. It is expected that the new version will be available for a free download from the iTunes app store early in the New Year. Please visit the Aircraft IT website for more information. The current version of AircraftIT for iPad can be downloaded by clicking here. Click here for full SOFTWARE details and for a demo
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6 | NEWS | AIRCRAFT IT MRO | WINTER 2012
ALKYM® (by Volartec) welcomes Avior Airlines Avior Airlines has agreed to implement the new Alkym 5 application, the latest version of Alkym, designed to be a complete MRO solution for modern organizations. “After [researching] for months [to identify] which system could fit better to our operation, Alkym came to be the best option compared to other tier one [software solutions], taking into account every aspect that an airline like ours needs, and for [less than] the cost of other systems.” said Mr. Zaki Aroutin, Vice president of IT in Avior Airlines. Alkym will offer Avior Airlines the benefits of having information about their aircraft, inventory and maintenance activities integrated into a single system, thereby streamlining aircraft maintenance and inventory planning and processes.
I
n December 2011 at Córdoba, Argentina, Volartec announced that Avior Airlines, from Venezuela, had awarded it the contract for supply of the Maintenance Management Software System Alkym, an integrated and comprehensive maintenance system designed to fulfill every aspect of airline maintenance management. “We are honored that our software has been selected to manage Avior´s operations,” stated Volartec VP Business Development (LATAM) Manuel Roche. “We believe that Avior’s strategy will make the company one of the best in the area [and] look forward to helping them achieve this not only with our IT solutions but also with our experience working with operators all over the globe.”
ALKYM® breaking new ground with Helitrans
Volartec were proud to open 2012 with the January announcement in Shannon, Ireland of two new firsts for Alkym. With Helitrans AS selecting Alkym, Management and Control System for Aircraft Maintenance to replace their existing system they become the first customer for ALKYM® in Scandinavia and also the first Helicopter operator in Europe to join the Volartec customer family. John Barry, VP Business Development with Volartec launched the news by stating “We have looked at areas for expansion in our business and the rotary wing operator is just one example where there [are] currently possibilities to grow our market share. This sector has specific requirements that we already cater for. And, being a very cost effective
product, Alkym is perfect for the type of Operator that Helitrans represents – a forward thinking large helicopter / fixed wing operator. We are very excited to break new ground with this deal and look forward to the opportunities that this direction could take us with other like-minded companies.” Helitrans AS will begin the on-site phase in March 2012 which will involve a six week project in Trondheim Norway. The three person team from Volartec will lay the ground work for three weeks prior to that visit to ensure that Helitrans gets the maximum support whilst the highly experienced professional team are at their facility. This phase will see full training provided as well as the Alkym configuration and data set up. Helitrans will have Alkym Live and on-site support provided prior to the departure of the Volartec team. Lasse Andersen, Director Maintenance with Helitrans pointed to the fact that “the professional approach… shown by Volartec throughout our rigorous search for a replacement system, gave them the edge. To have a product with such functionality that we could fit to our budget was important. However the knowledge that we will be working with a professional provider was the deal clincher for us. My team exhausted every avenue to ensure we only made this move once. We wished to ensure our selected system would stand the test of time and, based on the complexity in fleet composition, it was extremely important for Helitrans to choose a comprehensive flexible system.” Helitrans have selected a 10 concurrent user licence utilising 11 of the 15 available Alkym modules.
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growing success... The flexible, professional MRO system
Commsoft’s OASES MRO system offers comprehensive professional functionality together with a flexible, affordable approach that understands your business’ scaleable growth needs in today’s turbulent market. Each OASES module can be offered individually or can be integrated at the engineering centre of your business systems. Over 50 current aviation users, including airlines and MROs, spares suppliers, CAMO, corporate and bureau operators have grown their success with us.
info@commsoft.aero +44(0)1621 817425 www.commsoft.aero
WINTER 2012 | AIRCRAFT IT MRO | NEWS | 7
ramco systems wins order for oRNge
Global Aviation Maintenance & Engineering (M&E) and Maintenance, Repair & Overhaul (MRO) software provider, Ramco Systems announced, on 5th January 2012, its agreement with Ornge Issuer Trust, for Ornge to be the latest customer, for Ramco’s Series 5 Aviation M&E software. Under the agreement announced at Lawrenceville, New Jersey, Ramco will deliver the complete web based Series 5 M&E system, including Maintenance Programs, Supply Chain Management, Maintenance Execution for Line, Shop and Heavy operations and Reliability. “We are pleased to have Ornge as one of our newest Customers implementing our Series 5 M&E software. Series 5 will be interfaced to the Ornge finance system, thus providing them a full end-to-end solution utilizing Ramco’s… VirtualWorks™ e-connect toolset wrapped around the M&E / MRO suite,” said Jim Fitzgerald, President of Ramco Systems Global Aviation Solutions. According to Rick Potter, Chief Operating Officer for Ornge Global Air, “Ornge is… looking forward to implementing the Ramco Aviation Solution. It will assist us to ensure best industry practices in the maintenance of our aircraft and reduce aircraft turnaround times, ensuring we achieve our goals related to today and tomorrow’s competitive cost structures.”
Commsoft names restructured management team: Nick Godwin appointed Managing Director A
s the New Year opened, Aircraft maintenance software specialist Commsoft named Nick Godwin its new Managing Director as part of a management restructuring designed to ensure continuing customer focus at a time of rapid growth. Godwin has been Business Development Director since joining Commsoft in 2008 after more than 25 years with British Aerospace and Rolls-Royce’s Data Systems & Solutions subsidiary. He will retain his business development and commercial responsibilities. Commsoft founding co-director Gary Pollak will become Chairman of the Board of Commsoft with responsibility for the company’s overall financial health and direction. Announcing Godwin’s appointment, Pollak said: “Since joining Commsoft, Nick has clearly shown that he has the leadership and management qualities required to ensure Commsoft’s continuing growth while paying rigorous attention to the needs of our customers. I have every confidence that he is the right figure to take the company forward.” James Stock, currently a Commsoft director and who has played a leading role in the development of its OASES product, becomes Technical Director. He will concentrate on tightening and controlling all technical infrastructure, enhancing quality and customer delivery mechanisms. Commsoft Director David Pusey, takes up the key role of Project Director and will utilise his extensive knowledge of OASES in ensuring successful customer implementations, training and account management. Julian Beames who, after 27 years in aerospace, joined Commsoft in December 2010 as Regional Manager with responsibility for growing sales and contracts, becomes Business Operations Manager with a brief to enhance the company’s business processes. Announcing the new management structure, Nick Godwin said: “As a result of its sustained investment, Commsoft has secured ten new customers for OASES in 2011 in the face of intense competition. We have recently launched new aircraft maintenance program revision management (AMP) and airworthiness directive / service bulletin evaluation (AD/SB) software. Major investments in a new commercial module, electronic non-routine cards (NRC) and single run cards will shortly offer benefits to MROs and corporate FBOs (fixed base operators) whilst new Line Maintenance Control functionality, linked to operations systems and EFBs, is already giving… benefits to airline users. “Faced with these growth challenges, it has become clear that Commsoft needs to make important changes to its evolving business processes in order to serve our customers worldwide even better and to capitalise on this success. Particular focus will be placed on business operations, more closely linking customer account management to support and application developments. The principal aim of these changes is to strengthen focus on our customers, to improve the responsiveness and quality of Commsoft’s services.”
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8 | NEWS | AIRCRAFT IT MRO | WINTER 2012
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WHO’S IN THE NEWS. VENDORS?
About Swiss AviationSoftware and AMOS
AMOS — developed and distributed by Swiss AviationSoftware — is a comprehensive, fully-integrated software package that manages the maintenance, engineering and logistics requirements of modern airlines and MRO providers by fulfilling all airworthiness standards. Swiss-AS is a 100% subsidiary of Swiss International Air Lines Ltd., and counts more than 100 customers worldwide to its loyal customer base, including pure operators of all sizes, major low-cost, regional and flag carriers, large airline groups and MRO providers. With headquarters in Basel, Switzerland, Swiss-AS is also represented in Miami, FL, USA.
About Volartec
Volartec specializes in the development and implementation of software systems for the aviation industry. With more than 10 years of experience in the aviation industry and with a team of IT and aviation experts, Volartec offers a combination of professionalism and experience.
About Ramco Systems
Ramco Systems, part of the Ramco Group, with 15 locations in the USA, Canada, Europe, Middle East, Africa, Singapore and India, has over 950 global customers running its business-process, web-centric enterprise suite of applications and is the world’s largest provider of Aviation Maintenance & Engineering (M&E) and Maintenance Repair & Overhaul (MRO) and Manufacturing software solutions.
About Commsoft and OASES
Communications Software was formed as a software house in 1971 and won its first airline contract in 1975 Headquartered in Tiptree, Essex, Commsoft has four additional offices in the UK and one in Australia. OASES is utilized in around 50 airlines and maintenance organisations internationally to support 70 aviation operations. The system includes services ranging from implementation support, user training and system tailoring as well as day-to-day help desk, maintenance support and update release services. The product is constantly improved and refined in collaboration with airline and aircraft maintenance clients. and operates worldwide in a variety of live maintenance environments from large LINUX systems to PC networks. OASES has FAA, EASA and various national CAA approvals
Airlines, Operators and MROs in the News
About Finnair Technical Services
Finnair, one of the world’s oldest operating airlines, and its maintenance organization, Finnair Technical Services, were established in 1923. Today, approximately 1,200 experienced professionals in Finnair Technical Services are performing aircraft and component repairs and overhauls at Helsinki Airport; currently focusing mainly on the following aircraft types: Airbus A340/330, A320 family and Embraer E170/190.
About Avior Airlines
Avior Airlines is based in Barcelona, Anzoátegui, Venezuela. It operates scheduled and charter services within Venezuela and the southern Caribbean, as well as Miami with a full fleet of Boeing 737. Established in 1994, it is known in the market for being a customer oriented airline in a low cost structure.
About Transaero Airlines
Moscow based Transaero Airlines operated its 1st flight in 1991. From hubs in Moscow, St. Petersburg, Novosibirsk and Yekaterinburg, the Russian airline provides flights to domestic destinations as well as to Europe, the Americas and Asia. With its Boeing dominated fleet of more than 70 aircraft (B747, B777, B767, B737 and Tupolev 214), Transaero Airlines is the second largest airline in Russia. In 2007, the airline was the Russian pioneer to launch e-ticketing and online check-in. The carrier performs MRO services for its own fleet and for 3rd parties.
About Helitrans
Helitrans AS was established in 1990 as a pure helicopter company with headquarters at Trondheim Airport, Norway. Expanding over time they currently operate and manage a total fleet of 35 aircraft, including 27 helicopters (+5 non-commercials), three 19 seat Jetstream 32 aircraft and 1 SA-226 Merlin. Helitrans is the largest helicopter operator in the domestic Norwegian market. They have their own EASA Part 145 approved maintenance facility which includes two hangars at Trondheim.
About Brussels Airlines
As a result of the alliance between SN Brussels Airlines and Virgin Express, Brussels Airlines, is the largest Belgian airline and offers flights from its base at Brussels Airport to Europe and Africa. The flag carrier of Belgium employs around 3,300 people and operates approximately 300 flights daily. Its fleet comprises 51 aircraft including Avro RJ85/100, A319, A320, A330 and B737. As a Part M and Part 145 organisation, Brussels Airlines carries out the entire maintenance for its Avro and the light and line maintenance of the Airbus and Boeing fleet in-house. The carrier also offers Line Maintenance services to other operators flying (same types of aircraft) to Brussels Airport. Brussels Airlines is part of the Lufthansa Group (LH Group owns 45% of the shares) and has been a member of the Star Alliance since 2009.
