Aircraft IT MRO V2.1 February/March 2013

V2.1 • FEBRUARY-MARCH 2013

RFID FOR INVENTORY MANAGEMENT

Delta knows where everything is

FROM PAPER TO PURPOSEFUL

Scanning records helps match data to jobs

EVERYONE’S A WINNER

Organising and sharing data means we all gain

INPUT ANYWHERE READ EVERYWHERE

Living in a world of information

White Paper: Aircraft Data Systems (ADS), Air Works Case Study: Delta Airlines, Jet Airways Vendor Job Card: TRAX Column: ‘How I see IT’, what can we learn from ACG v Olympic Airlines plus… News, Webinars, MRO Software Directorys

04 News This is where you’ll find news that matters in MRO IT and who’s in the News. In a fast moving world, professionals who need to know what is happening, check regularly on www.aircraftit.com/MRO and here in the AircraftIT MRO e-journal.

Editor’s comment

Aircraft IT MRO: Doing the things we have always done but doing them better Well, here we are: it’s 2013 and Aircraft IT MRO is onto its second volume. So let me open by wishing all readers a prosperous and successful 2013 with, perhaps, the chance that you might corner some of those intractable problems which have been kicking around the hangar for the last year, and finally sort them out.

Because, such is the pace of change that last year’s intractable problem might, in the light of the latest technology and software developments, now look a doable challenge.

That is the thing about the world we inhabit, it keeps getting better in terms of what we can do, where and when we can do it and how we can capture and store whatever we learn from it in order to make the next task even less work but with a better outcome. That’s the ideal: but today we have to live and work in the world with which we are familiar (legacy) alongside the Brave New World that new ‘smart’ aircraft, technology and better software solutions are delivering.

In this issue, you’ll find high quality writing on all of that. Bringing technical records up to date and integrating even the old ones into your latest systems. There’s also something on the application of RFID to dramatically improve the time and people needed for many routine tasks plus significantly improve the reliability of the maintenance schedule. You’ll also read both sides of the story with reference to fast MRO Software implementations and see how aviation can learn from others about how to harness the power of disruption and convergence. You’ll gain insight into what makes a key software vendor tick. Plus, of course, How Michael Denis sees IT. As well as lots more news and information from your sector.

It’s all of a piece with the Aircraft IT MRO mission to source, commission and publish applicable knowledge and shared experience for people whose business is keeping some of the world’s most expensive assets flying safely and maintaining the flying public’s faith in the quality and safety of air travel.

As well as that, the Aircraft IT live demonstration webinars allow readers to research the software package most appropriate for their needs and access past webinars while, of course, future webinars are open for every reader who registers.

Aircraft IT MRO: useful information and knowledge building on your experience.

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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.

Rick Lewis, Business Analyst, Delta Air Lines, Atlanta TechOps When Delta determined to transfer inventory to RFID technology, there were two challenges: finding a suitable system for a large airline and integrating legacy inventory with new RFID tagged (by OEM) items into one system.

16 CASE STUDY: Organising data for more useful outcomes

Amol Salaskar. Manager Engineering IT, Jet Airways When Jet Airways decided to participate in Boeing’s ISDP they were influenced by several factors including the availability of SPEC2000 to facilitate the necessary data exchange. Here is how the implementation program went.

19 COLUMN: How I see IT

ACG v Olympic Airlines – is the definition of ‘airworthy’ changing? Michael Denis Sometimes, an external event and outsider’s eyes help clarify understanding. That, Mike Denis believes, is the case with airworthiness where a legal case in a British court has set precedence and refined a definition for an elusive state of operability.

20 WHITE PAPER: Technical records – making them work

Julien Albrecht, General Manager, Aircraft Data Systems Good records are vital in the safe operation and maintenance of aircraft and a requirement when an aircraft has to be returned to the lessor. Scanning is a good way to keep records but is that a job for engineers or could there be a better way?

24 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, Lufthansa Technik, Commsoft and IFRSKEYES.

26 WHITE PAPER: What should a CIO think about?

Ravinder Pal Singh, Global Chief Information and Technology Officer at Air Works There are many experiences beyond the Aviation sector from which CIOs in Aviation Businesses (Airlines and MROs) could gain real business value. The problem is, understanding them and understanding the differences they could achieve.

30 VENDOR JOB CARD

Ed Haskey

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 2013 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.

12 CASE STUDY: Leading the Way with Inventory Management

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Ed Haskey ed.haskey@aircraftit.com +44 1403 230 700 or +44 1273 700 555 www.aircraftIT.com John Hancock john@aircraftit.com Dean Cook deancook@magazineproduction.com

What makes TRAX work? Chris Reed shares the story of their success with Aircraft IT In this issue’s Q&A piece, Chris Reed, Managing Director at Trax, puts the information on a ‘Vendor Job Card’ for Aircraft IT.

32 Upcoming live MRO software demonstration webinars A preview of Live MRO software demonstration webinars with Swiss-AS covering AMOS maintenance, engineering and logistics software on 7th of February 2013 and AD Software demonstrating their AIRPACK maintenance software solution on the 21st of February 2013.

37 MRO Software directory A detailed look at the world’s leading MRO IT systems.

4 | NEWS | AIRCRAFT IT MRO | FEBRUARY-MARCH 2013

2MoRO Solutions and CIMPA establish a new approach to support customers in building up In-Service solutions

In late November 2012 2MoRO Solutions and CIMPA, a 100% Airbus subsidiary announced the signature of an exclusive partnership dedicated to the In-Service segment in the Aerospace and Defence industry. Together, the two companies are specifically targeting Airlines, Aircraft Operators and MROs as well as Aircraft and Engines manufacturers on the international market. The partnership aims to provide tailored end-to-end services based on aeronautical and IT expertise and solutions so as to meet customers’ requirements in setting up their processes, methods and information systems in the areas of maintenance planning and execution, fleet management, continuous airworthiness management and in-service configuration management.

It is an arrangement that enables both partners to simultaneously offer customized solutions focused on Customers’ in-service needs and a catalogue of proven Aeronautical and Defence software functions. The two companies have set up a new approach to support their customers in building up In-Service solutions that fit smoothly in existing heterogeneous IT environments.

This innovative service is an alternative to the two existing approaches on the market: typically, COTS (commercial off the shelf software) and bespoke software, which is expensive to design, develop and maintain.

Cédric Davezat, Head of Sales for the In-Service Lifecycle Business Unit, CIMPA explained,“We are pleased that 2MoRO Solutions has joined forces with us and will contribute to bridge the gap between Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) and In-Service Lifecycle Management (SLM).This strategic partnership is a key enabler to strengthen our common offer towards SLM customers.”

David Ferrier, Business Development Manager, 2MoRO Solutions added, “We welcome this strategic partnership with CIMPA. Together, we are able to offer an alternative to the Aerospace and Defense stakeholders who wish to upgrade their information system in an innovative and sustainable way.”

The new partnership looks forward to working with aviation customers to identify collaborative opportunities and present to them the added-value of the partnership.

Aero One® (by 2MoRO) welcomes another Latin America flag carrier: Peruvian Airlines

In mid-December 2012, 2MoRO was proud to announce that its Aero One® software has been selected to replace Peruvian Airlines’ existing system to optimize the airline’s processes regarding the maintenance, repair and overhaul of its fleet.

Peruvian Airlines is committed to offering its customers a warm and personalized service, continually seeking to improve the efficiency of its operations. The airline wants to actively contribute to the integration, development and welfare of all regions of Peru. In August of 2012, Peruvian Airlines increased its fleet by three aircraft equipped with the latest technology. It is now undertaking the DGAC certification process required for these new additions to be operational shortly.

Peruvian airlines’ fleet now consists of ten aircraft: four B737-300, one B737-500 and five B737-200. This larger fleet made it obvious that Peruvian Airlines’ legacy system was obsolete and no longer fitted the company’s business strategy and requirements in terms of regulatory compliance. After several months trying to identify a solution that could fulfill every aspect of its business, including its maintenance activity, Peruvian Airlines selected Aero One® in combination with SAP Business One: a powerful ERP designed for SMEs and already used by more than 35,000 customers worldwide.

This solution was found to be the most consistent with the budget and needs of Peruvian Airlines. Aero One® is a comprehensive Fleet Management and MRO solution, fully integrated into SAP Business One. The combination of both is a reliable and flexible solution that fully covers the airline’s business processes, allowing for fleet data management, maintenance planning and execution. All data is integrated into a unique database, streamlining all of the MRO processes. 2MoRO will begin the on-site phase of the Aero One® implementation in January 2013 alongside its reliable Peruvian partner SYPSOFT, a SAP Goldpartner.

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

FEBRUARY-MARCH 2013 | AIRCRAFT IT MRO | NEWS | 5

A year of development and growth for ADT 2012 was a busy year at MRO software provider ADT (Applied Database Technology) with new customers, new levels of capability and Wings MRO Software now available on tablets.

Millardair MRO selects Wings

Millardair MRO, of Ontario, Canada chose Wings MRO software for its MRO operations, signing an agreement in September for the project to start in October.

V.D. Gulf MRO selects Wings

Volga-Dnepr Gulf in Sharjah, UAE also signed an agreement for Wings MRO Software in October. The project was scheduled to start in November and go live in early 2013.

ATSTEAM goes live

And Wings is in production use at ATSTEAM as their CAMO services take off with WingsNG Fleet Management (Part M – CAMO) being used for three airlines from September.

Click here for full SOFTWARE details and for a demo

iFLY Airlines selects WingsNG

In July, Moscow based iFLY Airlines signed an agreement for WingsNG engineering, maintenance planning (which went live in October) plus fleet management and supply chain.