About Ornge
Ornge is the world’s leading innovator in the emerging field of transport medicine, and operates from a number of bases across the province of Ontario, performing more than 21,000 admissions annually. It coordinates all aspects of Ontario’s aero medical transport system, the critical care land transport program, paediatric transport program and the authorization of air and land ambulance transfers between hospitals. Ornge is dedicated to the provision of high quality patient care through innovative transport medicine.
THE AIRLINE & AEROSPACE MRO & FLIGHT OPERATIONS IT CONFERENCE 2012 – MIAMI, 13TH & 14TH MARCH 2012 The World’s leading MRO and OPS IT Conference in the Americas for airline and independent MRO personnel involved with reviewing, selecting or using MRO & Flight Operations IT systems.
Presentations including : iPad/Tablet technology in the Flight Deck EFB Project Management MRO Data Migration Possibility of a paperless MRO Industry Fuel Management Solutions Airline Mergers – merging 2 MRO systems together
Workshops including : An iPad/Tablet Strategy Masterclass An EFB Masterclass Business Analytics for the Airline MRO Industry Independent Auditing of MRO Implementations Fuel Saving Masterclass Discuss your current or new system requirements with and have demos from over 40 leading MRO and Flight Operations IT suppliers in attendance. Two nights free accommodation available for Aircraft IT Members (airlines, aircraft operators and MROs) registering via +44 1403 230 888/307 or stephen@aircraft-commerce. com and quoting registration code MIA2012.
Hear and discuss the latest industry trends and developments
For further details on the Miami conference and our EMEA version of the event in Frankfurt, 12th & 13th June 2012 and APAC version in Bangkok, 17th & 18th October 2012 call +44 1403 230 888/307 or visit: www.aircraft-commerce.com/conferences/
10 | WHITE PAPER: SAKS CONSULTING | AIRCRAFT IT MRO | WINTER 2012
Auditing makes for a successful implementation The art of technology implementations, as Sharhabeel Lone, Partner Global Business Strategy at SAKS Consulting explains, is like arranging a room; you can use feng shui to direct the energy
O
ver the last few years, tens of millions of dollars have been lost, directly or indirectly, during the introduction and installation of MRO enterprise wide technology implementations. Some of those direct losses can be attributed to a lack of proper due diligence in assessing what was being bought in terms of both software and services. Other losses have been down to poorly managed and skills deficient programs that have included a flawed thinking around the ability or sense for an MRO organization to outsource its fundamental problems to a software vendor or a system integrator (SI). Of the indirect losses, some can be identified within time and productivity issues realised as a direct result of unmitigated risks in areas of critical business disruption, and a lack of executive ability to make tough decisions, as well as the cleansing of data and heavy resistance to change. Most of these however could have been mitigated if not, in some instances, entirely avoided through a sensible independent audit program. The efficacy of this approach might be illustrated with reference to a traditional source of natural wisdom, feng shui. Wikipedia defines feng shui or fung shui as a “Chinese system of geomancy�, a form of divination believed to use the laws of both Heaven (Chinese astronomy) and Earth
WINTER 2012 | AIRCRAFT IT MRO | WHITE PAPER: SAKS CONSULTING | 11
colossal and complex MRO technology implementation programs require a particular setting and sequence of essential constituent parts in order for the MRO organisations in which they are applied to first gain the right qi or organisation life energy to help one improve life by receiving positive ‘qi’ or energy. Traditional feng shui practice always requires an extremely accurate Chinese compass, or ‘luo pan’, in order to determine the directions when finding any auspicious sector in a desired location, and to ensure the most propitious alignment of and within a structure in order that positive qi can be received. As with feng shui, colossal and complex MRO technology implementation programs require a particular setting and sequence of essential constituent parts in order for the MRO organisations in which they are applied to first gain the right qi or organisation life energy and then maintain it to successfully complete such programs. Sustaining the qi in an organisation is one of the fundamental challenges for those driving these often long drawn out and change intensive projects. Since the beginning of time successful programs have used their own luo pan or audit program to ensure a propitious alignment of elements in the program. Like a conventional compass, a luo pan is a direction finder. And the need for a luo pan or an audit program that enables program managers, project managers and steering committees to ensure that they are going in the right direction is critical to the success of such enterprise wide projects. It could be argued, from a western philosophical angle, that feng shui is an eastern practice devoid of any practical value and an unnecessary cost; a distraction from getting things done, maybe even an unwanted disruption. Yet in the culture of the East, to marginalise such a belief system is to ensure a non- sustainable business and a short life in that market. Also to pay only marginal or cursory attention to the belief, in an environment where organizations will pay whatever it takes to erect feng shui structures and adopt its methodologies, demonstrates culpability based on ineffectual understanding of the culture and process that must be followed for success.
Similarly, over almost two decades assisting failing enterprise wide MRO technology implementations, we have found many that have treated the audit program with similar contempt or cursory attention at best. For most people in commerce, the word ‘audit’ brings with it a resounding negativity and a stiffening of the spine. Yet those that embrace and effectively integrate their audit programs have learned over the years of not only the immense benefit but also the actual need for independent assessment at critical points, where often a small initial deviation can spell disaster down the road for the programs being implemented. Our audit programs in the last five years alone have seen MRO implementation programs save between $500k to $18m. Hence, with that sort of saving potential, surely it must be regarded as a ‘no-brainer’. ‘Project management 101’ calls for such an audit function surely? Yet we constantly find MRO technology implementation program teams resisting accepting
independent audit programs until an audit is often imposed on them by a C-level executive within the airline or MRO organization. Typically this happens when things have been off the rails for some time but where a key executive has only recently been made aware of any problems. Often, steering committees are puzzled when, almost overnight, the traffic light status indicators suddenly turn from all green to all red; the committee having previously been told that, bar a few minor challenges, everything else was going really well. The need for such critical programs to have realistic and honest communication channels from the project to the steering committee is one important reason for an effective independent audit program. Audit programs allow for reflection, while delivering sounding boards and executive coaching type advice at critical junctures. During the implementation phase, regular audits, starting with one every month in the first quarter followed by quarterly audits, should be built into
12 | WHITE PAPER: SAKS CONSULTING | AIRCRAFT IT MRO | WINTER 2012
Audit program areas
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system integration and Technology services to its Travel and Transportation customers. With annual revenues of USD 230M for FY 2010, Hexaware has a global workforce of around 8300 consultants working across disparate domain and technologies. Hexaware with its strong experience in various
business
functions
in
MRO
and
Technical
Documentation domains along with specialize services in Portfolio Analysis, System Selection, Implementation, Custom Development and Maintenance Services, Legacy Modernization, Upgrade and Migration Services, Business Intelligence / Analytics, Infrastructure Management Services (IMS) and Quality Assurance and Testing Services.
www.hexaware.com
the project plan from the outset and costed for during the budgeting phase. Quarterly risk profiles that our teams provide on a quarterly basis include the answers to four key questions and are an important part of the assessment. Our ‘Risk Surety Profile’ (RSP) serves in every quarterly audit to answer the questions: 1) Are any timeline moves reasonable? 2) Are there opportunities to simplify the project? 3) Are there opportunities to limit the costs? 4) What is the potential for further risk? Such RSPs serve to assure the steering committee and provide executive visibility plus real time answers to all officers accountable in the program. This reassurance at the executive level is crucial for a successful MRO implementation as it not only keeps key individuals informed but also ensures their support when times get tough, which they inevitably do. Audit programs incorporate ‘ramp ups’ and ‘ramp downs’ of frequency along the life cycle of an implementation. Towards the end of each critical phase, audits tend to ramp up in frequency. There is no sense in moving to the next phase when there are items still outstanding from the current phase with the promise that they will be completed at some time in the future. A key lesson learned from global MRO technology implementations is the need to close off issues in a timely way at milestone checkpoints, even if it means slipping project timelines. Our experience clearly shows that the slippages at milestones to close off unfinished items are much smaller than accumulated and resultant delays further down the line. Furthermore by not closing off essential items in a timely manner due
Often, the complexity and challenges are difficult for internal teams to communicate to steering committees. When things go wrong these large projects are often found to be rudderless to the excuse of meeting ‘stringent’ timelines, those implementing these complex projects find themselves suffering further unforeseen problems later as a direct result. This is particularly common when items that are considered not ‘sexy’ are omitted and forgotten until it is too late, causing frantic back peddling and playing ‘catch up’; also dealing severe body blows to most business cases. Often, the complexity and challenges are difficult for internal teams to communicate to steering committees. When things go wrong these large projects are often found to be rudderless. In such situations it is not uncommon to find program and project managers playing political games designed to keep a lid on accurate information being fed up to the steering committee. This is mainly due to fear amongst the senior program leadership and directly impacts morale on the project team, causing immense frustration, leading to further dismay and confusion on the project, and often resulting in the loss of good quality
WINTER 2012 | AIRCRAFT IT MRO | WHITE PAPER: SAKS CONSULTING | 13
key individuals. If properly designed, audit programs allow for these mega implementations to pause and be redirected without ringing unnecessary alarm bells that suggest impending cuts or permanent closure. One common misunderstanding is that internal organizational audit teams are sufficiently involved. A question that we frequently ask is; ‘What, specifically, is the experience they have of such implementations?’ as most internal audit teams that we have come across rarely possess any experience in such a far reaching and in depth program. Hence what we typically find is a traditional check box audit, generic in its performance and of limited value in its result. Another common feature that our audits uncover is the failure to appreciate that using contracted vendors/ SIs as independent auditors is akin to ‘putting the fox in charge of the hen house’. In our experience, we have found that when things start to deviate from the expected path, sometimes as a result of vendor/ SI inadequacies, that is not always clearly earmarked in their audit reports. A good example would be the churn of consultants on these implementation programs. It is not uncommon to see very experienced consultants allocated at the beginning of a project only, with the passage of time and due to pressures on the SI from other clients, for them to be replaced by less experienced consultants. Further problems include vendors/SIs being reluctant to tell the client of failings on the client’s own team as this can create two problems. The first problem being the relationship between the SI and the client; the other sometimes being an unscrupulous and ultimately self-defeating strategy of using that client weakness as a revenue generator. Experienced independent auditors look at risks with both clients and their consultants on the team as well as the support services they offer. The benefits of an audit program start at the selection phase. From ensuring the MRO business requirements are covered (including assessing whether there is an unrealistic wish list) to ensuring transparency and inclusivity of the selection process; the audit program begins to offer results right from the beginning of such enterprise wide projects. Typically, airlines’ or pure play MRO organisations’ procurement divisions will lack knowledge of and experience in dealing with enterprise MRO technology vendors. Ensuring that the right type of Service Level Agreements (SLAs) have been agreed and not just standard ‘vendor/SI proposed’ ones, as well as road testing implementation plans to assess the proposed legitimacy of timelines and resource requirements is an essential part of the up-front need to get things right. A common reason cited for the absence of independent audit programs from project teams, is that they weren’t costed into the initial business case. Hence, we’re told, no-one can really justify their inclusion afterwards. So in essence they would rather be penny
rich and pound poor. Such blatant excuses for the waste of millions of dollars on some programs coupled with severe business disruption and delays that can often be measured in months and more often in years is, in our view, a shocking display of fiduciary irresponsibility. Effective independent audit programs ensure that a realistic scope has been set at the outset. From our experience, it is at the very beginning of global implementations that projects are sometimes set up to derail at a later stage. Often there are unclear benefits and no serious consideration has been given to alternative scenarios. Ensuring the mantra of ‘manageable business change’ has been addressed is part of the fundamental on-going assessment that audit programs deliver.
Difficult executive decisions that are often avoided have been responsible for countless delays, impacting time and cost over the years. Effective audit programs ensure that all levels of the organization are held accountable and that any bottlenecks are cleared. Independent audit teams are able to rise above the often entangled politics that can play a crippling role on such enterprise wide programs. From selection to implementation and from post-implementation to upgrades, independent audit programs have been found to play an essential part in substantially reducing the total cost of ownership of MRO enterprise wide technology implementations. In our niche MRO world, where it is only in the last few years that organizations have been willing to make the necessary investments into their technology backbones, the need for putting in place a best practice implementation program cannot be over emphasized. Ensuring that such a program is set up and maintained is critical to a successful and meaningful implementation that must be guided towards leveraging best practice and not just replacing legacy. In a world where compliance drives everything, the need to embrace the requirement for a luo pan will only ensure that the right qi drives prosperity and growth in an ever changing and competitive world. n
Global mro technology implementations assessment Sharhabeel Lone
Partner Global Business Strategy and Head of Aerospace & Defence Practice, SAKS Consulting
Source: SAKS Consulting Aviation Market Report 2011. © SAKS Consulting
ABOUT SAKS Consulting
SAKS Consulting is an international management consultancy with a unique practice focused and dedicated to delivering successful enterprise wide MRO technology implementations. Its services range from putting together business strategies through to facilitating and managing the formulation of RFPs, selection and implementation programmes. As a vendor independent consulting organisation, it is a recognised leader in driving through change management led, MRO best practice incorporated, enterprise wide programs globally. Its extensive audit work on MRO technology implementations as part of an unparalleled risk management and reassurance toolset maintains confidence at board level and gives valuable critical feedback to project teams. SAKS Consulting is an important partner for any MRO organisation embarking on such a programme.
Sharhabeel Lone is a SAKS Consulting Partner and leads the Aerospace and Defence Practice. He has advised airlines extensively on Process Improvement, Business case Development for MegaImplementations, Program and Project Management. Sharhabeel is recognised in providing ‘Thought Leadership’ to airline boards on global mega-implementations in Maintenance and Engineering and has many years of strategy consulting experience having worked with leading global strategy consultancies advising clients in Europe, North America, the Middle East and South East Asia. Sharhabeel holds a Batchelor’s degree from Kings College London and a Masters in Engineering from Imperial College London and Oxford University with Executive Education at Harvard Business School.
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14 | CASE STUDY: ICELANDAIR TECHNICAL SERVICES | AIRCRAFT IT MRO | WINTER 2012
Starting with your Destination Viktor Vigfússon, Manager Finance & Resources at Icelandair Technical Services shares the experience of an MRO system replacement for business enablement; from selection through to phase implementation.
O
ne of the key challenges in selecting a replacement MRO system is identifying a solution that best complements your current and future business model. In this case study, Icelandair Technical Services reviews their recent selection process for MRO software; outlines the importance of building a strong relationship with your vendor and the user-community; and discusses the significance of identifying an implementation approach that best supports your business operations.
Defining your optimized enterprise
While there are inevitably commonalities, every aviation organization considering MRO system replacement is doing so based on varying compelling events. Some choose new fleet introduction as an opportunity for change, some can no longer justify the investment required to maintain legacy systems, and some believe that their current maintenance environment is incapable of supporting the organization’s future
We can’t make the process of MRO system replacement easy, but we can definitely make it easier — we just need to understand where it is that we want to end up plans. Regardless of the starting point, we all arrive at the same destination: a boardroom table, pouring over technical requirements, soliciting organizational feedback, and feeling overwhelmed by the task ahead. We can’t make the process of MRO system replacement easy, but we can definitely make it easier — we just need to understand where it is that we want to end up. We don’t have to be limited by what we’re currently doing; instead we should be encouraged by what’s possible. So, we start from scratch and first define our optimized maintenance enterprise. What does the ideal environment look like? And how far away is our present from our preferred future? This is an important
first step when deciding what to do next. Your ability to clearly articulate your desired end state and goals for the future will help you as you begin to define your requirements and evaluate your future business partners in this undertaking.
Identifying the right approach
After identifying the desired end state, the next step is to identify the right approach for addressing the gaps between the current, real, and future, desired, maintenance environments. Once again, having this defined at the outset creates the necessary context and structure for future decisions.
A common approach identified by many IT vendors is to tactically address the areas of supply chain and maintenance execution without adjusting how the business manages its upstream processes. Because these represent the most repeatable, high-volume activities in the organization, it is often thought that addressing these areas first will offer quick wins and the greatest return, as it does in activities such as manufacturing. But this argument is flawed; we don’t first budget for gas if we don’t know what car we’re planning to buy or how far we intend to drive. To approach MRO system replacement from this vantage point assumes that we’re planning for consistent demand, with little to no consideration of or allowance for uncertainty. A better plan is to focus on a holistic approach and look at maintenance operations in terms of the goal of achieving serviceable aircraft, as this is what ultimately drives the demand for parts and labor downstream in the organization. The result of taking this approach is to achieve true visibility into the organization’s operations, with accurate demand signals and an optimized supply chain. This clear chain of command also provides greater insight in to why things have happened — or continue to happen — including the reasons for aircraft delays and parts shortages. With a clearly defined end state and starting point that is understood, the organization is now in a position to confidently connect the dots between MRO system selection and implementation.
The Icelandair Technical Services experience
Icelandair Technical Services (ITS) is the independent maintenance arm of Icelandair. Established in 1937, the organization is responsible for the maintenance and technical management of the Icelandair fleet and, since 1995, has been providing maintenance, technical services, engineering and material support to a number of other global operators.
Icelandair Technical Services at a glance • E stablished in 1937 • Managed fleet size of35 B757 and B767 aircraft • Maintenance and engineering support for6 global operators • 300 employees worldwide; 140 mechanics and 160 office and support staff
services provided • • • •
Maintenance Technical Services Engineering Material Support
WINTER 2012 | AIRCRAFT IT MRO | CASE STUDY: ICELANDAIR TECHNICAL SERVICES | 15
The implementation process
In order to minimize the impact on operations, ITS selected a phased implementation with the first phase focused on the implementation of back-office activities or those processes which are not time sensitive. Consequently, this first phase concentrates on the introduction of Engineering, Planning, and Technical Records modules of the Maintenix software. Phase two of the project will focus on production activities or time sensitive processes, including Materials, Maintenance Execution, Finance and system integrations to flight following and finance. This phased approach to implementation was based on comparing the benefits of a smoother and risk-reduced implementation, with the costs of running two systems in parallel during phase one. The latter will be kept to a minimum by clearly defined interim processes and a clear split of functional areas for which each system is responsible. The expected ‘go-live’ timeline for the first phase of implementation is April 2012 with end of 2012 scheduled for the complete introduction of Maintenix.
Getting it right — best practices from Icelandair Technical Services
ITS’ legacy maintenance environment consisted of a single MRO system, but with separate database instances for each ITS customer. The system has a Windows client interface and had reached the limits of its capabilities. Although the vendor is currently introducing a new generation system to the market, ITS used this as an opportunity to explore other available options. For ITS, the compelling event to begin the search for a replacement MRO system was driven by a requirement for a future-proof system able to support the on-going strategy of the business. This, coupled with the approaching end of life (EOL) of the legacy system, provided the catalyst for the organization’s search for an MRO software solution provider able to meet anticipated and evolving needs. At the outset, ITS established clear and measurable goals for system replacement; these included a modern solution able to support business objectives, as well as defined productivity enhancements, improved material utilization, and other quantifiable cost reductions. Advantages expected from the new system: • Modern, user-driven design (web-based); • Broad functionality and features; • Flexible with customizable user interface; • More efficient processes and task automation; • Strong vendor, good support and continued development.
The selection process
Eight systems were evaluated with four eventually selected for further consideration. Because the vendor was being evaluated as much as the software, ITS took every opportunity to build a relationship with the shortlisted organizations through attending conferences, participating in web presentations, and facilitating face-to-face meetings and demonstrations in order to familiarize the organization with each potential partner. Based on the stated goals and requirements, the experience with each vendor, and the level of confidence in their systems, ITS selected Mxi Technologies and the Maintenix software to conduct a proof-of-concept pilot to assess the vendor’s and software’s fit with ITS and their ability to meet the organization’s needs for system replacement. Elements and advantages of the pilot project: • Walked through selected usage scenarios with ITS data; • Allowed the organization to consider and assess data migration and cleanup effort required; • Identified any gaps or areas of concern; • Engaged people and assessed the vendor; • Obtained references from questionnaires, phone calls and on-site visits to existing customers of the vendor.
ITS took every opportunity to build a relationship with the shortlisted organizations through attending conferences, participating in web presentations, and facilitating face-toface meetings and demonstrations in order to familiarize the organization with each potential partner.
Throughout the implementation process, ITS has put a heavy emphasis on ‘getting it right’. What this has meant to the organization is the establishment of a project office with dedicated key subject matter experts, vendor engagement on the implementation, and stressing the current and on-going importance of clean data — all of which are key elements for a successful transition and for reaping the benefits afforded by the new system. Much like the situation framing the decision to replace a legacy maintenance system, the situation for implementation will also vary widely. However, there are commonalities and opportunities for shared experience that stand to benefit both the individual operators and the industry as a whole as we begin to evolve our maintenance operations. In the ITS experience, the keys to ‘getting it right’ fell into six categories: 1. Data cleansing: There cannot be enough emphasis put on the importance of clean data when replacing a legacy MRO system. As the project progresses, corrupt data stands to become a significant bottleneck in the achievement of efficiencies and measurable ROI. To a large extent, this issue can be addressed independently of system replacement, but the most realistic approach considers a detailed data migration strategy and a mix of data cleansing before and during migration. Following system go-live, the benefits of clean data will be immeasurable in supporting confident decision-making and continuous improvement. 2. Data migration: Again, investing time and effort into establishing a sound data migration strategy will be of significant benefit to the organization as the project progresses because this is a key area where one does not want to underestimate the amount of effort required. Although it is difficult to anticipate everything that could happen during the process of data migration, a solid strategy will better prepare the organization to address unexpected events. Things to consider in the strategy include using legacy data vs. OEM provided data and which source is best for a particular asset. 3. Project resources: The biggest challenge faced by many organizations will be assigning and keeping the right caliber and number of people engaged throughout the life of the project. ITS’ original plan was very aggressive and didn’t reflect the resources that the organization had available as peripheral activities required a redirection of effort, including new aircraft introduction. However, this can be offset through partnership with your vendor who should be able to provide the project resources with the industry knowledge and experience to continue to drive the project forward.
16 | CASE STUDY: ICELANDAIR TECHNICAL SERVICES | AIRCRAFT IT MRO | WINTER 2012
4. Processes and use cases: MRO system replacement offers an excellent opportunity for the organization to properly document and evaluate their existing business processes and use cases. Although it might be a challenge to introduce business process re-engineering in tandem with system replacement, this could be required and it is important to stay open to the possibility of changing current processes in support of future efficiencies. It is also important to consider tools for managing processes and system use cases to ease training and facilitate workflow improvements after the go-live. 5. Phased implementation: Choosing a phased implementation supported ITS’ objectives for system replacement and accepted level of risk. Deploying the software in phases also provides the opportunity to polish the setup of baseline data and support processes before launching maintenance execution. However, the downside to a phased implementation is the interim duplication of work and temporary workflows. Ultimately, the choice to implement in phases or via a ‘Big Bang’ approach will come down to the culture of the organization and the accepted level of risk, but it is important to weigh the pros and cons of either approach before settling on one over the other. 6. Cooperation among users and vendor: Any vendor will have a varying customer base with a range of operational profiles; however, it is important to strive for standardization and to build a consensus around the product and a future roadmap that meets the needs of the user community as a whole. Mxi Technologies has a strong user community with ongoing engagement activities targeted at building out the breadth and depth of the software and establishing shared industry best practices. Click here for full SOFTWARE details and for a demo
EVOLVE
The world of aviation maintenance is evolving. Maintenance organizations looking to maintain their competitive edge and safeguard their future need adaptable maintenance software. With its unparalleled commitment to quality and innovation, Mxi Technologies delivers industry-leading software that lets you keep pace.