Wings NG on Tablets

July also saw a tablet version launched for Wings, making the solution even more accessible for busy users on Android based tablets, using 3G, 4G and WI-FI.

Nordwind goes live on Wings NG and will be deploying Wings Tablets

Having completed Wings NG implementation and started using Wings in engineering, planning and materials departments, Nordwind Airlines in Russia will also be using tablets for discrepancy management in Wings, with testing and piloting taking place in December 2012 and full deployment during the first quarter of 2013.

Columbia Helicopters to implement IDMR’s Technical Publications System

The whole fleet at your fingertips: Lufthansa Technik MRO-IT solution manage/m® • Keep control • Quality assured • Airline proven

Columbia Helicopters has selected IDMR’s InForm application as their integrated electronic Task Card authoring system; it was announced in midNovember 2012. The Task Card modules will allow Columbia Helicopters to control all aspects of their Task Cards. Many features including; simple data entry screens, image support, status tracking, man-hour accountability, electronic material slips, bar coding, seamless integration options and more will give Columbia Helicopters the ability to produce and manage Task Cards in the most efficient manner technology allows. The Task Card module is one of many modules IDMR provides in their InForm suite.

Air Botswana successfully implemented ADSoftware’s AIRPACK maintenance software solution ADSoftware announced in mid-December 2012 a successful implementation for AIRPACK Fleet Management System and Logistics Solutions at Air Botswana. Air Botswana has recently implemented a maintenance package that includes fleet management, inventory and logistics control, documentation management, security management and reliability statistics reports. Though not required by any regulation, Air Botswana elected to proactively implement a framework of internal controls over its maintenance department as part of its continuing efforts to adopt global best practices.

To achieve this in the most efficient way, Air Botswana chose AIRPACK as its ERP software platform.

ADSoftware first migrated the data of the three ATR42-500s; two ATR 72-500s and two BAe146 -100s owned by the airline. AIRPACK Suite was then installed and implemented across twenty users; trained on site by two experts responsible for the start-up assistance of the system.

For the first six months of running the solutions, Air Botswana will be monitored closely by the ADSoftware team to allow the last required customizations and modifications necessary to optimize usage of the system.

Lufthansa Technik AG info@manage-m.com www.manage-m.com

manage/m® Technical Operations WebSuite

More mobility for the world

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19.01.12 10:53

6 | NEWS | AIRCRAFT IT MRO | FEBRUARY-MARCH 2013

Commsoft (Communications Software (Airline Systems) Limited) OASES extends its global and sector reach with new contracts Commsoft’s OASES chosen by MEGA Maldives Airlines

Commsoft was delighted to announce in mid-October 2012 that MEGA Maldives Airlines, the international airline of the Republic of Maldives, had chosen Commsoft’s Open Aviation Strategic Engineering System (OASES) for its on-going MRO operations. The airline is keen to commence using OASES as soon as possible for inventory activities with its fleet of Boeing 757s and 767s and will progressively ‘go live’ with other functionality.

Using a dual standalone hot/cold server set up, MEGA Maldives will be running a suite of OASES modules, including Core, Materials Management, Production, Planning, Line Management, and Airworthiness.

Commsoft enters Greek market in OASES deal with Sky Express

Aircraft maintenance management software specialist Commsoft made its first move into Greece in late November 2012 after regional carrier Sky Express signed to use the flagship OASES product. The deal is also the second agreement for the hosted version of OASES following its launch at the beginning of 2012. Utilising a specialist team operating both remotely and in Heraklion, the implementation project was started in the second quarter of 2012 with the CAMO system going live in mid-August, followed by inventory functionality in mid-September 2012.

The new contract demonstrates how the option of accessing OASES hosted by Commsoft can open up sophisticated maintenance management techniques to smaller regional airlines by avoiding set-up fees and hardware costs.

The initial OASES application covers Sky Express’ fleet of four BAe Jetstream 41 and one Jetstream 32 twin-turboprop aircraft, and will be expanded in line with the airline’s growth plans. Sky Express will benefit from the following OASES modules: Airworthiness, Planning, Core and Materials.

Commsoft Managing Director Nick Godwin expressed delight, “… to sign Sky Express as our first customer in Greece and to be able to support them as they grow in the future. Our rapid implementation support was a critical element and I am delighted that excellent teamwork with Sky Express saw OASES go fully live in just three months.”

Mr Agamemnon Kikerakis, President and CEO of Sky Express SA added: “Cost-efficient maintenance that conforms with international regulatory standards is absolutely critical to our plans. By using hosted OASES we can take our maintenance operation to a new level of sophistication and know that there will be benefits to the bottom line from day one.”

Poland’s 5 Aero Team becomes latest independent CAMO operator to sign up for Commsoft’s OASES

Commsoft was delighted to announce that 5 Aero Team was about to become the latest user of OASES in early December 2012. Under the terms of a five year agreement for five concurrent users, Commsoft will build a full OASES hosted system for Warsaw-based 5 Aero Team’s start-up CAMO operations. The OASES modules selected include Airworthiness, Planning, Core and Materials Management.

OASES (Open Aviation Strategic Engineering System) is designed to combine ease of use with a technical sophistication that allows for the full integration of all maintenance and engineering functions, from inventory management and purchasing to defect control and work scheduling. The hosted programme allows easier, lower cost access for small operators by avoiding set-up costs such as server acquisition and third party licensing.

5 Aero Team plans to offer international clients a comprehensive range of aircraft management services, including, Continuing Airworthiness Management, Aircraft Evaluation and Selection, Aircraft Registration, Aircraft Storage and Aviation Training. Founded this year, 2012, by five engineering managers, including Jacek Rogoski, formerly of Air Italy Polska, Yes Airways and OLT Express Poland, 5 Aero Team’s Aircraft Acceptance Service, is targeted at airlines, leasing companies, private investors and banks interested in purchasing either new or used passenger, cargo or business aircraft.

The business is already up and running and encompasses ground checks, airworthiness and aircraft data reviews, documentation and records reviews, engine runs, title transfers, and acceptance and ferry flights. It is currently in the process of applying for its CAMO certification from the Polish Civil Aviation Authority, including ARC (Airworthiness Review Certificate) privileges for the Airbus A320 family, Boeing 737NG and Classic, Boeing 757 and 767, and the Embraer E-170 and E-190 families. 5 Aero Team can also offer aircraft storage and maintenance facilities at Katowice Airport (IATA code: KTW, ICAO code: EPKT) in Poland.

Nick Godwin, Commsoft’s Managing Director, commented: “This is great news for Commsoft as it further validates our belief in the vital

importance of the independent CAMO and fleet technical management market internationally. We’re looking forward to building a close working relationship with 5 Aero Team.”

Jacek Rogoski, 5 Aero Team’s Managing Director added “Our new company strategy for Aircraft Acceptance Service with CAMO was implemented this year, it was important for us to select an MRO IT supplier that not only had an established, internationally recognised system but also an understanding of our specific needs.”

INAER Selects Commsoft’s OASES to Manage the Italian Government’s Fleet of Fire Fighting Aircraft

Commsoft announced in mid-December 2012 that INAER Aviation Italia SPA (INAER) www.inaer.it will be implementing OASES to operate the Italian government’s fleet of fire fighting aircraft.

INAER, an international specialist fleet services operation, has signed an initial 20 concurrent user deal for the use of OASES to manage 19 Bombardier CL-415 water-bombers based at Rome Ciampino Airport, owned by Protezione Civile Nazionale.

OASES is a sophisticated, user-friendly tool that can be deployed efficiently into any aircraft maintenance environment. Combining experience of the aviation and IT industries, Commsoft offers software that utilises cutting edge technologies to increase efficiency and drive down costs for users. OASES will be used to support all CAMO activities and line maintenance support across a network of dispersed operating sites as well as inventory and heavy base maintenance work at Rome Ciampino and Lamezia.

The new OASES commercial module will also be deployed and OASES will interface with business critical systems such as SAP. Nick Godwin, Managing Director at Commsoft, commented: “I am delighted that INAER Aviation Italia has selected OASES. The CL-415 water bomber fleet has many unique characteristics, which require specific monitoring in a MRO IT system... The seasonal nature of the fire fighting operations with their intense periods of line operation and base maintenance pose many challenges and our implementation team will be working closely with INAER’s experts to be ready for these.”

Roberto de Pompeis, General Director at INAER added: “INAER provides a vital service in a very challenging environment. After extensive evaluation of OASES and Commsoft’s implementation support, we are happy that we have found a good fit to our highly demanding needs.”

FEBRUARY-MARCH 2013 | AIRCRAFT IT MRO | NEWS | 7

Sheorey Digital Systems Ltd. (SDS) launches ARMS® on the Tab

Sheorey Digital Systems Ltd. (SDS) launched ARMS® on the Tab in mid-December 2012, making the power of ARMS® V2 even more accessible Sheorey Digital Systems‘(SDS) ubiquitous ARMS® V2 (Aviation Resource Management System), which addresses critical and cost sensitive issues in Commercial Airlines and Air Transport operations is now even more accessible with the launch of ARMS® on the Tab. Reflecting the growing trend towards Tablet devices across airline operations and engineering, ARMS® on the Tab will deliver the attributes and values of ARMS® V2 via any user-defined platform.

Already available on iPAD2, Android Tablets and ToughPads, ARMS® on the Tab will soon also be available on Windows 8 Tablets with online access to ARMS® V2 suite (Thru GoGlobal) plus ARMS® on the TAB (Apps) in offline mode. ARMS® V2 Suite modules available include: • Electronic Flight Bag (EFB): with CFP, Trip Kit, Met & Notam Briefing and Charts; • Electronic Tech Log (ETL), Cabin Log and other Post-flight reports.

• FORMS: Safety Reports, Training Completion, Quality Audit, etc.; • EDOCs/Tech Pubs Library; • APPS: Load & Trim, RTOW, etc.

The whole package is supported by a Comprehensive Content Management and Revision Control server environment at the back-end. Summarising the launch Vivek Sheorey, CEO and Managing Director at SDS explained; “ARMS® on the Tab is beyond EFB or ETL. It makes the power of ARMS® V2 Suite available where users need it, providing anytimeanyplace accessibility as a fully mobile application”.

Ramco Systems Goes Live at Air India

In early December 2012 – Ramco Systems, the Aviation Maintenance & Engineering (M&E) and Maintenance, Repair & Overhaul (MRO) software provider on cloud, tablets and iPad, announced that Ramco Aviation has gone live with its implementation in Air India. With this, Ramco Aviation Suite will help Air India in maintaining its 125+ fleet of Boeing and Airbus, including the latest Boeing 787 Dreamliner.

Speaking on the go-live, Mr. Vipin Kumar Sharma, SBU Head, Air India, said, “We are happy to announce the successful go-live of Ramco Aviation Suite at Air India. After implementing the new Software, we hope to increase productivity through optimum use of engineering resources. As the entire fleet is maintained on the system, we would be able to effectively track the history of the aircraft and components

for faster resolution of defects/snags and thus reduce our Maintenance TAT. Commenting on this milestone, Mr. Virender Aggarwal, CEO, Ramco Systems, said, “We are pleased that Ramco Aviation has successfully gone live at Air India for its entire fleet including the latest generation of Boeing 787. We have been investing in building the latest functionality into the product by enhancing the user experience and delivering it on

Cloud, Mobile and iPad. Today, Ramco Aviation Suite maintains over 60+ leading aircraft models for customers around the globe. This has given the product a depth and functionality to address every segment of the Aviation Industry—from single jet owners to large MROs. By addressing the next-generation of aircraft, we have continued to serve the complete gamut of Aviation industry with our best-ofbreed solution.”

Click here for full SOFTWARE details and for a demo

8 | NEWS | AIRCRAFT IT MRO | FEBRUARY-MARCH 2013

Click here for full SOFTWARE details and for a demo

Swiss-AS AMOS grows capabilities and customers AMOS 10.00 with major functional improvements

WinAir AVIATION MANAGEMENT

SOFTWARE

Why WinAir? PROCESS DRIVEN MAXIMIZES EFFICIENCY EASY TO USE PROVEN IN THE REAL WORLD SEAMLESS MIGRATION

www.avbasesystems.com

AMOS 10.00, the latest AMOS version announced in midAugust 2012,, contains new features and functions that herald a new era in SwissAS’ MRO software. It launches the most extensive developments since the conversion from AMOS classic to AMOSNG in 2002. The latest version is the starting point of major developments that will be rolled-out over the next 2-3 releases while also being the cornerstone paving the way for all further software enhancements. The reason for the staggered approach is the magnitude and complexity of some new features. With the latest software release, Swiss-AS introduces numerous functions that are dedicated to the needs of pure MRO providers and represent the AMOS community’s voting in the AMOS Strategic Board (ASB): the new Advanced Planning, the extended rotable control functions and Multi Entity Support, to name just a few new or enhanced functions. Besides the enlargement of the functional breadth and depth, the contemporary Graphic User Interface (GUI), the possibility to add desktop widgets, a new desktop background and a cleaner menu and status bar further increase the user-friendliness as well as the look and feel of the MRO software.

Newly developed highlights of AMOS 10.00 • Multi Entity Support hosts and integrates multiple financially independent companies on one system, allowing airline groups or other aviation companies with subsidiaries in different countries to consolidate all activities in one system but still comply with local regulations.

• In the framework of the new Advanced Planning features, which the AMOS customers ranked as top priority for strategic developments, the Improved Resource Management has been implemented.

Resources can now be planned down to individual work steps that allow a detailed allocation of skills and material in the critical path of any groundtime.

In this context, also the introduction of a Central

Workstep Repository was realised, which reduces the manual input and facilitates consolidation on the work package level for scheduled and non-routine work.

• The new Maintenance Program structure supports the management of local operator maintenance programs in reference to a centrally managed master program to facilitate full multi operator support.

• Another highlight of the new AMOS release is the integration of the Rule Engine, which allows user definable workflows for complex business rules, e.g. for contract management, financial approval, aircraft configuration management, etc.

Finnair goes live with AMOS

Swiss-AS was pleased to announce the successful and smooth AMOS go-live at Finnair. The Nordic national carrier is the 1st AMOS customer to use e-Techlog and, the announcement in late September 2012 highlighted the integration of both systems facilitates an efficient defect control and planning process.

Swiss-AS offers Mobile Device System

Also in late September, Swiss-AS announced that it now offers a Mobile Device System. In recent months the Mobile Device System (MDS) was developed

by Swiss-AS and Dr. Thomas & Partner based on an original idea by CrossConsense, to support logistics processes. Swiss-AS firmly believes that MDS will substantially assist its customers in additionally streamlining their store procedures and, ultimately, safer costs due to better data, shorter turnaround times and higher efficiency of the customer’s store procedures. The whole warehouse and logistic processes are supported by wireless devices.

PGA now live with AMOS – first customer to operate an Oracle database

And finally for September 2012, it was announced that Portugália Airlines (PGA) has successfully turned off its legacy systems and started to manage its entire MRO data in AMOS. Both the PGA project team and the Swiss AS onsite go-live support crew were well prepared which ensured the switch over went smoothly. This meant also that the interfaces to 3rd party systems were operational right from the start. In particular the data transfer was very well managed by PGA internally and in addition to the minimum data level, much historical data was migrated into AMOS. Prior to the big-bang go-live, all AMOS users (technicians and back office users) were

FEBRUARY-MARCH 2013 | AIRCRAFT IT MRO | NEWS | 9

trained and PGA decided on a combination of e-learning, train-thetrainer approach and traditional classroom training.

The highlight of the AMOS implementation at PGA is that AMOS was implemented for the first time relying on an Oracle database. Swiss-AS had strategically focused on realising an AMOS version that is database independent and followed the market requirement to be more flexible in terms of predetermined databases.

AMOS to be implemented at all five members of the Thomas Cook Group

Thomas Cook Belgium, Condor Berlin and Condor Flugdienst are long-term customers of Swiss-AS. In early October 2012, it was announced that the remaining members of the Thomas Cook Group (TC UK and Scandinavia) had decided to replace their legacy system with AMOS. The decision to implement AMOS group-wide across Europe was the result of the latest assessment of the group’s requirements and the new corporate strategy. The benchmark established AMOS as the preferred solution for the travel group.

One of Swiss-AS’ latest developments, Multi-Entity Support (see above), was one key factor for being awarded the contract. The MultiEntity Support in AMOS enables the Thomas Cook Group to manage its multiple Airline Operations Centers (AOCs) with multiple financial accounting, maintenance programs and local authorities, within one system while realising substantial synergies on group level.

AMOS to support remarkable growth of Turkish low cost carrier Pegasus Airlines

Pegasus Airlines, at the start of December 2012, awarded SwissAS to implement the M&E software AMOS. The onsite AMOS presentations as well as a visit to a reference customer finally triggered the decision that AMOS is the system that best meets Pegasus’ demands.

During the pre-sales phase Pegasus did not only carefully evaluate the functional scope as well as technology of AMOS, but also had a close look at the service package that Swiss-AS offers its customers to ensure an efficient and successful implementation. The plan is to implement AMOS without any specific customisations since the system fully covers the requirements of the low-cost carrier. AMOS is a community product that has “grown” over many years due to individual customer requests as well as strategic developments having been implemented. In recent times, more and more AMOS customers have decided to implement the Swiss MRO software “as is” and thereby benefit from leaner implementations in terms of complexity, time and cost.

Pegasus Airlines is planning to integrate AMOS with other systems used in the organisation, such as Flight Operations, Human Resources, Finance, Accounting and Electronic Flight Bag. With the fully implemented AMOS, all maintenance processes in Pegasus Airlines are planned to be managed electronically.

Mxi Technologies further sharpens its cutting edge technology Mxi® Technologies Announces Market Availability of Maintenix Version 8

Mxi® Technologies announced at the end of November 2012 the commercial availability of Maintenix® version 8 (v8). This latest version of the Maintenix® software, underpinned by Mxi’s exclusive Avinomic Predictive Control System™ (PCS), continues to elevate MRO IT to the role of a business platform by supporting high-yield maintenance activities to maximize efficiency and return-on-investment (ROI).

Maintenix v8 firmly establishes next-generation MRO IT as a key enabler in modernizing the maintenance function and underpinning on-going business strategies by offering aviation organizations: • A packaged, e-signature supported, HTML5 line maintenance application which instantaneously synchronizes maintenance tasks, MELs, and ETOPS requirements with multiple operational inputs — flight operations, on-board logbook and health monitoring, technical documentation, required parts and tools, resource skills — in support of a tailored technician experience, real-time recording of work completed, and rapid return to service.

• Systematically factored planning functions that use real-time engineering governance, asset actuals data, and ‘what if?’ scenarios while incorporating MPDs, MRBs, ADs, SBs, EOs, and Mods in MSG 3 and next generation aircraft long-range and heavy maintenance programs to support greater predictability in planning while reducing operational costs and turnaround times, and increasing performance and profitability.

• Performance-driven business intelligence dashboards focused on key economic and logistic performance indicators to inform executive and functional-level decision making; further supported by on-going reliability analytics to close the loop between detailed, contextsensitive data to corrective action.