Don’t just react to changes in the aviation industry. Evolve with them. Join the Evolution. mxi.com
WINTER 2012 | AIRCRAFT IT MRO | CASE STUDY: ICELANDAIR TECHNICAL SERVICES | 17
...adapting to change makes more sense than delaying the adoption of new technologies until change is unavoidable... Dated legacy systems, disparate point solutions, and complex work-arounds are not sustainable options for modern maintenance organizations.
Viktor Vigfússon
Manager Finance & Resources, Icelandair Technical Services
Why Mxi Technologies and Maintenix
The comprehensive functionally, advanced architecture, and future product direction of Mxi Technologies’ Maintenix software strongly paralleled ITS’ internal requirements for system replacement and quickly emerged as the solution of choice to enable the future direction of ITS. This, coupled with a strong vendor, is what led to ITS’ ultimate decision to choose Mxi Technologies as partner in the on-going evolution of the maintenance organization. Furthermore, Mxi Technologies’ approach to aviation maintenance is guided by five principles that, in the opinion of ITS, form the basis of an optimized maintenance enterprise: 1. Business Model: Model the whole business down to the component level in software. 2. Organizational Process: Include the entire maintenance organization within one disciplined process. 3. Real-time Targets: Capture real-time data to enable dynamic planning, immediate reaction to events and the ability to take advantage of opportunistic maintenance. 4. Data Model: Maintain information in a granular information model that enforces accurate, detailed, and compliant asset maintenance records at all times. 5. Continuous Improvement: Continuously drive the process toward 100% predictable maintenance to minimize the impact of unplanned maintenance.
Mxi Technologies at a Glance
• • • • • •
Provider of Maintenix® and Maintenix® CE software solutions Comprehensive functionality and sophisticated product Roadmap Serving the Commercial Airline, OEM & MRO Service Provider, and Defense markets. Serving emerging to large scale global aviation organizations. World-class services and support teams with extensive industry experience Over 9600 aircraft at customer sites across six continents are supported by Maintenix solutions
Conclusion
The aviation industry is in a constant state of evolution. New aircraft, new technologies, and new ways of doing business coupled with strategic growth or mergers have meant that the industry is constantly transforming. Fortunately, the technology exists today to achieve measurable efficiencies now and well into the future with adaptable MRO software that allows users to adhere to regulatory requirements and respond to this steady flux. Given this environment, the benefits of modernization and new ways of doing business quickly outweigh the effort of MRO system replacement. When evaluating the present and future operating environment and the desired business direction for the maintenance organization, it begins to emerge that adapting to change makes more sense than delaying the adoption of new technologies until change is unavoidable. Dated legacy systems, disparate point solutions, and complex work-arounds are not sustainable options for modern maintenance organizations. Any costs avoided by not implementing a new system will quickly disappear as the labor required to manage or work within older MRO solutions begins to outweigh the projected savings. Next-generation MRO software offers today’s operators an opportunity to look at the maintenance function differently from both a technology and business-process perspective as a key element in enabling their overall business. n
Viktor has been managing the MRO IT system replacement at Icelandair from the final selection of the new system, Maintenix, to its current implementation. After having worked at Icelandair Technical Services from 1995 to 2000 in the roles of Cost Controller, Supervisor Base Maintenance and Manager of Sales and Administration, he rejoined the company at the beginning of 2010. In the meantime, Viktor was engaged in IT management and business consultancy in Iceland and managed two start-up companies that developed Internet services (electronic bill presentment) and business software applications (electronic delivery of prepaid mobile airtime). Viktor holds a Bachelor degree in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Iceland and Dipl.Ing. Maschinenbau (Masters in Mechanical Engineering) from Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT), Germany. He lives with his wife and son in Reykjavík and can often be found running in the vicinity of volcanoes and glaciers.
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Vendor Job Card
18 | VENDOR FEATURE JOB | AIRCRAFT CARDIT| AIRCRAFT MRO | WINTER IT MRO2012 | WINTER 2012
Adrian Ryan; Managing Director; Gen2Systems / FLYdocs.
has a track record designing, delivering and implementing cutting Adrian Ryan, Managing Director and System Architect of FLYdocs, , Banking and HR/ Recruitment. Football ent, edge Enterprise level software platforms in Aviation, Governm developing in more creative sectors. Adrian became heavily After leaving full time education, his career started in Banking before successful record label before going on to launch his own a involved in the Music Industry, working as a Senior Manager within ng and web campaigns to an impressive client list across advertisi design, business in New Media, providing award winning creative step forward and, with detailed knowledge of interactive design, many sectors. Cross business platforms and systems were a natural of which FLYdocs is just one. Adrian was able to develop Enterprise level technology solutions, l solution providers in Aviation, and will continue to aggressively Today, FLYdocs is one of the fastest growing Software and Technica software modules. break new ground with on-going launches of highly sophisticated
Secret of Gen2Systems’ success AircraftIT: Your name, your job title and the name of the business? Adrian Ryan: Adrian Ryan; Managing Director; Gen2Systems / FLYdocs. AircraftIT: How did Gen2Systems get started? AR: We have built systems for many sectors including police forces, banks and football clubs, and we initially got into Aviation being asked to build an Operations System, aimed at VIP Charter, before entering the engineering side of the business. It provided an excellent understanding of the needs of the various departments in the industry. AircraftIT: What is the attraction of aircraft related IT? AR: When we first entered IT document management in Aviation, we found very few software systems providing value or functionality. Clearly many airlines and lessors have been working on poor quality document management systems simply because there was little or no choice. There is room for cutting edge technology, design and inspiration to bring the management of documentation into the 21st Century, what FLYdocs is all about. AircraftIT: What is the guiding business principle that drives Gen2Systems? AR:We put the client first – every time. Everything we do is driven by how a client can be helped. The client is everything – it’s a very simple philosophy. As long as we make the client happy and continue to innovate and deliver excellent solutions for them, we are happy. It isn’t complicated. AircraftIT: What has been Gen2Systems’ greatest IT achievement to date, and why? AR:Our greatest achievement for FLYdocs is to interface cutting edge technology with web and app based delivery. For example, ours is the first (and, to date, the only) system to provide a fully electronic
records return platform. In conjunction with Virgin Atlantic, FLYdocs has delivered the world’s first fully electronic Aircraft Records Returns; cutting edge stuff. No paper compiled or printed: the whole process is online. However, this is only the beginning of what we plan to bring to market over the next five to 10 years. AircraftIT: What has been Gen2Systems’ greatest business achievement to date, and why? AR:We have excellent client relationships and a particularly strong relationship with Virgin Atlantic, our first ‘Development Partner’, who has access to our highly advanced technology before it reaches the wider marketplace. We are very proud of securing their business. The synergy between our approaches is tangible and shows that a truly integrated focus can deliver real change and benefit across the business. AircraftIT: What have been Gen2Systems’ disappointments and what have you learned from them? AR:Major disappointments have been few and far between and not Gen2 oriented. For example, we are disappointed when a client’s own internal pressures prevent them from being able to provide the right data, which then impacts on what we can do to help them. It causes issues for everyone. But we can now spot this issue straight away and, instead of running round in circles and putting the problem back on to the Airline’s overworked staff, we offer solutions. We’ve got the knowledge and expertise to do this, and it makes a massive difference to an Airline to have this type of help. Out of disappointment come solutions. AircraftIT: In a sentence, how would you summarize what Gen2Systems does for aviation customers? AR:We provide amazing software and the kind of personal support and service that every person wants to receive – it’s basic for us; what we do. If a client is paying for a service or software we, make sure they are 200% happy all of the time. Outside of FLYdocs we also provide high
quality technical services; managing aircraft returns, performing audits, scanning and indexing of documentation, building statuses, mapping maintenance programs, mapping aircraft repairs, managing engine and landing gear portfolios and more. In short, we deliver for every client. AircraftIT: What is new on Gen2Systems’ development horizon? AR:We have a number of client roll outs over the next six months plus a number of document oriented modules rolling out over the next six to 12 months; engine management, repair management, landing gear management, APU management, diary and planning control and more. From the second quarter of 2012 we will be rolling out apps for a number of tablets, including iPad and Android, to interface in real time with data in FLYdocs for all areas of the system. For example, an engineer looking for data on a repair map of the aircraft, will be able to bring it up on their iPad, view the DFPs, photos and video of the repair, and inspect it there and then in real time. If not happy with it, they can make notes, entries and upload new photos and video to FLYdocs in real time so that the Structures/ Repairs team can assess and manage that repair going forward. This is the future for us… sophisticated innovative systems with real time delivery across the whole business. AircraftIT: What will be the next big thing in Aviation IT? AR:In terms of bringing documentation to life and running lease returns electronically, then it would have to be FLYdocs. Outside of this, we see the general move to making everything electronic as standard. AircraftIT: What do you want your customers to say about Gen2Systems? AR:We would hope they feel that we do an excellent job. We never assume anything because once you start to assume you become complacent. We start every day thinking that we need to make the client happy. The feedback from clients is very positive. This is a ‘can do’ business and we really do deliver for every client.
WINTER 2012 | AIRCRAFT IT MRO | 2012 SURVEY | 19
Your chance to win an iPad 2
… and share your experience and opinion with Aircraft IT MRO in our Business Transformation and Software Survey
W
e want to share your intelligence about Business Transformation so please CLICK HERE and be part of the Aircraft IT MRO Annual Survey 2012. The results will be completely anonymous and will be published in the next edition of Aircraft IT MRO eJournal. And as our thanks for investing five minutes of your time in completing and returning the survey form, we’ll enter you into a draw to win an iPad 2 from which you could be reading Aircraft IT in the latest format through the Aircraft IT app – see our News section for the latest development of the app.
Survey Overview
Aircraft IT, whether this publication or your profession, is powered by intelligence; and that is where you, our reader, come in. When it comes to answering the big questions, readers’ experiences and opinions are at the cutting edge of current business practice, making that information immensely valuable; a value that will be enhanced when the information is marshalled and shared. And that is where the Aircraft IT MRO Annual Survey comes in.