• An updated interface design that offers greater flexibility in choice of access device, introduces improved navigation and more mobiledevice friendly usability features, and is more reflective of the operational experience to support user adoption and efficiency gains for time-sensitive and high-volume activities.

As with all Maintenix software releases, v8 is built on Mxi Technologies’ unparalleled technology platform that enables organizations to leverage advanced infrastructure and performance options including a global operator network, the Cloud, and varying devices — workstations, ruggedized laptops, tablets, and smartphones.

“Maintenix v8 offers a MRO business platform that encompasses the complete aviation maintenance experience while reflecting industry demand for a more dynamic, real-time system that quickly responds to varying operational environments,” says Jeff Cass, Chief Technology Officer, Mxi Technologies. “In essence, v8 is revolutionizing the way the aviation market views the maintenance function.”

Mxi Technologies Launches MRO IT Industry First with Avinomic Predictive Control System

Mxi® Technologies announced an MRO IT industry first at the end of November 2012 with the availability of the company’s exclusive Avinomic Predictive Control System™ (PCS), which further allows aviation maintenance organizations to govern the current and future state of operational asset maintenance all while enforcing MRO business, resource, and regulatory compliance constraints across the enterprise.

Mxi’s Avinomic PCS, has been architected to support the execution of business-process driven performance, the elimination of process problems contributing to system waste, and the mitigation of inprocess risk, through the coupling of: • Baseline Logic for reference control, which consists of rules and policies — both asset and organizational — that are explicitly defined, managed in real-time, and continuously applied to actions within the system.

• A State Transition System for operational and logistical control, which takes every transaction that has occurred in the system and applies the constraints held within the Baseline Logic and creates or adjusts all pending actions.

• An Enforcement & Refinement Engine for business and regulatory compliance, which supports the capture and trending of unscheduled transactions to drive greater predictability and compliance back into the system.

Maintenix® customers can expect to see a significant operational impact through the application of the Avinomic PCS, including greater confidence in reducing turnaround times, eliminating material delays, and minimizing inventory gross stock value, among other maintenance-related improvements.

The Mxi Avinomic PCS is the core enabling technology behind Mxi’s Maintenix software, providing the foundation for the advanced planning, mobility, and data analytics functions found in the latest version of the product, Maintenix version 8. Continued research and development investment in the Avinomic PCS will ensure that subsequent releases of the Maintenix software will continue to provide additional business benefit to aviation maintenance organizations.

“Mxi’s Avinomic Predictive Control System provides organizations with the confidence to predictably manage aviation maintenance as a profitable business,” says Jeff Cass, Chief Technology Officer, Mxi Technologies. “By creating an MRO IT system that wholly encapsulates and controls the aviation maintenance experience, Mxi has created a platform for our customers to launch transformational advancements in support of tangible business benefits, including double digit returns.”

10 | NEWS | AIRCRAFT IT MRO | FEBRUARY-MARCH 2013

TRAX enjoys success on both sides of the Atlantic

Click here for full SOFTWARE details and for a demo

Sky Regional Airlines Joins TRAX

Maintenance & Engineering, Operations and Analytics

• • • •

Airlines MROs Defense operators State-owned operators • Aircraft manufacturers • Engineering companies

SKILLED, FLEXIBLE AERONAUTICS STAFF COMMITTED TO OUR CUSTOMERS

TRIP Linhas Aereas Joins TRAX

Later on in mid-December 2012, TRIP Linhas Aereas also became a TRAX customer when it chose to sign with Trax. Trax Maintenance software will help TRIP Linhas Aereas manage their diverse fleet with its MRO software to ensure their maintenance-related and engineering-related work and records are in impeccable shape. This will enable them to be as efficient and organized as possible.

Jose Almeida, President and CEO of TRAX USA Corp., states, “I am delighted that TRIP Linhas Aereas has joined the global TRAX community as this strong partnership is beneficial for both companies’ growth and success.”

TRIP Linhas Aereas will be implementing E4, the latest version of Trax Maintenance. This version includes over 20 modules catering for virtually every aspect of airline maintenance. TRAX Maintenance will assist TRIP Linhas Aereas in countless ways: from Material Management and Finance to Technical Records and Reliability. TRIP Linhas Aereas will have aircraft, inventory, and maintenance activity information integrated into a single system.

Alkym® (by Volartec) welcomes AAL-SA as its latest customer

Volartec welcomed AAL-SA (Advanced Aviation Logistics South Africa) as the latest customer to join the Alkym community in mid-November 2012. They become the first African based Helicopter operator to join the fold.

The rotary wing interest in Alkym has grown steadily over the past 12 months with this agreement being the culmination of many months work.

John Barry, VP Business Development with Volartec was on hand with his comments that “Volartec identified the Helicopter market as being underserved some 12 months ago. We knew Alkym was well established as an Airline Maintenance System and continue to grow that market. At the same time Alkym had all attributes required for the Helicopter market.”

MORE THAN

80 customers

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Telephone: +33 (0) 5 62 74 75 00 Email: commercial@ifrskeyes.com ifrskeyes.com IFR Skeyes 0213.indd 1

Towards the end of November 2012,Trax marked the newest addition to the user family when it was announced that Sky Regional Airlines has chosen to sign with Trax.

Trax Maintenance software will help Sky Regional Airlines manage their numerous locations and diverse fleet with its MRO software to ensure their maintenance and engineering work and records are in impeccable shape. This will enable them to be as efficient and organized as possible.

Jose Almeida, President and CEO of TRAX USA Corp., states “It is with much excitement that we welcome Sky Regional Airlines to the TRAX Family. The signing of this contract reiterates continuous growth in Canada.”

Sky Regional Airlines will be implementing e4, the latest version of Trax Maintenance. This version includes over 20 modules catering for virtually every aspect of airline maintenance. TRAX Maintenance will assist Sky Regional Airlines in countless ways, from Material Management and Finance thru to Technical Records and Reliability. Sky Regional Airlines will have aircraft, inventory and maintenance activity information integrated into a single system.

04/02/2013 18:35

AAL-SA will begin the on-site phase of the implementation project next week after the team has completed the pre-implementation work that is currently on going. The onsite project in Pretoria South Africa will be completed in four short weeks.

The three person team from Volartec will consist of highly skilled professionals who have experience in the IT aspect of the project but more importantly bring vast experience working on similar aviation projects from around the world.

To begin with AAL-SA will utilise seven of the Alkym modules with the main focus being on the CAMO aspect of the business. As the business grows they have the option to select additional modules to assist in that growth.

FEBRUARY-MARCH 2013 | AIRCRAFT IT MRO | NEWS | 11

Who’s in the news: Vendors 2MoRO Solutions

Ramco Systems

2MoRO Solutions is a software development company for Aerospace operating in over 17 countries and across multiple Airlines or Aircraft Operators with their own MRO center. The firm is also a SAP® Partner for Airlines, Aircraft Operators, MRO centers and OEMs.

Ramco Systems provides next generation, end-to-end enterprise solutions built on the firm’s proprietary platform—Ramco VirtualWorks®. All Ramco products are cloud architected by design and address the entire business cycle from transaction to analytics.

ADSoftware

Sheorey Digital Systems Ltd. (SDS)

ADSoftware is based in France, with offices in Thailand, Brazil and South Africa. Specialising in Aviation software, the company has developed a fleet management system and logistic package called “AIRPACK”.

ADT

Applied Database Technology (ADT) provides solutions to companies that operate, maintain, repair and overhaul aircraft. The firm’s MRO solution, WINGS is specifically designed and developed for Aerospace Companies and designed around best practices in maintenance operations and services.

Commsoft and OASES

Swiss Aviation Software and AMOS

Air India together with its fully owned subsidiary Alliance Air and Air India Express has more than 100 aircraft and performs practically all MRO operations internally, including heavy maintenance check, Line check, and Engine and component overhaul for its entire fleet.

The Engine Overhaul facility of Air India and part of the workshops undertaking servicing of engine components are approved by FAA and EASA.

IDMR Solutions Inc.

TRAX

Mxi Technologies

Air Botswana

Currently, Air Botswana operates and maintains a fleet of BAE 146 as well as ATR42-500 and ATR72-500 advanced turbo propeller aircrafts which operate daily domestic and regional scheduled flights. The airline has also just recently acquired two AVRO-RJ 85 aircraft in line with its expansion plans.

Swiss-AS boasts more than 100 customers worldwide, including pure operators, lowcost, regional and flag carriers, large airline groups and MRO providers. AMOS is a comprehensive, fully-integrated software package that manages the maintenance, engineering and logistics requirements of modern airlines and MRO providers.

Mxi Technologies provides integrated and intelligent software, support, and services for aviation maintenance to commercial airlines, MROs, OEM aftermarket service providers, and defense operators.

Customers range from emerging, small and midsized organizations, to the largest global enterprises.

AAL -SA

AAL-SA, part of AAL Group Ltd in South Africa, specializes in operating Mi-8T, Mi-8MTV, Mi-17, Mi-8AMT, Mi-171 and Mi-172 type helicopters. Planned future projects for the United Nations and international oil companies, will further reinforce and demonstrate AAL-SA’s commitment to Quality and Excellence..

Sheorey Digital Systems Ltd. (SDS) is an established Indian InfoTech company specialising in Aviation and Information Management domains. SDS’s flagship product - ARMS® (Aviation Resource Management System) is a highly integrated, flexible and scalable enterprise‐class software solution, designed exclusively for the Air Transportation industry.

Communications Software OASES is utilized in around 50 airlines and maintenance organisations. The system includes services ranging from implementation support, user training and system tailoring as well as dayto-day help desk, maintenance support and update release services.