Aircraft IT MRO invites you to take part in our annual survey, for 2012, in which we’ll be investigating a key challenge to and opportunity for MRO businesses the world over. The 2012 survey sponsored by Rusada focuses on the key issue of Business Transformation and the use of software. The results will provide an important global overview of this, literally, transformational management tool. To an increasing degree, Business Transformation is talked about in management circles as aligning people, processes and technology in a business to get the best from each of them. It’s not simply about change but about a better arrangement of the business’ key assets to reveal and apply the best ways of meeting the mission, achieving objectives and supporting each other. And a better aligned business should be better placed to originate and exploit its ability to innovate. There has always been a lot of IT and software involvement in Business Transformation both as an enabler of change and as beneficiary of a more logically and effectively aligned business: and, as with any other business nostrum, this one works best when the whole organisation is involved. Implemented well and properly supported, Business Transformation can improve how the business is perceived by customers, its market strength and the effectiveness of the business in all key performance areas. We want to know about your experiences of change, your views on how it can best be achieved and where you see the balance between software and people in the business: what you think will be the drivers of transformation in the years ahead and where you identify opportunities for change in your own workplace. n
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Aircraft IT MRO Annual Survey 2012 Sponsored by Rusada
Rusada was created in 1987 as Russell Adams Limited, a UK-based aviation software provider and system integrator. Today it’s a global company headquartered in Switzerland with operations in the Middle East, Asia, Europe and the Americas. With a network of international partnerships, Rusada currently serves 50 major customers worldwide – and its software manages over 1500 aircraft in 20 countries. Rusada have two main products: Professional and Envision. Professional: A highly cost effective solution for smaller organisations covering maintenance, logistics, financial invoicing and SFDC Envision: A powerful single database, enterprise wide solution for MRO’s and Operators covering all functional needs from technical records through to flight operations and beyond. Click here for full company and software details
20 | WEBINARS | AIRCRAFT IT MRO | WINTER 2012
Upcoming Live Software Demonstration Webinars at www.aircraftit.com/MRO/Webinars.aspx this February Sign up to free live online software demonstrations for a perfect introduction to the world’s leading MRO Software vendors and to learn how they can assist and add value to your operations
Live MRO Software Demonstration Webinar: Volartec’s Alkym – Management & Control System for Aircraft Maintenance. n Session 1: 23rd February 2012 – 06:30 am GMT/UTC n Session 2: 23rd February 2012 – 15:30 am GMT/UTC n Duration: 1 hour plus Q&A. n Session Agenda With just one hour, our Alkym tour will be brief and to the point. We believe in productivity even in the sales cycle. It will take you through the first steps in seeing why we have successfully grown our customer list at such a rate in recent years. The tours topics will take you through: n What is Alkym? n The Functional Architecture n The General Features n The Alkym Modules n Who uses Alkym? n Our Implementation Projects n Customer Support Service n The Main Benefits n The Key Differentiators n Alkym Live Demonstration
Alkym – Management & Control System for Aircraft Maintenance
Should you be in the market for a new or replacement MRO software system many of our competitors will highlight the extensive functionality that their product will bring to your organisation. Others will concentrate on their lower price can meet your demanding budget. Why compromise when you should have both. That is what you get with Alkym — all the functionality at an affordable price. We implemented Alkym at many new operators last year and the average time for the project was just five weeks. Here is what just few of those customers had to say about the experience: Robert Chong-Seng, Head of Technical Support at Air Seychelles pointed to “the professional approach in the planning, implementation and management of the project… we appreciated how they assisted us in using the scope of the project to ensure we were getting maximum value from our current maintenance program and practices.” Then: “… it is essential to offer value for money over your competitors whilst never compromising on the product you offer. At Enter Air that is our philosophy and in Volartec we have a partner that we feel can bring us exactly what we want at a price that we were willing to pay.” Mariusz Olechno Board Member and Maintenance Director at Enter Air (Poland) And: “In Volartec we were very impressed with the pedigree of personnel that we met. We could see the system has all the functionality but, further, we knew the people behind it understood our business. For us this was critical.” Aleksei Lupitski, Managing Director of Avion Express (Lithuania).
Who should attend?
This webinar is ideal for airline/MRO personnel working in any area related to aircraft/component maintenance including maintenance executives and decision makers.
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22 | WEBINARS | AIRCRAFT IT MRO | WINTER 2012
View Video Recordings of our Live MRO Software Demonstration Webinars at: www.aircraftit.com/MRO/Webinars/Past.aspx A Live Software Demonstration: TRAX’s MRO Software Suite. 22nd September 2011
A Software Demonstration of AeroSoft’s DigiDOC Digital Content Management Solution. 6th October 2011
n Session OVERVIEW
n Session OVERVIEW
This Webinar shows you a demo of TRAX’s MRO solution and reveals how TRAX enables airlines and Third Party MRO’s to provide the best quality, safest and most cost efficient services to their personnel and customers.
This Webinar offers a fantastic chance to see a real-time demonstration of a Digital Content Management Solution (AeroSoft’s DigiDOC system). Learn how this system can benefit your maintenance operations and how to realize a quick return on investment.
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WINTER 2012 | AIRCRAFT IT MRO | WEBINARS | 23
About the Live Software Demonstration Webinar Recordings
Click on the following link to view a full list of the recorded Live MRO Software Demo Webinars: www.aircraftit.com/MRO/Webinars/Past.aspx
These Live Software Demonstration Webinar recordings provide airlines, MROs and operators with the perfect chance to view, at a convenient time of their own choosing, the different MRO solutions on the market. Each webinar is an hour long and offers an excellent overview of that IT Vendor’s software solution with the cost savings and increased efficiency they can deliver.
How it works.
This exceptional video library contains recordings of Live MRO Software Demonstrations from the following major IT Vendors: Trax, Swiss-AS (AMOS), Enigma, Rusada, Mxi Technologies, Gen2Systems, Ramco Systems, AeroSoft Systems, 2MoRO, Lufthansa Technik (manage-m)
Sign up for all the sessions or pick and choose your preferred Vendors. Once approved the video recording will appear in your Member’s Area at the Aircraft IT website: you will be able to view it as many times as you like and can add it to your market intelligence portfolio.
A Live Demonstration of Rusada’s Envision MRO System. 13th October 2011
An outline of four of the Webinar Recordings can be seen below.
A Live Software Demonstration of AMOS – Aircraft Maintenance and Engineering Software 27th October 2011
n Session OVERVIEW Rusada invite you to live software demonstrations with the chance to see two different MRO solutions. View both sessions to see how an enterprise wide solution (Envision) compares with a process driven MRO solution (Professional) or view the relevant session for your organisation (the current recorded webinar available is Envision).
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n Session OVERVIEW A demonstration of AMOS software: a fully-integrated package that manages the maintenance, engineering and logistics requirements of modern airlines and MRO providers by fulfilling demanding airworthiness standards. It also offers wide scope of business functionalities as well as integration, a prerequisite for data quality, productivity, reliability and informed business decisions.
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24 | WHITE PAPER: TEAM SAI | AIRCRAFT IT MRO | WINTER 2012
At the highest levels of management there needs to be a clear commitment to communicating the shared vision to the organization as a whole. This is where the will to merge two different cultures – people, process and procedures – wins out Project Management Office (PMO)
When two becomes one
Creating an efficient single operation, as David Marcontell, Executive Vice President & Principal at TeamSAI Inc. explains, is no mean task when MRO IT systems are merged.
A
irline mergers are challenging — at the best of times. And these may not be the best of times. Air carriers, like all other business segments, are faced with the realities of a global financial recession, the broad effects of terrorism and rising fuel costs. Mergers are challenging for many reasons; different work cultures, processes and procedures conspire to slow and mire the best efforts of planning and execution. Chief among these challenges are the various IT systems resident in the merging companies. Theresa Wise, Chief Information Officer for Delta, recently stated that the Delta/Northwest Airlines merger required the culling of 1199 computer systems down to 600. MRO IT systems are among the most complex in any airline, but compounded in a merger. Multiple systems are responsible for inventory control, purchasing, maintenance records, planning and forecasting, production management for hangars, shops and line maintenance, human resource management and training. Compliance data and required reporting draws from this matrix of applications and platforms to satisfy the requirement for a ‘System of Record’ and the goal of a Single Operating Certificate. This is the landscape in which the MRO IT merger must be effected.
Laying out the roadmap
The key to a successful MRO IT merger begins with a solid understanding and acceptance of, and buy-in to the strategic importance of the merger. At the highest levels of management there needs to be a clear commitment to communicating the shared vision to the organization as a whole. This is where the will to merge two different cultures — people, process and procedures — wins out in the battles of politics and over the ‘our way is the best!’ mindset. From the information that underpins this solid understanding, a roadmap can be created to guide those whose task it is to deliver the merger at this level. The roadmap then serves as arbiter when hard choices and trade-offs need to be made in the interest of improved compliance, value, and efficiency in the new maintenance organization and in support of the merger as a whole. Legacy systems that are familiar and ‘comfortable’ to employees of both merging partners will elicit strong emotional arguments in favor of one system over the other. In some cases, although these are rare, it may be more beneficial to select an entirely new system instead of attempting to migrate from one poor legacy system to another poor alternative. This one aspect alone suggests that rigorous thought and effort should go into integration planning and development of the roadmap. Key elements of a comprehensive roadmap should include:
A successful MRO IT merger will depend on the establishment of a dedicated Project Management Office (PMO) to lead and manage the effort. A properly selected project manager is essential — typically at the Director or even Vice President level — who has the right technical, organizational and even political skills, who understands the strategic vision and goals, and who has sufficient authority to lead. This understanding and ability is both upward and outward as well as downward facing within the organization. It is upward in that the project manager needs to be in tune with other parts of the organization and the way each fits into the strategic goals of the merger. Effective communication from the project manager up the organization is critical for setting corporate expectations and milestones as well as covenants and commitments with the regulatory agency. As the effort unfolds, the project manager will need to communicate effectively outward to the enterprise as an advocate for the MRO IT roadmap. This will include leveraging relationships with key leaders affected by the new processes and systems. Downwards, the effective project manager will not only be leading a team of dedicated subject matter experts and resources specialists, but will often also be responsible for internal and external developers necessary to support data migration and functionality equivalence efforts. As with any complex project, the MRO IT merger roadmap will benefit from the use of project management tools incorporating well developed work breakdown structures (WBS). There are many robust tools available and they should have the capability to give visibility and insight into task dependencies, communicate critical path elements and have broad reporting capabilities. The project management tool is the control panel that guides the PMO team down the path set by the roadmap and ensures that nothing becomes invisible. The use of cross functional teams, comprised, in balanced fashion, of personnel from each of the merged airlines, will provide an opportunity to involve and engage employees. Each employee brings a perspective that is essential to be heard and understood across functional lines. Teams comprised of subject matter experts, with knowledge of the current processes and applications, and having a positive and energetic outlook, will help to streamline the system selection process and support the bringing together of two cultures. Finally, it is through the PMO that decision criteria and communication methods are established and originated. Having a common voice for the MRO IT merger will be essential to managing the invariably emotional aspects of the change process and keeping everyone working together to a common end. Communicating frequently and broadly with the enterprise on ‘why’ and ‘how’ decisions will broaden engagement among the workforce.
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System selection process
Often erroneously considered one of the simpler elements of the MRO IT merger, the systems selection process must adequately and rationally weigh complex differences in systems compatibility, functionality, best practice, costs, and transition risk; each having both objective and subjective merits. Herein lies one of many hidden challenges to the successful MRO IT merger; the system selection process cannot simply choose which of the current systems should be retained without its first having a deep and comprehensive understanding of the systems and their unique characteristics and merits. At the beginning of the MRO IT merger process, no legacy system should be considered the ‘survivor’ without first establishing those attributes and selection criteria that best support the vision and goals of the merged maintenance and engineering organization. These attributes and criteria must be fully documented so that not only is there a consistent measure by which the system selection team can do its work, but also stakeholders outside the system selection process can understand why certain decisions have been made. Here balanced cross functional teams provide valued input, guidance and understanding of the current systems. It is also at this point in the execution of the roadmap that best practice assessments will help to better understand the current state of each legacy application; whether it is nearing a point of obsolescence or whether exceptionally high upgrade or integration costs will be incurred to allow the system to run on the merged company’s system architecture. Additional questions regarding integration, interoperability, and data migration challenges and risks are also answered during this phase. During the best practice assessments identifying certain time or labor saving functionalities resident in one system or the other, but not both, often emerges as an important benefit of the process. As an example, one recent merger of two US airlines identified critical hot-key scripts and background resident programs in a non-surviving legacy system that were key to the lower maintenance control unit staffing levels at one of the merging partners. These best practice driving functional enhancements must be captured and transitioned to the surviving systems.
In very rare cases, following a rigorous assessment of the current systems, it may become apparent that the best interests of the merged airline cannot be adequately served by either of the airline systems in place. While presenting a unique opportunity for the newly merged company to springboard into new technologies or functionality, this situation also introduces significant challenges and risks of its own including extended timelines for achieving the synergies of a single MRO IT system and the potential for significant parallel transaction period (i.e. dual data entry and maintaining both old and new systems concurrently), all the while retaining the data migration challenges and risks to be discussed later. This decision should not be made lightly or quickly.
System Integration
Following a rigorous system selection process, it is inevitable that some development will be required to bridge from existing systems to the single surviving system(s). For example, data migration, conversion of part numbers, tracking of installed and spare inventory, material ordering processes, operations and maintenance control functions, system access, and compliance record keeping are several areas that often require supplemental software development to facilitate the differences in timing of the combined airline’s new operating schedule versus the execution of the MRO IT merger. Almost universally, the marketing and revenue benefits of the merger compel the maintenance organization to begin servicing the merged airlines’ aircraft long before the underlying control and support systems have been fully integrated or transitioned. Thus, additional software development will be required to facilitate the use of multiple systems in a single operating certificate environment until the MRO IT merger can be completed. To account for this, the roadmap will need to allow for supplemental software development, adequate testing, and data validation before final integration and data migration can take place.