IDMR is a provider of Technical Documentation Management Solutions for Fleet operators, MRO providers and OEM organizations. IDMR’s InForm offers a Technical Document Management suite of solutions that provides a single repository for storing electronic documents.

Who’s in the news: Airlines, Operators, OEMs and MROs

TRAX USA Corp. is a seller of airline maintenance software globally. TRAX Maintenance solution has been developed with Airlines and for Airlines to provide a comprehensive and advanced MRO software solution.

Volartec

Volartec specializes in the development and implementation of software systems for the aviation industry. With more than 10 years experience in the aviation industry and with a team of IT and aviation experts, Volartec offers a combination of professionalism and experience.

Air India

ATSTEAM

ATSTEAM (Aviation Technical Services) was previously known as Atlasjet Technic, and, with its highly experienced and certified engineering and technician team, is providing maintenance services to airlines at the highest level of international aviation standards.

CIMPA

CIMPA is a fully-owned subsidiary of Airbus and the PLM pillar within EADS, driving forward the harmonisation of processes and methods, as well as the development of integrated system solutions to meet operational efficiency.

Columbia Helicopters

Columbia Helicopters is a helicopter operator based in Aurora, Oregon, United States and is a world leader in

heavy lift helicopter operations. The company is involved in oil exploration, logging, fire suppression, construction and many other activities. In addition to operating a fleet of 30 all tandem rotor helicopters, CHI operates a large FAA Repair Station.

INAER Aviation Italia SPA

INAER Aviation Italia is part of the Avincis Group, the world’s leading provider of mission critical aviation services. The Group’s mission is to save lives, protect the environment and provide safe transport for mission critical people and assets for public services and blue chip corporations.

MEGA Maldives Airlines

MEGA Maldives Airlines – the international airlines of the Republic of Maldives, is an integrated scheduled charter service specializing in holiday travel to, from and within Asia. The airline currently flies to Hong Kong, Shanghai and Beijing on scheduled and charter operations, from the Maldives.

Millardair MRO

Millardair MRO, is a division of Millardair Inc., the parent company was founded in 1961 and remains a privately owned business held by the Millard family.

Nordwind

Nordwind Airlines, LCC is a charter airline with its head office in Moscow, Russia.

The airline began revenue operations in December 2008 with a fleet of three Boeing 757-200 aircraft; and currently operates 20 aircraft: seven B757-200ER, six B767 and seven A321-200.

Peruvian Airlines

Peruvian fleet consists of 10 aircraft, four Boeing 737-300, one Boeing 737-500 and five Boeing 737-200. This new fleet will allow Peruvian, in a short time, to begin operations to new destinations, both domestic operations as at the start of its international flights.

Sky Express

Sky Express operates a network of scheduled domestic services with focus on Public Service Obligation routes throughout the Greek Islands and a few airports in the mainland from its base at Heraklion on the island of Crete. In addition it has a flourishing charter business.

Sky Regional Airlines

Sky Regional Airlines provide regional carrier service for Air Canada Express, operating scheduled flights between Toronto and Montreal with a fleet of Bombardier Dash 8 Q400 aircraft plus the Embraer 175 aircraft that Air Canada will be providing to them in 2013.

Thomas Cook Group plc

Thomas Cook Group plc operates in 22 countries worldwide and has about 90 aircraft. The group’s aircraft maintenance is mainly performed in-house: From ‘A’ Checks to Heavy Maintenance and these services are also provided to 3rd parties.

TRIP Linhas Aereas

Pegasus Airlines

Pegasus Airlines is a Turkish lowcost airline that serves more than 26 countries and 62 destinations (24 within Turkey and 38 internationally with a fleet of 40 Boeing 737-800s. Pegasus became the fastest growing airline in Europe in 2011 amongst Europe’s largest 25 airlines in terms of capacity according to OAG’s (Official Airline Guide) 2011 report.

TRIP Linhas Aereas is a domestic regional airline that is based in Campinas, Sao Paulo State, Brazil. They began in 1998 with two Embraer EMB 120 Brasilias. Since then they have grown in size with the addition of ATR 42 and ATR 72.

12 | CASE STUDY: DELTA AIRLINES | AIRCRAFT IT MRO | FEBRUARY-MARCH 2013

“It may not be difficult to keep track of life limited parts on one aircraft, but for Delta’s fleet of more than 700 aircraft, that equates to about 140,000 life vests, over 40,000 oxygen generators and more.”

Leading the Way with Inventory Management Rick Lewis, Business Analyst, Delta Air Lines, Atlanta TechOps explains how RFID was implemented at Delta Air Lines.

S

urprises can be commonplace for airlines and rarely are they inexpensive. There is tremendous cost awareness in the industry and, because so many expenses are beyond their influence, managing inventory to the right levels can be a key element in airlines’ profitability. Inventory is usually classified as

either Repairable or Expendable. Repairable components are normally managed by time in service or cycles, so they have a relatively predictable repair schedule managed by an enterprise asset tracking solution. Beyond the obvious throw-away stuff, the expendable category can include single use items that are life limited by the

manufacturer and must be replaced after a certain amount of time — whether in service or sitting on a shelf. These are not generally tracked as well as Repairable inventory and require time consuming inspections to confirm serviceability. They can also be quite expensive.

Knowing when to purchase or replace life limited parts to minimize under-utilization or expiration may seem like a small thing, but there are several installed on any one aircraft and just one that is missing or expired can ground or delay that multi-million dollar working asset. Items like passenger oxygen generators (that supply oxygen to the masks that lie above passengers’ heads), life vests, first aid kits, protective breathing equipment, specialized emergency equipment batteries, portable oxygen bottles and emergency defibrillator devices are all considered life limited parts.

It may not be difficult to keep track of life limited parts on one aircraft, but for Delta’s fleet of more than 700 aircraft, that equates to about 140,000 life vests, over 40,000 oxygen generators and more when you add in the items mentioned above. The dynamics of aircraft

flying all over the world add further to the challenge of tracking life limited parts.

To be safe and remain in compliance, life limited parts are checked regularly to ensure that no items remain in service beyond their expiration date. Depending on the type of maintenance program, items like oxygen generators are checked while the aircraft is in for the equivalent of a C-Check, or about every 18-24 months. The overhead passenger service units (PSUs) are opened so dates on the oxygen generators can be visually checked. At that time, mechanics read the date of manufacture, which may involve loosening a bracket, rotating the generator so the data placard is visible, reading the date and then reinstalling the bracket. Life vests are managed in a similar manner, with lots of time spent crawling around the floor looking under a seat cushion to check a date. A calculation to determine the remaining service life is done to make sure the item will not expire before the next check, allowing for an appropriate safety margin. If it is determined that the part will still be serviceable until the next scheduled visit date, the mechanic tightens everything up and moves on to the next location. For comparison, there can be approximately 60 oxygen generators on a typical B737 to 200 or more on a B777 — depending on the configuration and there can be hundreds of life vests that require inspection. It can be very time-consuming to check each part, taking from a few hours to a whole shift or more.

Not only is the inspection process tedious, but the chance of collateral damage to other parts is significant — standing on seats to be able to read the small text on data placards, pinching wires or tubes when latching the PSUs, accidentally activating the generator (which heats to about 350F), etc. Multiply that by a fleet of 40,000 generators or 140,000 life vests and you have a significant workload. Without the data being captured in a record keeping system, this same cycle of work will be repeated each time the inspection is due — visually checking each part, no matter how new, to ensure serviceability until the next visit.

Cost and timing for replacement inventory adds to the challenge. Buy too many and parts sit on the shelf unused with the calendar running: order too few and AOG (aircraft on ground) shipping expenses pile up for overnight shipping from all over the world.

FEBRUARY-MARCH 2013 | AIRCRAFT IT MRO | CASE STUDY: DELTA AIRLINES | 13

Click here for full SOFTWARE details and for a demo

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A few years ago, Delta Air Lines started evaluating a new paradigm to address these business challenges. We needed something that would improve the process not by a few percentage points, but by orders of magnitude.

We also wanted to minimize any business process changes. We wanted to be able to use data to replace inventory — data is better, faster and much cheaper than inventory. Our past approach was ‘we don’t know we need it until we look’ but with data (knowledge) the future process will be ‘we don’t have to look until we know we need it’. This saves in three significant ways: 1) Avoids purchasing life limited parts before they are needed (reducing shelf-loss); 2) Minimizes AOG shipping expenses related to these items; 3) Avoids repeated date checks on items that are still serviceable.

Delta was also committed to getting results quickly, no airline can afford a multi-year return on investment (ROI); we are also committed to a learn-as-you-go scenario. We knew we couldn’t figure out all the benefits or all the costs, ahead of time but we were pleasantly surprised at what we found.

A fast, accurate way to collect and store data for selected life limited parts was needed, and Delta settled on using RFID (Radio Frequency ID) technology.

RFID technology is truly amazing — it’s like bar code technology that doesn’t need line of sight. The radio

waves from a handheld reader can go through, over, under and around obstacles to provide the RFID tag with RF energy. This allows the tag to answer back to the reader. If the portable reader sends out one watt of power to query any RFID tags in the vicinity, each RFID tag answers back at about one millionth of that power to say ‘I’m over here and here’s who I am.’

The reader can find hundreds of tags per second which is pretty amazing considering that the RFID tags have no power of their own (passive RFID) and the RFID chip itself is no bigger than a grain of pepper.

Delta started pursuing this technology solution in 2009, at about the same time the partnership of Aerospace Software Developments (ASD, Dublin, Ireland) and Technology Solutions (Oakland, CA) began making RFID commercial off-the-shelf solutions available for airlines. They are leaders in aviation RFID, having helped develop the ATA Spec2000 RFID standards and demonstrated the first industry solution in 2007. They also have solutions for OEM suppliers.

Their software solutions are the only ones in the industry that have been certified by the GS1/EPCGlobal organization.

The initial goal for Delta is to make parts visible to those who manage and replace them. With this visibility comes an element of predictability for inventory, scheduling and workflow — helping, as discussed earlier, to avoid costly surprises and expensive AOG shipping expenses.

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PSIpenta suite supports the planning and control of maintenance and servicing processes. The scope of PSIpenta suite covers the whole MRO process ranging from slot and hangar planning to mobile processes.

Learn more about PSIPENTA and visit us in Bangkok on the Airline & Aerospace MRO & Flight Operations IT Conference at space E2.

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14 | CASE STUDY: DELTA AIRLINES | AIRCRAFT IT MRO | FEBRUARY-MARCH 2013

formats and expiration schemas (i.e. first of month, last of month). The portable RFID scanners connect via Wi-Fi at hangar and line station locations. Mechanic training for the wireless handheld scanner application was easy and only took about 30 minutes on the aircraft.

Training for the server side application is slightly more involved. That’s where the LOPA (LayOut of Passenger Accommodations — essentially the floor plan of the airplane) is created for each fleet configuration and populated with the desired emergency equipment.

The process is assisted by a GUI (Graphic User Interface) design tool and some basic configuration menu selections — such as, Economy is 3x3 seating starting at row number 11 and continuing for 28 rows; and immediately you’ve generated a picture of the Economy section seating. Adding lavatories, galleys, closets, exit rows, extra aisles, etc. is easy. The locations are click-and-drag positioned and can be named according to the appropriate nomenclature. The layout is easily created and looks like the actual aircraft so all equipment will be located where it is expected on each aircraft. The design tool accommodates single aisle, double aisle and double decker, also allowing for custom named classes and extra sections. The server software also holds the software configuration options, reference part data and reporting functions.

Once the LOPA is configured in the software, each location (seat, PSU, closet, etc.) is populated with a life vest, oxygen generator, etc. until there is a complete map (and database) of every piece of equipment for each aircraft.

The process

The solution

The first demonstration of the RFIDAeroCheck solution to Delta management occurred over two years ago with Directors and Managers in the First Class section of a Boeing 757 and more people standing in the back aisle. The Oxygen Generators in the PSUs had been previously tagged with RFID tags. A brief explanation of the system was provided by Dave Browne from ASD in the front of the First Class section, then the trigger was pulled on the handheld reader and a series of beeps — too quick to count — was heard from the reader. It had read the entire First Class section without taking a step.

Dave then demonstrated how easy it was to induct the individual oxygen generators into the software.

The reader was handed to each person to enter the necessary data just like a mechanic would at each generator location. There was initial hesitation, followed by an, ‘Is that all there is to it?’ response.

After a brief discussion of the potential uses for RFID on our aircraft, we got the thumbs-up approval to proceed with the project, and we were off and running.

“A solution was developed for tagging these legacy parts according to the ATA Spec2000 standard, giving each legacy part a unique number to identify it. In the future, OEMs will be delivering RFID tagged parts.”

Delta did not wait for OEMs to begin tagging their oxygen generators to be able to leverage the technology.

It didn’t make business sense to wait for existing O2 generators to age out of the system, nor to replace all the generators with new ones — that would lose a significant amount of useful life on those assets and would take us in the wrong direction. A solution was developed for tagging these legacy parts according to the ATA Spec2000 standard, giving each legacy part a unique number to identify it. In the future, OEMs will be delivering RFID tagged parts containing the actual manufacturer’s CAGE Code, Serial Number, Part Number, and Date of Manufacture. At that time, the transition will be transparent and the mix of both new

and legacy parts will coexist seamlessly.

The oxygen generator RFID tags designed for this particular use work extremely well, providing 15 foot read ranges and quick read times using a portable RFID reader. Tags are also available for application to life vests, life vest boxes/pouches, passenger oxygen masks, medical kits and many other emergency equipment items. All are available from William Frick & Company and are AS5678 certified, as required by the FAA. The software chosen, RFIDAeroCheck, presents a small footprint, is server based and web accessible.

It provides many user assignable switches to allow configuration for a variety of terminologies, date

When the aircraft arrives for a visit, each item is inducted into the software, assigning each uniquely identified part to its specific location. Drop down menus or 2D barcodes are used to harvest the part number and date information. This initial induction can be done on a B757 in about 40 minutes by two technicians and about two hours on a B777. After the induction is complete, the part information exists on the server and can also be checked with a 45 second walk down the aisle with the handheld scanner, quickly confirming the presence and expiration status of any tagged items — to the specific location. Any items that appear on the Exception Report, generated on the handheld software following the RFID scan, are visually checked for serviceability and replaced, tagged and inducted back into the software if required.

This RFIDAeroCheck solution is a complete, standalone solution from data collection to automated reporting. It can even automatically email data for notification of items that are approaching an expiration date. The database reporting function also allows maintenance to plan what their life limited part workload will be on any given tail number, and allows

FEBRUARY-MARCH 2013 | AIRCRAFT IT MRO | CASE STUDY: DELTA AIRLINES | 15

Click here for full SOFTWARE details and for a demo

Your Preferred

IT Solution & Business Process Out-Sourcing Partner for the future inventory analysts to better predict both short and longer-term inventory requirements. OEMs also benefit, minimizing last minute AOG orders and scrambling to accommodate customers. It’s a win-win for everyone and, when appropriate, this solution can be integrated with existing enterprise systems for inventory planning and scheduling of aircraft maintenance, to generate even greater ROI opportunities. Delta has not integrated the RFIDAeroCheck software with the enterprise systems yet. Our approach is ‘learn first, and then grow’.

The ROI to Delta can be measured in terms of months, not years. Implementation is not at all complete and we are still exploring the scope of equipment that should be tagged. We are also investigating ways of performing item level security checks using RFID solutions. And we are also working with select vendors to include RFID tags on new purchase inventory. This will begin the process of switching to OEM tagged inventory. Until then, we have a solution to best manage our legacy tagged, already paid for, flying inventory.

Delta has been studying this opportunity for many years. Using aviation-specific RFID standards, inexpensive tag options, and user accepted and friendly software, we are moving forward using RFID technology to reduce our costs and explore ways to positively impact our operations as industry leaders in this arena. n

Hexaware is a niche, focused IT Solutions and Business

Rick Lewis

Business Analyst, Delta Air Lines

Rick Lewis is a 30-year veteran of Delta Air Lines, starting his career with the airline in 1982 as an aircraft technician. He is currently one of the Business Analysts that support Aircraft Maintenance activities and is managing Delta’s RFID program. Rick holds an AMT license and a degree in Aviation Management.

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16 | CASE STUDY: JET AIRWAYS | AIRCRAFT IT MRO | FEBRUARY-MARCH 2013

Organising data for more useful outcomes Amol Salaskar. Manager Engineering IT at Jet Airways describes integrating IT systems using standard data exchange formats for technical reliability.

S

PEC 2000[1] is a set of e-Business specifications, products and services which have evolved over more than 40 years and are designed to address challenges in the supply chain processes of the airline industry, incorporating the latest technological advances in information exchange. It aims to streamline business processes and reduce administrative costs. As more trading partners embrace it, the system will become increasingly efficient and effective.

Created by the airline industry under the auspices of A4A (Airlines for America – previously ATA), SPEC 2000 is divided into four major areas of e-Business: Aviation Marketplace, e-Commerce Standards, File Standards, and Bar Coding Standards. These are further developed into 17 chapters for data exchange of which Chapter 11 deals with the collection and exchange of fleet and component reliability data [2].

Boeing introduced the In-Service Data Program (ISDP), which created a platform for airlines and suppliers to share fleet-wide reliability data.

This service allows participating airlines and Boeing to perform reliability analyses on fleet performance which, in turn, supports improvements to current in-service aircraft as well as new aircraft development. The maintenance and reliability data exchanged through ISDP has been an enabler for analyses to determine whether aircraft performance problems are unique, assess if the mean time between failures are normal, identify the No Fault Found (NFF) rates, determine returns on modifications, develop contingencies for future failures, efficiently review performance data from various entities on a common platform, and develop benchmarks [3].

With the introduction of the SPEC 2000 data exchange formats, it is possible to collect data from both airlines and suppliers. From airlines, it is possible to collect material on ten data subjects: hours and landings, component removals, schedule interruptions, logbooks, scheduled

maintenance, service bulletin, shop findings, piece parts, status change and summary. From suppliers it is possible to collect data on airline returned components, Boeing (factory and receiving) rejected components, and components returned for modifications [2].

Fleet data shared by airline customers is critical to Boeing’s commitment to provide cost-effective fleet support. When customers provide ongoing operational information, Boeing is better equipped to make cost-effective safety, performance, maintenance, and modification recommendations.

Participants in this flexible, confidential program compile data on as many as nine primary service reliability areas (as defined in SPEC 2000, Chapter 11) and send it to Boeing through MyBoeingFleet.com. In addition to providing a broad-based source of fleet data, it gives operators an opportunity to focus attention on issues that address their individual needs [3].

Furthermore, ISDP allows participants to view data compiled by individual, participating airlines, some of which have fleets and operating environments comparable to their own. However, use of this data is restricted to improving operating performance.

The motivation at Jet Airways

Jet Airways Technical Services would send fleet and component reliability statistics to Boeing every month: Boeing would then compile and analyze this data received from all the operators. The airline operators would have to contact Boeing in order get specific information, e.g. trends or industry performance of certain aircraft systems or components. The airline operators did not have ready access to all the data from which they could perform any customized analysis. In order to benefit from the vast repository of this data (from other airlines), an airline would have to enroll in the ISDP (In-Service Data Program).