In very rare cases, following a rigorous assessment of the current systems, it may become apparent that the best interests of the merged airline cannot be adequately served by either of the airline systems in place
Training
An often overlooked challenge in the MRO IT merger is one of proper training in the surviving systems and processes. As discussed above, the successful MRO IT merger is difficult not only because it involves rationalizing and selecting IT systems, but also because two distinctly different employee and corporate cultures are being combined. Employees, at every level, accustomed to working within a familiar framework quickly become unsettled and possibly irrational during
Click here for full SOFTWARE details and for a demo
IDMR’s Technical Documentation Management System, InForm, has been designed to play a central role in the long-term survival and proliferation of technical documentation. InForm, written from the ground up as an airline document management system, will allow you to author and maintain virtually any document. Technical Documentation Management is now on aviation executives agenda’s worldwide. Technical documents are the primary source of aircraft, engine, and component reference InFormation which are constantly changing. On-going revision’s and updates by manufacturers, vendors and airline personnel add more complexity in controlling these documents. Failing to follow manufactures, vendors, and regulatory agencies approved maintenance repair and overhaul procedures can result in poor quality control or worse noncompliance fines. Without a centralized approach to Technical Documentation Management, these important documents are usually stored in multiple places, version control is lacking and in many cases different automated tools are used to create and maintain record keeping, perpetuating a process that is extremely time consuming and in most cases inaccurate. InForm offers a Technical Document Management Solution that provides a single repository for storing electronic documents received from outside sources such as manufactures, vendors, and internal personal. IDMR offers airlines, manufactures and thirdparty maintenance providers the industry’s most technically advanced, web centric, fully customizable, easy-to-use, all encompassing, mission critical and affordable suite of Technical Documentation Management solutions.
DOCUMENTS…MANAGED.
www.idmr-solutions.com sales@idmr-solutions.com Tel: +1 888 675 4527
26 | WHITE PAPER: TEAM SAI | AIRCRAFT IT MRO | WINTER 2012
a merger, even when no negative employment impact is anticipated. Fundamentally, hidden behind much of this anxiety is a training challenge. The impact of the merger — manifested for many employees through their daily transactions and interactions with the MRO IT system — comes front and center when the very tools they use are being changed. During a merger, just like other affected groups, maintenance organization personnel simply want to know what is happening and why. So, the first element of training needs to be focused on the merger and its strategic value and importance to the survival of the airline. The buy-in comes most quickly when the employees as a whole are well informed by energetic and clearly articulated leadership that can answer questions in an honest and straight forward manner. As system selection and modification decisions are finalized, specific course content will need to be developed to train employees in new system logic and procedures. Any interim procedures and processes needed to facilitate the transition to the steady state environment will also have to be covered. Depending on the size and complexity of the organization, training may need to be rolled out to multiple locations and during atypical work hours. Whenever possible, training should be accomplished by trainers that are intimately familiar with the applications, and underlying use and purpose of the systems. Engagement of traditional IT training companies without deeper understanding of the underlying systems and focused primarily on keystroke transactions should be particularly discouraged. It is essential to remember that success or failure for the MRO IT merger can hinge on one of the combined airline’s most controllable variables — the informing and training of its employees.
Challenges beyond the roadmap
While a well-developed roadmap built around the combined airline’s vision and goals along with an inspired and disciplined PMO will go a long way to realizing success for the MRO IT merger, data migration and harmonization often prove to be the most significant challenge for any IT mergers. Many sound and robust MRO IT merger roadmaps have failed to deliver on expected benefits because the PMO failed to adequately manage the challenges of data migration and harmonization.
Data Migration
On the surface, data migration sounds simple; just move it from here to there. The reality, however, is far more complex. As noted by Thanos Kaponeridis, founder and CEO of Aerosoft Systems, “One more critical factor emerging from MRO implementations is the process of initial data load. All Best of Breed MRO system vendors will attest to this. The initial data load/ clean up and verification is the costliest and riskiest
While data migration addresses moving information from one system to another, data harmonization is the assessment of data that looks different, whether by name, format, source, or repository, but is really the same or equivalent
part of any project.” The scope of the data migration impacts several critical areas of MRO to include ‘Perfect Assembly’ or configuration definitions, material inventory, technical manual content, engineering data, maintenance program schedules and work cards, fleet reliability data, planning and forecasting data, and aircraft technical records. Further, as the MRO lifecycle becomes more integrated and data-centric with the increasing capabilities of new aircraft and ground based systems, the need for universally accepted data standards has become ever more evident and critical. Yet, for many MRO IT mergers, the landscape is one of legacy systems with fundamental designs and architectures dating back even to the 1970’s and 1980’s. Thus the debates raging over adoption and enforcement of SPEC2000, iSPEC2200, and SD1000 become somewhat meaningless when few of the legacy systems being merged or transitioned are compliant in the first place. As a result, considerable effort will need to be planned and expended to ensure the migrated data is complete and in the correct format for the surviving system(s). The migration process will also likely require custom developed and tested data migration tools, data preparation, and data validation before and after migration. This last characteristic cannot be overemphasized. Several recent MRO IT merger efforts between US airlines have gone over budget and schedule due to late arising data validity questions. Thus, it is essential to define processes for
handling obsolete or bad data and to establish a data migration plan that considers the timing and potential requirement for concurrently run transactions until the retiring system is no longer needed.
Data Harmonization
While data migration addresses moving information from one system to another, data harmonization is the assessment of data that looks different, whether by name, format, source, or repository, but is really the same or equivalent. Applicable to material, technical manuals, maintenance programs, and work documents, data harmonization is where significant merger synergies and cost savings can be found; often in the tens and even hundreds of millions of dollars annually. Here again, the utopian objectives of SPEC2000, iSPEC2200, and SD1000 become immaterial if the legacy systems are non-compliant to the standards. A recent executive roundtable of airline maintenance and MRO IT industry thought leaders hosted by IBM affirmed the need for data standardization, but for various reasons, it was pointed out, that the “industry commitment and motivation continues to be a vexing challenge.” Furthermore, it was stated that, “Safety and reliability data should be the first to be harmonized. Before doing so, a collaborative business case with a defined return on investment must be defined and exactly which data are willing to be shared must be determined.” Thus in the MRO IT merger, data harmonization, like
migration, becomes a customized and often very labor intensive project, occasionally even requiring hundreds of man-years of effort. Development of enabling tools to quickly digest differences and compatibility will be essential, along with the necessary engineering and technical resources to research and approve common programs, procedures, documents, and material equivalents; all under the close scrutiny of regulatory agencies due to the inherent airworthiness sensitivity. One question that is often hotly debated is whether data should be harmonized before or after migrating to the surviving systems. A systems ‘purist’ might suggest that there is little value in migrating obsolete or redundant data, but this argument falls victim to the reality of integration timelines and schedules. As the harmonization effort is by far a more time consuming and labor intensive task than migration, the immediate requirements of a Single Operating Certificate often dictate that migration must take place before harmonization.
Summary
As we said at the outset, airline mergers are challenging — even in the best of times! A successful MRO IT merger starts with a strategic vision and goals that are well understood and shared at all levels of the organization, and disseminated through an effective and well led PMO office. Out of the PMO, the MRO IT merger roadmap defines the ‘why’, ‘how’, ‘when’ and ‘who’ of the effort and will be critical to managing the significant internal and external resources that will be required to execute the merger. It will be essential to avoid the temptations of creating the perfect system and to remain focused on the clearly defined objective and guidelines laid out in the roadmap. The systems selection process should be founded on consistently applied objective and subjective evaluations that consider both direct and indirect costs as well as best practices, often resulting from key system functionality. Following the selection process, system
WINTER 2012 | AIRCRAFT IT MRO | WHITE PAPER: TEAM SAI | 27
integration success will rely on effective management of software developers building tools that bridge key functionality differences and allow information to be shared among not-yet-merged systems. While highly valued with often lofty merger synergy and cost savings targets, data migration and harmonization represent the most significant challenges and risk for the MRO IT merger, and are almost universally underestimated in terms of the effort required to realize the eventual benefits. Data requirements must be carefully incorporated into the larger project plan and well executed to complete the merger and realize its full potential. IT and data migration/harmonization issues aside, the human side of the transition is ultimately the most important in any merger effort. Guiding the organization through the remolding of cultures in a merger remains the single most significant contribution that the maintenance and MRO IT leadership team can offer to the combined company. n 1 Source — The New York Times — Delta-Northwest Merger’s Long and Complex Path, Jad Mouawad, May 18, 2011 2 An Inconvenient Truth, Aircraft IT MRO, Summer 2011 1 Source — Executive Roundtable: MRO IT: Building the Business Case for Data Harmonization, October 19,2011
ABOUT TeamSAI
TeamSAI is an aviation and business innovation consulting firm founded in 1990 and specializing in strategic, tactical and operational management solutions. Executives have an average of more than twentyfive years aviation experience with different airlines, MROs and OEMs. This collective career history gives TeamSAI the breadth and scope to offer practical advice, problem solving, and strategic planning to domestic and international aviation and travelrelated companies. The firm has worked with a number of clients to optimize unit-cost performance, enhance employee and asset productivity, redesign and automate business processes, evaluate and enter new markets, start-up new business operations and institute an environment for continuous improvement which lasts long after the consultancy is completed. Each client’s personnel are involved throughout every phase of a project, making them an integral part of the team. Additionally, TeamSAI knows how to assist clients in packaging project results for corporate-wide approval and cultural acceptance.
Click here for full SOFTWARE details and for a demo
david marcontell
Executive Vice President & Principal, TeamSAI Inc.
David Marcontell has served in a range of project management roles with TeamSAI since 2001. As one of the original partners of the firm and now as President and General Manager of TeamSAI M&E Solutions, David has been instrumental in the firm’s expansion into new areas providing strategic and tactical support to clients around the world. He also serves on the Board of Directors of TeamSAI as well as Kioro Media Partners, a firm specializing in aircraft on-board advertising. David possesses a relentless drive for operational improvement with expertise in a variety of transportation related strategic, business and tactical environments. Strong analytical skills, combined with depth in operations research and data management, provide the skill-set needed to identify opportunities for improvement that generate real and lasting results. Before joining TeamSAI, David served in increasingly challenging technical and executive positions throughout the transportation industry; gaining a breadth of operational and business understanding that has proven of significant value to clients across the aviation industry. Utilizing his experience as a certified Six Sigma Black Belt with a developed understanding of LEAN and other process improvement tactics, David has been instrumental in leading project team activities resulting in multi-million dollar improvements in operational, supply-chain and production performance for numerous clients. Additionally, he has applied his experience as a former Designated Engineering Representative (DER) to lead several technical support projects. An FAA licensed pilot and mechanic, David possesses an M.S. Engineering degree from Mercer University and holds a B.S. in Aerospace Engineering from the University of Virginia.
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28 | SOFTWARE DIRECTORY | AIRCRAFT IT MRO | WINTER 2012
MRO Software Directory Key ‘at-a-glance’ information from the world’s leading MRO software providers.