Jet Airways is a member of the ISDP, and was also sending across data. Therefore, by simplifying and automating the process of transmitting the data in xml standardized format for data exchange, the manual efforts (for both Jet Airways and Boeing) will be reduced, and the implementation of the greater advantage from this project would allow Jet Airways to perform any data analysis on the vast information repository held by Boeing on reliability of aircraft and components. This would aim towards improving the technical dispatch reliability.

The opportunity to leverage technology arose with the availability of the data exchange standard, SPEC 2000 Chapter 11, which deals with Reliability Data Collection/Exchange specifically for airlines, and airframe, engine and component manufacturers.

Several of the data subjects were included as features in the E&M (Engineering and Maintenance) IT system at Jet Airways and Boeing actively wanted to support with SPEC 2000, that being the standard format for data exchange. This lead to Boeing wanting to setup a joint implementation team that would ensure that Jet Airways is fully capable of deriving the benefits of ISDP with the SPEC 2000 chapter 11 data exchange formats.

In the original implementation efforts Jet Airways planned to go live in 18-24 months, but with the active participation from Boeing, this project time-line is now less than 12 months.

FEBRUARY-MARCH 2013 | AIRCRAFT IT MRO | CASE STUDY: JET AIRWAYS | 17

Level of Activities in the Project

The project plan was drafted with the aim to have all nine data subjects (see below) of SPEC 2000 Chapter 11 reported by Jet Airways to Boeing. The following key stages were considered as working towards a successful completion of the project: a) Identifying the project team on both sides — Boeing and Jet Airways. b) Mapping data from Jet Airways’ IT system (AMOS) with the SPEC 2000 xml data formats for Chap 11. c) Identification of hardware and implementation setup. d) Evaluation of the data quality. e) Testing of the existing SPEC 2000 xml standards within AMOS for meeting data quality requirements. f) Changing internal processes so that they would align with the standard processes.

Setting up the team

The project team was drawn from Boeing and Jet Airways.

On the Boeing side there was a Business Analyst, an IT programmer and a SPEC 2000 specialist (on standby).

The Jet Airways team consisted of the Engineering/Reliability expert, IT focal, and a data subject expert (as needed).

The working protocol consisted of an on-site meeting to establish the project activities and timelines, and perform the data mapping. Thereafter all stakeholders were to work on individual project activities and report status in the weekly project report-out teleconference. The weekly teleconference and the weekly status reports were released by Boeing’s Business Analyst.

Mapping data

SPEC 2000 Chapter 11 consists of the following nine data subjects: • Hours/Landings; • Aircraft Events; • Aircraft Logbook; • LRU Removals; • Scheduled Maintenance; • Service Bulletin; • Shop Findings; • Shop Findings – Piece Parts; and • Aircraft Status Change.

The team met on-site to perform a data sanity check consisting of two parts: a) To know whether the data was available within Jet Airways (either in the IT system or in any other format). b) If the data was available, then to develop a process for collating and organizing it in the SPEC 2000 format required for reporting. This consists of… i. Data extracts that are available as a standard within the IT system (AMOS). ii. Data within the IT system but that need to be extracted and organized in the SPEC 2000 format required for reporting. iii. Data outside of the IT system in other formats, e.g. MS Excel: special software processes needed to be developed to collect that data and organize it in the SPEC 2000 format

“we requested of Volartec that the implementation project should not exceed 30 days, in order not to interfere with our operation.”

“The opportunity to leverage technology arose with the availability of the data exchange standard, SPEC 2000 Chapter 11, which deals with Reliability Data Collection/Exchange specifically for airlines, and airframe, engine and component manufacturers.”

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18 | CASE STUDY: JET AIRWAYS | AIRCRAFT IT MRO | FEBRUARY-MARCH 2013

Evaluation of Data Quality

During the data mapping process, the team evaluated the quality of the data for each of the data subjects. The sample file from the test (sandbox) environment (IT system) was setup to generate the SPEC 2000 xml files.

A sampling of some of the data points was performed to check for inconsistency or whether the reported information was not in accordance with the definition of the SPEC 2000 definition. These were carefully analyzed for any repetition or duplication, and then measures were taken to correct the data and educate the users, who generated the data so that it would be correct right from the start.

Procedures were designed and implemented along with Engineering Quality so that compliances were faster. Also, training and write-ups were separately issued to give step-by-step instructions on how the information was to be input in the IT system.

Peculiar Data Challenges

“The primary advantage derived from implementation of the ISDP requirements using SPEC 2000 Chapter 11 data standards was that Jet Airways would now have access to the vast repository of reliability information available within Boeing.”

Based on this assessment there were several actions initiated. The project plan was developed into three specific stages.

Stage 1 was to implement the SPEC 2000 data subjects that were already available from the IT System (AMOS).

Stage 2 consisted of developing the data extracts that would support towards developing the xml outputs that are not available. This would be done using an externally developed IT tool; in this case, MS Access.

Stage 3 was to augment use of the IT System (AMOS), by converting the present manual processes into an electronic process. It was further proposed to utilize the SPEC 2000 interface capability available in the IT system.

Identification of hardware and software

In order to map the data the SPEC 2000 schemas were procured from A4A. Due to various versions of the schema being available, there was a need to agree on the SPEC 2000 version that would be used in the implementation, and one that it is compatible with the IT systems at both Jet Airways and Boeing.

During the data mapping process there were three observations: a) Some of the data subjects produced from the IT

system could be directly transmitted to the Boeing system; b) A few data subjects required data cleansing before they could be transmitted to Boeing; c) A few data subjects were not a standard part of the IT system, hence suitable data extracts routines were created that would then be organized in SPEC 2000 xml format before transmitting to Boeing.

Since b) and c) were concerns to be addressed, the team decided to have a custom developed system as a staging application system. The Jet Airways IT system would send the data to a staging system using FTP (File Transfer Protocol); the staging system would then process the data into the required format before it could be transferred using FTPS (File Transfer Protocol Secure) to the Boeing data upload service. The staging system was decided based on the data load and the processing requirements.

It was agreed that the Jet Airways IT system (AMOS) would send data to the staging application (within Jet Airways domain), that would process the information and perform a data sanity check. Once the files were scrutinized the data would be prepared in the SPEC 2000 xml format, and transmitted to Boeing’s data upload service. At the check-points there were people identified who would receive email alerts in-case there was a failure with the process of data transmission.

Due to a long legacy of using the IT system (AMOS), there were a few data gaps in the information captured.

These were addressed by the following methods: a) For inconsistencies, it was decided to make certain data fields mandatory so that errors are eliminated at source. b) Education of the users, and preparing workprocedures for user reference. c) Issuing quality circulars that allowed us to enforce certain discipline in the way information is captured.

The bigger challenge arose when the process did not fully adhere to the requirements of the IT system, which in-turn influenced the quality of data produced by the xml file. This was addressed as follows: d) For data stored in the IT system but not part of the standard SPEC 2000 out-puts, separate software routines were developed so that AMOS data could be extracted and produced into the required xml formats. e) For at least one data subject, the IT system was not being fully used for managing the entire business process. Hence, software routines were developed (application) so that the data could be drawn from alternate systems (e.g. MS Excel files) and joined with data from the IT system, to prepare the required data format.

Advantages

The primary advantage derived from implementation of the ISDP requirements using SPEC 2000 Chapter 11 data standards was that Jet Airways would now have access to the vast repository of reliability information available within Boeing. Also, certain processes were redesigned and re-implemented; hence business processes now conformed with global standards. And, preexisting manual business processes would get converted into electronic form. n

References [1]http://www.spec2000.org/. [2] Using SPEC 2000 to streamline your business. Jon Andresen – President Technology Solutions. ATA eBusiness Program. Oct 2008. [3]. In-Service Data Program. John Kneuer – Team Leader, In-Service Data Program. Boeing. Aero Magazine. Q1 2008.

About Jet Airways

Jet Airways currently operates a fleet of 99 aircraft, which include 10 Boeing 777-300 ER aircraft, 11 Airbus A330-200 aircraft, 2 Airbus A330-300 aircraft 59 next generation Boeing 737-700/800/900 aircraft, 16 ATR 72-500 and 1 ATR 72-600 turboprop aircraft. With an average fleet age of 5.66 years, the airline has one of the youngest aircraft fleets in the world. Flights to 73 destinations span the length and breadth of India, and beyond to Asia, the Middle East, Europe and North America.

Amol Salaskar

Manager Engineering IT, Jet Airways

Amol Salaskar has been a manager Engineering IT with Jet Airways for over seven years. In this role, he manages the administration and integration of solutions (technology and process) into the business areas of Engineering and Maintenance. Prior to that he worked as a Business Analyst for Fleet Management Operations, with General Electric where he certified as a Six Sigma Green Belt.

He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, a Master of Science in Industrial and Systems Engineering from Auburn University, USA, and followed by a diploma in Management Studies.

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How I see IT

The recent ACG v Olympic Airlines civil lawsuit in the UK reviewed the definition established some importa which was in debate and nt precedence.