There are three recognized categories of MRO software solutions: 1) Pure-play MRO solutions also known as Best of Breed (BoB) 2) Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) Solutions 3) Specialist Point Solutions Software solutions assigned to categories 1 & 2 offer a complete endto-end MRO solution for airlines, MROs and aircraft operators and meet most business system requirements for MRO facilities and airlines of any size seeking a new MRO software solution or looking to replace or renew an existing one. Pure-play systems are designed specifically for the aviation MRO industry and typically offer a complete solution to fit with the highly regulated nature of the industry. ERP MRO Solutions are part of a complete end-to-end enterprise wide software package and allow for extended capability with other systems such as Finance and Human Resources. Specialist Point solutions are MRO systems that are particularly strong in certain niche areas and usually complement the pure-play solutions. For ease of reference the directory below is divided into two sections: Pure-play and ERP MRO Solutions; and Specialist Point Solutions
Pureplay, BoB and ERP MRO Solutions
2MoRO Solutions
W: www.2moro.com T: +33 (0)559 013 005 (EMEA & Asia) T: +001 514 861 8686 (Americas) E: 2moro@2moro.com
Company formed: 2004, Office Location:France (HQ) and Canada Name of Product Marketed • Aero One®, Aero-Webb®, BFly® Number of Modules.........6 Five Key Business/Software Areas • Fleet Management • Technical Referential Management • Maintenance Forecasting • Inspection, Sentencing, Workbench • Configuration Control
Created in 2004, 2MoRO Solutions is an innovative company dedicated to software development for the Aerospace & Defense market (operational and R&D needs). We are located in America and in Europe. Our solutions are operated in 17 countries. We provide three high value products: Aero-One®, Aero-Webb®, BFly®. We have partnership with the world best of class ERP and PLM software providers, SAP® and PTC®. Our products are fully integrated with ERP offering cross functionalities: Accounting, Financials, Sales, Purchasing , Operations, Inventory & Distribution. We offer specific A&D functionalities: Fleet Management, Technical Referential Mgt, Maintenance Forecasting, Maintenance Execution, Inspection & Sentencing, Configuration Control, CRM & CSM.
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ADT - Applied Database Technology
W: www.adbtech.com T: +1 (425) 466-5013 +1 (614) 377-9644 E: sales@adbtech.com
Company formed: 1992, Office Location:Bellevue, Tampa USA; Istanbul, Turkey Name of Product Marketed • Wings NG Number of Modules.........14 Five Key Business/Software Areas • Fleet Management • Maintenance Engineering • Material Management • Production Planning • Labor Collection, Billing 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 the aerospace companies. ADT has been in the software business since 1992 and 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.
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AeroSoft Systems Inc.
W: www.aerosoftsys.com T: +1 905.678.9564 E: sales@aerosoftsys.com
Company formed: 1997, Office Location:Mississauga,Ontario, Canada; Miami,FL,USA; Austria Name of Product Marketed • DigiMAINT, DigiDOC, WebPMI/DJM Number of Modules.........5 Five 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 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. AeroSoft’s strategic partners include Hexaware Technologies Inc. who are jointly going to market internationally offering large IT capacity at competitive rates.
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Cimber Air Data AS
W: www.amicos.com T: +45 7443 3222 E: sales@amicos.com
Company formed: 1985, Office Location:Denmark Name of Product Marketed • AMICOS Next Generation Number of Modules.........n/a Five Key Business/Software Areas • Maintenance & Engineering / MRO • Logistics and Procurement • Reliability & Statistics • Planning • Manpower & Cost control 25 years of successful design, development and implementation makes Cimber Air Data (CAD) one of the most seasoned players in the business. Our staff averages over 15 years of experience in Aviation MRO. Close contact with our customers assure that we are constantly up to date with the latest developments and business requirements. When you talk to CAD staff, you are talking to a proficient Aviation Professional. Cimber Air Data is a profitable company, and we are constantly developing the product. The AMICOS NG (Next Generation) MRO system is an affordable “Enterprise” solution exclusively developed for Aviation. Our focus is on in-depth functionality and total process control. The diversity of our customers and their business processes ensures that AMICOS covers almost any possible variation of MRO data management.
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Communications Software (Airline Systems) Ltd
W: www.commsoft.aero T: +44 (0) 1621 817 425 E: nsg@commsoft.aero
Company formed: 1971, Office Location:Tiptree, Derby, Norwich, Gatwick, UK; Brisbane, Australia; Coimbatore, India Name of Product Marketed • OASES Number of Modules.........10 Five Key Business/Software Areas • User Friendly - ease of use for all levels of expertise • Excellent Support - full support throughout the life cycle of the product • Scalability - can grow with your business • Cost - low ‘cost of ownership’ • Security - proven security Communications Software Ltd provides the Open Aviation Strategic Engineering System (OASES), covering all aspects of aircraft maintenance for airlines and third-party maintainers. Areas covered include: inventory control; rotable tracking; demand handling; requirements planning; PO and RO processing; component and aircraft technical records; maintenance forecasting; aircraft check planning and documentation, plus check accomplishment analysis; aircraft technical log recording; shop floor data collection; work in progress; time and attendance monitoring; and system and component reliability analysis, plus repetitive defects, sales order processing, full quotation management, invoice passing, advanced scheduling, line maintenance control, AD/SB evaluation and deferred defect management. The company provides electronic AMMs and IPCs linked electronically to, and accessible by, the system.
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Interested in IT systems for Flight Operations? Click here to read AircraftIT Operations eJournal. WHITE PAPERS INCLUDE:
The future of Operations Control
Christian Lambertus and Benjamin Walther, Managing Partners at Aviation Experts PCS GmbH & Co. KG ISSUE 2 • SUMMER 2011
ISSUE 3 • AUTUMN 2011
Future EFB platforms and hardware – iPad versus Windows Christophe Mostert, Managing Partner at M2P Consulting GmbH
Managing fuel spend
Siow Litingtung and Simon Mayes Consultants at OSyS ta Special Aircraft Da data transmission
the Crew Tablets for fashion or business tool?
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30 | SOFTWARE DIRECTORY | AIRCRAFT IT MRO | WINTER 2012
IFR FRANCE
W: www.ifrfrance.com T: +33 (0) 562 74 75 00 E: commercial@ifrfrance.com
Company formed: 1987 Office Location: Toulouse (HQ); Moscow (Rep); Singapore (Rep); Bogota (Rep) Name of Product Marketed • AMASIS Number of Modules.........13 Five Key Business/Software Areas • Line Maintenance • Base Maintenance • Engineering • Procurement / Stores • Business Intelligence AMASIS is a robust turnkey solution to manage and optimize the aircraft maintenance. With 80+ active customers, AMASIS is a reliable solution for operators with fleet of all sizes and MRO. The new interface and the integrated Business Intelligence module (optional) brings to users the right tools to improve the maintenance processes. Our experts propose high level services to assit users during the implementation phase and the day to day operations (customizations, data upload, training, audit).
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Lufthansa Technik AG
W: www.lufthansa-technik.com/manage-m T: +49 69 696 91628 E: info@manage-m.com Company formed: 1995, Office Location:Worldwide Name of Product Marketed • manage/m® Number of Modules.........15 Five Key Business/Software Areas • Compliance Reporting • MPD management and revision service • Task scheduling and control • Material management • Management of technical findings (PiRep & MaRep) Lufthansa Technik’s unique Technical Operations WebSuite manage/m® allows commercial aircraft operators to manage all core functions of their fleet’s technical operations as an entirely web-based system online – anytime and anywhere. manage/m® is provided at no extra costs to every customer holding a MRO contract with Lufthansa Technik. Rounding out Lufthansa Technik’s all-encompassing portfolio of maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) services, the modules of manage/m® comprise a complete range of airline-proven support functions that permit operators to live up to their responsibilities towards the aviation authorities. Reflecting Lufthansa Technik’s MRO competence in all of its facets, manage/m® provides you with the necessary information to live up to your responsibilities as an operator in full. Quality monitoring, reliability trends, status reports, documentation and tracking of shop events in real-time are just a few of the available WebServices.
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Mxi Technologies
W: www.mxi.com T: +1 613-747-4698 E: info@mxi.com
Company formed: 1996, Office Location:Ottawa, Amsterdam,Detroit, Seattle, Washington, Sydney, Tampa, Saudi Arabia Name of Product Marketed • Maintenix, Maintenix CE Number of Modules.........5 Five Key Business/Software Areas • Maintenance Engineering & Information Management • Maintenance Planning • Maintenance Execution • Material management • Business Support & Analytics With solutions designed specifically for aviation maintenance, Mxi Technologies provides integrated and intelligent software, support, and services to commercial airlines, MROs, OEM aftermarket service providers, and defense operators. Mxi Technologies’ Maintenix® software uses a modern architecture and provides advanced capabilities such as a role-based Web browser interface, long range and automated line planning, automated workflow, electronic signatures, support for portable wireless devices, and a comprehensive range of integration APIs. Our customers range from emerging, small to midsized organizations to the largest global enterprises. For more information and to find out how you can join the evolution of aviation maintenance, visit www.mxi.com today.
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Ramco Systems
W: www.ramcoaviation.com T: +1 305 538 8499 E: agatag@rsc.ramco.com
Company formed: 1996, Office Location:USA, Canada, Europe, Middle East, Africa, India, Asia-Pacific, Singapore, Malaysia Name of Product Marketed • Ramco Aviation Enterprise Solution, Ramco Aviation M&E solution, Ramco Aviation MRO Solution, Ramco Aviation Analytics, Ramco Electronic Flight Bag(EFB), Ramco ePublications, Ramco Aviation Manufacturing OnDemand, Ramco eProcurement Number of Modules.........20 Five Key Business/Software Areas • Maintenance & Engineering • Maintenance, Repair & Overhaul • Aviation Manufacturing and Repair Stations • Human Resources • Finance Ramco Systems is the world’s largest provider of Aviation M&E, MRO and Manufacturing software solutions designed from the ground up for Commercial Passenger and Cargo, Military, PBL, PBM, Fixed Wing & Rotor, Fleet Operators, MRO providers and OEM organizations. The solutions are offered On-premise (in-house), through an Application Service Provider, or OnDemand utilizing its solutions and automation tools in running lean, efficient and profitable operations. Ramco’s Series 5 provides a positive impact on reducing turn times while increasing operational performance and compliance through the full integration of engineering, supply chain, maintenance planning and execution, and compliance modules in an elegant graphical interface.
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Rusada SA
W: www.rusada.com T: 03333 440730 E: sales@rusada.com
Company formed: 1987, Office Location:Europe, Middle East, Asia, Far East Name of Product Marketed • Envision Number of Modules.........10 (Single database) Five Key Business/Software Areas • Technical records and Asset Management • Asset and Stock Management • Operations • Engineering & Maintenance • Quality, Safety and Analytics Rusada is a global leader in the development of complex asset management software for the aerospace industry. With over 20 year’s heritage, Rusada, provides a range of tools and integrated IT solutions to enable the complete management of fleets of aircraft and the optimisation of the service provision around them. Headquartered in Switzerland with operations in the Far East, Middle East, Asia and Europe, Rusada serves over 60 major customers worldwide, spanning clients that include Operators, MROs and OEMs. Rusada’s Envision toolkit is an industry benchmark within aviation managing over 1500 aircraft in 20 countries. Latest innovations include the development of an Analytical Manager for live KPI analysis and monitoring against thresholds via a web based dashboard, and a new Safety Management Module designed to assist with a company’s Safety Management Procedures.
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Sheorey Digital Systems Ltd.
W: www.sds.co.in T: (+91-22) 2281 9198/ 2281 1086 E: rohit.jha@sds.co.in E: vicky.sheorey@sds.co.in
Company formed: 1993, Office Location:Mumbai, Bangalore, Singapore Name of Product Marketed • ARMS®: Airline Resource Management System, InfoPrompt®: Integrated Document Management System Number of Modules.........4 Five Key Business/Software Areas • Engineering & Maintenance Sub-System (ARMS® - EMSS) • Heavy MRO Sub-System (ARMS® HMRO)* • Logistics & Inventory Management Sub-System (ARMS® LIMSS) • InfoPrompt®: Integrated Document Management System * Under development Sheorey Digital Systems Ltd., (SDS), is an established, fast growing, ISO 9001:2008 Certified Software Company, focused on providing Software Solutions to the Aviation Industry. ARMS®: ‘Airline Resource Management System’ is an internet rich, current-generation, state-of-the-art Information Technology System that effectively addresses the extremely critical and cost sensitive nature of Airlines/Commercial Air Transport operations. ARMS® is one of the few cost-effective, fully integrated software solutions that seamlessly addresses – Flight Operations, Maintenance and Logistics functions of an air transport operator - designed and developed to control costs which is so very critical for Air Operators today! ARMS® is readily and easily ‘customizable’ to specific business & operational requirements.
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WINTER 2012 | AIRCRAFT IT MRO | SOFTWARE DIRECTORY | 31
Swiss AviationSoftware Ltd.
W: www.swiss-as.com T: +41 61 582 72 94 E: marketing@swiss-as.com
TRAX USA Corp.
Volartec
W: www.trax.aero T: +1 305.662.7400 E: sales@trax.aero
W: www.volartec.aero T: +353 617 49010 E: marketing@volartec.aero
Name of Product Marketed • AMOS Number of Modules.........10
Name of Product Marketed • TRAX Maintenance & Engineering Software Number of Modules.........23
Name of Product Marketed • Alkym ® Management & Control System for Aircraft Maintenance Number of Modules.........15
Five Key Business/Software Areas • Material Management • Engineering • Planning • Production • Maintenance Control
Five Key Business/Software Areas • Engineering & Planning • Production & Shop • Technical Records & Reliability • TRAXDoc Document Control • Supply Chain Management
Five Key Business/Software Areas • Maintenance & Engineering • Logistics • Quality Assurance / Human Resources • Planning & Reliability • Document Management / Technical Library
TRAX is the global leader in the aviation Maintenance and Engineering software industry. Deployed at airlines with fleets of all sizes, TRAX is the most advanced maintenance software solution available today. TRAX Maintenance has been developed with Airlines and for Airlines.
Alkym® is the most comprehensive and cost-effective software solutions available in the market today. It is specially designed to improve MRO Technical Operations performance by a professional team with strong aviation background. Alkym® is a completely integrated software solution to meet the demands of Aircraft operators and MRO providers.
Company formed: 2004 (project AMOS started in 1989), Office Location:Basel, Switzerland; Miami, FL, USA
Swiss AviationSoftware unites over 20 years of IT experience with profound MRO expertise and offers its customers the functionally unsurpassed and technologically state-of-the art 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, almost 100 customers worldwide steer their maintenance activities with AMOS, which makes AMOS the industry-leading MRO software in Europe and one of the best-selling solutions globally.
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Company formed: 1997, Office Location:Miami, Fl, USA; Horsham, West Sussex, UK
Consisting of over 20 modules, TRAX Maintenance is a completely integrated product. Organizational efficiency gains can be substantial when using TRAX 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.
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Company formed: 2004, Office Location:Ireland; Argentina
The key difference is our proven ability to deliver the fastest ROI. This is achieved by providing all the functionality at a fraction of the cost of others on market. We deliver the implementation project in record time with a dedicated team. Typically this is done in 4 to 5 weeks.
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32 | SOFTWARE DIRECTORY | AIRCRAFT IT MRO | WINTER 2012
Specialist Point Solutions
AIRCRAFT DATA SYSTEMS (ADS)
W: www.technicalrecords.net W: www.adsfrance.net T: +33 (0) 975 333 675 E: jalbrecht@technicalrecords.net
Company formed: 2005, Office Location:Nîmes, France Name of Product Marketed • ADS TRM (Technical Records Management), ADS TPA (Technical Publication Authoring) Number of Modules.........5 Five Key Business/Software Areas • Searchable Dirty Finger Print • 7 OCR engines • 3 seconds or less to find a 25 years old log book page with its exact content • Scan in Color, high definition • EN-9100 Our software can be tailored upon customer requirement. This allows us to input and organize records in any architecture in order to meet the exact requirements and internal rules of our customers. The records presentation shape is established just as customer wishes. A mechanic, a financial assessor or a leasing company representative don’t have the same needs to collect and explore records but will be interested in the same content of data. Once scanned, the records can be presented, searched and exported in any customized way.
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AVIATION 42
W: www.aviation42.com T: 0048 71 7230109 E: steve.crabb@aviation42.com Company formed: 2009; Office Location: Poland, UK, Denmark and Switzerland Name of Product Marketed • AMOS / Envision Data Migration - Check Optimiser Software Development System Integration - Middleware - Sabre Reporting - RADIXX Interfaces FAST Fatigue Data extracts Five Key Business/Software Areas • AMOS Data Migration • Check Optimiser • Software Development • System Integration • Middleware Aviation42 is a software company focused on providing Airlines with highly skilled, cost effective solutions in: Data migration (AMOS , Envision); Custom software development; Data Migration; System Integration; and Middleware.
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AMOS
A Story of Success “The project commitment of Swiss-AS was very high in areas such as project management, consulting, training and go-live support,” states Alitalia. Read more about the world-class M&E software system at SWISS-AS.COM
EmpowerMX
W: www.empowermx.com T: +1 866-498-3702 E: info@empowermx.com
Company formed: 1999, Office Location:Minnesota, USA Name of Product Marketed • Fleetcycle MRO Suite, Fleetcycle Execution Suite Number of Modules.........8 Five Key Business/Software Areas • Maintenance Program Manager (FCMPM) • Planning Manager (FCPM) / Materials Manager (FCMM) • MRO Manager (FCXM) • Production Manager (FCXP) / Reliability Manager (FCRM) • Line Manager (FCXL) / Maintenance Intelligence (FCMI)
FleetCycle® MRO ERP allows mros, airlines, lessors and any aviation maintenance entities to effectively manage the entire maintenance lifecycle or portions of the lifecycle they are responsible for. Airlines can jointly manage their outsourced and all insourced activities like Engineering Reliability, QA, Maintenance Programs, at the line, heavy, and shop levels. FleetCycle® ERP can significant reduce cycle times and enhance labor productivity to the order of 16%-30% and reduced costs, as well as increased aircraft availability, and reduced delays and cancellations. Third party MROs can run their entire operation of contracting and bidding on an aircraft to invoice the customer. FleetCycle® MRO ERP is the only tool currently available in the market place that reaches down to the technician on the floor and completely automates the process. Intelligence gathered with this system provides an accurate, timely basis for dramatic improvements in the efficiency and integrity of maintenance processes and the forecasted availability of aircraft.
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WINTER 2012 | AIRCRAFT IT MRO | SOFTWARE DIRECTORY | 33
Enigma
W: www.enigma.com T: +1 781-273-3600 E: infous@enigma.com
Company formed: 1992, Office Location:Burlington, MA USA; Singapore; London, UK; Tokyo, Japan; Hertzlia, Israel; Stockholm, Sweden, Name of Product Marketed • InService MRO, InService Job Card Generator, InService Revision Manager, Enigma 3C Number of Modules.........n/a
Five Key Business/Software Areas • MRO Technical Documentation Delivery • Revision Management/Control • Job/Task Card Automation • Illustrated Parts Catalogs • Service and Parts Documentation Enigma solutions help airlines and MRO facilities reduce costs and improve service efficiency and consistency by providing maintenance technicians with the latest maintenance manuals, spare parts and service information, filtered by tail number. Enigma takes data from enterprise applications – such as MRO Planning and Engineering, ERP, etc. – and creates an interactive maintenance solution that delivers the latest service, parts, and diagnostic information. By offering dynamic, integrated parts and service information, and links to inventory, order management and other systems, Enigma enables engineers to quickly update and distribute technical publications, and technicians to swiftly perform maintenance and repairs.
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Gen2 Systems Limited
W: www.gen2systems.net T: +44 (0) 121 351 6563 E: adrian.ryan@gen2systems.net
Company formed: 2007, Office Location:Birmingham UK, London UK Name of Product Marketed • FLYdocs Number of Modules.........9 Five Key Business/Software Areas • Aircraft Management • Engine Centre • Repair Centre • Search • Current Status / EoL Centre FLYdocs is a highly efficient system used for electronic Document Storage, Aircraft Returns, Engine Management, Repair Management, Landing Gear Management, APU Management, Thrust Reverser Management, instant online Searching and Lease Company Management….plus much more… The system is incredibly flexible and easy to use and provides clients with integrated options to connect to internal Maintenance Planning systems to create a closed loop for record keeping. FLYdocs uses a highly advanced and exceptionally intelligent platform to perform manual tasks with ease, vastly reducing the time it takes to manage documentation as well as providing major cost savings and value for money.
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Hexaware Technologies
W: www.hexaware.com/travel-transport-hospitality-solution.htm T: India: +91 22-67919595 T: Americas: +1 609-409-6950 E: vaibhavs@hexaware.com Company formed: 1990, Office Location:Mumbai, New Jersey, London, Frankfurt, Singapore, Japan, Dubai, Mexico
Name of Product Marketed • Hexaware is a Technology and Business Services Company providing end to end services to the Aviation market. Number of Modules.........n/a Five Key Business/Software Areas • Custom MRO Software development and maintenance • System selection consulting & system integration services • Implementation, upgrades and migration of MRO products • Interface Development • Customization and Enhancement across modules Hexaware is a niche, focused IT and BPO services company providing end-to-end system integration and IT services to customers across Travel & Transportation, Banking and Financial Services, Healthcare and Manufacturing industries. With annual revenues of USD 230M for FY 2010, Hexaware has a global workforce of around 6300 consultants working across various industries and technologies. Hexaware has a strong experience working in various business functions in MRO and Technical Documentation domains and specialize in System selection, custom software development and maintenance services, Business Intelligence / analytics, Infrastructure Management Services (IMS), and Quality Assurance and Testing services.
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IDMR Solutions Inc.
W: www.IDMR-Solutions.com T: +1-347-565-4367 E: sales@IDMR-Solutions.com
Company formed: 1998 Office Location: New York/Tel Aviv Name of Product Marketed • InForm Number of Modules.........20+ Five 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 insuring airworthiness, safety and regulatory compliance.
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InfoTrust Group, Inc.
W: www.infotrustgroup.com T: +1 949-732-7532 E: loster@infotrustgroup.com
Company formed: 1994, Office Location:Irvine, CA, Boulder, CO, Phoenix, AZ, Austin, TX, Shanghai, China, Paris France Name of Product Marketed • TechSight/X S1000D, TechSight/X ATA Number of Modules.........10+ Five Key Business/Software Areas • Content Management System (CMS) • Interactive Electronic Technical Publisher (IETP) • Technical Operations Edition • Technical Publications Edition • Flight Operations Edition InfoTrust Group is a recognized leader in the aerospace industry for more than 25 years. InfoTrust delivers solution to hundreds of companies for their information processing, conversion, authoring, content and change management, publishing and distribution objectives. InfoTrust’s wide range of end-to-end solutions that increase productivity by taking advantage of XML capabilities and content reuse, and that produce more accurate and reliabile information for compliancy. Its solution support all flight ops, engineering, maintenance, engine, component and training manuals. InfoTrust currently services major airlines, OEMs, suppliers and MRO s worldwide. To learn more about TechSight/X and InfoTrust Group’s full range of products, services and solutions, please visit www.infotrustgroup.com.
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Omega Airine Software, Inc.
W: www.omegaair.com T: +1-972-775-3693 E: info@omegaair.com
Company formed: 1991. Office Location: Midlothian, TX Name of Product Marketed • Ames Advanced Planning and Scheduling System Number of Modules.........5 Five Key Business/Software Areas • Optimized long range planning • Short-term scheduling • Line/RON scheduling • Engine and component scheduling • Business intellegence Omega Airline Software has been supplying the aviation industry with Ames, the industry standard Advanced Planning and Scheduling software tool, since 1991. Ames currently enables the optimized planning of maintenance on over 4000 aircraft at 21 customer sites around the world. Unique in the industry, no other tool provides the planning power or information creation of Ames. Companies enjoying the benefits of Ames include mainline commercial operators, regional airlines, fractional ownership companies and MRO operations. Amesfive, the current release, combines the power of Ames with the versatility and access of the Web.
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