“Whether a particular defe ACG v Olympic Airlines – is the definition ct renders an aircraft un fit or unsafe for flight wi the part in question and of ‘airworthy’ changing? Michael Denis ll depend upon the functio the severity of the defect. n of It will not depend upon knows of the defect or no whether the operator of the t. An aircraft with a defe aircraft ctive part which renders flight is not rendered fit the aircraft unfit or unsa or safe for flight on acco fe for unt of the operator of the defect. Airworthiness depe aircraft being unaware of nds upon the condition of the the aircraft at the material upon whether or not a de time. It does not depend fect is known to the opera tor. I do not consider tha of commercial aircraft int t any prudent lessor or les ended for the carriage of see passengers would regard the aircraft carried a hid an aircraft as airworthy if den defect which, if the lessor and lessee had kn corrected before the next own about it, would have flight.” to be I conducted a survey on several industry blog sites and the common definiti an aircraft was compliant on given was, ‘airworthy to its type certificate, supp meant lemental type certificates [was] safe to operate.’ and airworthiness directi ves AND While the first is easily pro ved or disproved by accu rate and precise docume the second requirement, ntation and physical inspe ‘safe to operate’, is a bit ctions, more difficult. The ‘safe determination of airworth to operate’ element of the y is enabled via a Continu ous Airworthiness Mainten flight inspection by a pil ance Program (CAMP) an ot. The judge found “a po d preor sta nd hy? ar ort d of airw of in spe on ction by AirAsia…”

What is the definiti The civil lawsuit also foun d deficient maintenance governance practices by It seems like a silly question to Aerospace. Air Asia was in Air Asia and on their beha the pro ce ss de of tra lf by ST n re de atio liv avi ering a large number of be discussing in an pressure to complete the air cr af t an d “ST 1C Ae ch ro ec space were under k with as little delay as possible”. “Reference was magazine since it should be universal ‘pencil-whipping’, that is, ma de sig , i) nin to g the off on a job even though practice of it was not carried out…” and fundamental, but it’s amazing In the en d, ACG prevailed on the tec hnicality of estoppels – tha the number of answers you get air t regardless of the airwo cr af t, wh en Ol ym My . pic ask sig you ne rthiness of the d the certificate of accepta depending upon who nc e; it gave up its rights to t wha like su So is e. ess wh at does this have to do wi favorite is, ‘Airworthin th an eJournal on MRO tec ut hnology? abo said e onc the Supreme Court Standardized electronic re co rd s and the paperless aviat ion ecosystem is here and pornography – we can’t define it but not because it makes lab is going to accelerate, or mo re pro du it.’ cti see ve we , n not because it decreases we know it whe improves regulatory comp ex ce ss inventory, and not becaus liance – we are going to e it change because lawyers, co st of pa pe r in an surers and CFOs are seeing d non-standardization.

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IT.

20 | WHITE PAPER: ADS | AIRCRAFT IT MRO | FEBRUARY-MARCH 2013

W

Technical records – making them work Julien Albrecht, General Manager, Aircraft Data Systems considers how to transform paper into useful information?

“…aircraft compliant with full eMaintenance, such as the A350 or B787, are new and currently represent less than 1% of the global fleet: against that, many aircraft between five to 40 years old remain in service.”

hy do we talk about technical records scanning? Anybody can scan paperwork today because everybody has a big photocopier that can print, fax, copy, scan… in fact, everything but make the coffee! However, all too often the user, whether MRO or airline, ends up with a lot of PDF files holding black and white images. Even with rigorous naming of and architecture for file storage, it will often take as long to dig into PDF files as into paperwork, in which case it might be quicker to refer back to the paper work in the first place.

Introducing the expense of an OCR (optical character recognition) engine such as ADOBE ACROBAT Pro, will at least assist in using the windows search engine, if enabled on your computer, or the search engine from ACROBAT, but only on clearly printed characters. Using ACROBAT INDEX/SEARCH engine will make it possible to have all files combined into one, thus, say, having a 20Gb PDF file for one year of records on an A320.

Some MRO software allows users to link individual PDF or TIF files to task cards or a parts history. However, this can be time consuming, most often the time of engineers whose job should be more about monitoring maintenance operations than scanning and linking files to corresponding electronic records in the MRO system. This is still prevalent in many airlines and sometimes when, in these times of cost reduction, the cost of sitting an engineer behind a scanner becomes prohibitive, the linking of scanned records behind electronic records is simply abandoned. So, when a lease ends and the time for repossession arrives, large numbers of engineers have to revert to the records and make copies of certain documents to suit the lessor’s redelivery conditions. Added to which, most lessors have their own way of requiring the records.

These days, we hear increasingly about eSignatures for maintenance operations and electronic record keeping. Without doubt, this is the future but there are still some issues. Firstly, aircraft compliant with full eMaintenance, such as the A350 or B787, are new and currently represent less than 1% of the global fleet: against that, many aircraft between five to 40 years old remain in service.

These old birds still have their delivery documents and maintenance records only in paper format or sometimes even on microfilms. Secondly, as no global standards have yet been established and accepted for aircraft electronic records, local aviation authorities will not certify an aircraft with only scanned copies of records. Some airlines simply do not look at aircraft that don’t have full paperwork traceability.

Aircraft Maintenance Records, it seems, will still be around for at least another 30 years.

FEBRUARY-MARCH 2013 | AIRCRAFT IT MRO | WHITE PAPER: ADS | 21

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Digital Aircraft Technical Records

FROM THIS…

High speed, high definition color scanning

In recent years, professional scanners have become much more accessible. Production scanners like the CANON DR-6040C are capable of scanning, in one day, a full year of records for a B747, including Line Maintenance, Work Orders, Jaa/FAA ‘form ones’, Base maintenance, Cabin log book, Maintenance log books… This particular scanner has an ultrasonic double feed sensor and can scan from Business card up to A3 with full duplex (one pass) capability. It can be transported in a standard armored case, can easily fit on a desk and, best of all, this wonder can be purchased for less than 4000€.

The value of scanning in color is most apparent when it is necessary to demonstrate that you have scanned an original document. It helps to show blue JAR/FAR (Joint Airworthiness Regulations / Federal Aviation Regulation) mechanic stamps or a ‘CERTIFIED COPY’ stamp in blue or red. Also, when there are only carbon copies of Log Books available from which to make searches, scanning in black and white or in ‘Grayscale’ levels will result in an almost unreadable copy: whereas, scanning in color will allow for adjustment of contrast or even suppression of background color to make readability as good as or better than from the original page.

The high definition of scanned images is also very useful when reading on-screen paperwork with small fonts such as AMM (Aircraft Maintenance Manual) or MPD (Maintenance Planning Document) pages. We recommend to scan in color and at 300dpi (dots per inch) definition for Non-Routine task Cards (NRC) and logbooks and in color and 240dpi for all other documents. Just imagine if you had to read a scanned

…TO THIS. page from a phone book in 100dpi and black and white; you would never manage to phone your dentist and your wife might never get her favorite flowers: or, in our context, you would not be able to find traceability for a Life Limited Part (LLP) changed five years ago on a line maintenance operation.

The other great advantage of high resolution scanning is that the results of OCR engines are improved by 25% for scanned pages in 240dpi and at least 30% for 300dpi: and there are ways to further improve the results from text recognition. Every OCR engine has good and bad points; but something they share in common is to provide a recognition trust rate. For our purposes, we have selected seven OCR engines, Microsoft Office Document Imaging (MODI), ACROBAT PRO, TESSERACT, KOFAX VRS, ABBYY FINE READER, READIRIS. If the first OCR run gives a trust rate below 90%, then the page is run through the next one until the rate gets to our minimum requirements of 90%.

We have also developed a seventh OCR engine in house to meet aviation requirements. Every OCR engine uses a dictionary to make comparisons and for generating the trust rate. The aviation industry, like every business, has its own vocabulary and lexicon of abbreviations, acronyms and other expressions. The seventh engine is tailored to check scanned records against an aviation related dictionary to increase the recognition rate up to 95%.

Talk to the experts…

Aircraft Data Systems Tel: +33 (0) 466 230 316, email: contact@adsfrance.net Visit: www.adsfrance.net ADS HP 0213.indd 1

28/01/2013 14:05

22 | WHITE PAPER: ADS | AIRCRAFT IT MRO | FEBRUARY-MARCH 2013

Indexing is the key

Even so, the OCR software can still confuse a ‘0’ (nought/zero) and an ‘O’ (capital letter ‘O’), an ‘l’ (lower case letter ‘l’) and a ‘1’ (number one) or ‘S’ (capital letter ‘S’) and ‘5’ (number five)… For common words this is corrected using the standard dictionaries but, for part and serial numbers it can quickly become such a huge headache that engineers will give up on scanning and using scanned copies and revert to paperwork.

These days, the cost of computer storage is so cheap, except for Cloud based systems, that it would be easy to dramatically reduce document quality in order to save a relatively small amount of money. But, reducing the quality of scanning reduces the value of scanning. And talking about Cloud based applications; how would a user, with no or limited Internet access, connect to the Cloud to consult scanned technical records while working in the field? We use USB sticks to fill that gap with software designed to run on any platform (except IOS Mac).

Even after having recognized the printed content of the pages there is still a good chance that users will miss the records they are looking for.

Since 2005, we have found that 95% of searches are related to nonroutine information which is handwritten in most cases and hand written information still cannot be properly read with software: that is one of the reasons why it is called ‘Dirty Finger Prints’ (DFP). But what this means is that 95% of searches will concentrate around the 5% of information that is not recognized even with seven OCR engines… and there is still a chance that the OCR will have messed-up in recognizing the part and serial numbers.

To finally achieve a 99% search capability rate, every single page needs to be presented to operators for a quality check and eventual correction. This also allows operators to input handwritten information into indexes so that the final user can search even on ‘dirty finger prints’.

In most cases, users should find a cartouche on every page that indicates information about the detailed maintenance operation.

We have added what we called Optical Zonal Recognition or OZR which allows users to define layouts of task cards for specific MROs or Airlines and apply a layout reading capability, indicating which area should be stored in which index. Like, but not limited to, Registration, MPD (maintenance planning document) task reference, Work Pack reference, related parts, AD / SB (airworthiness directive / service bulletin), Modifications EO (engineering order). This allows all the records to be scanned by work packs with only one reference – PO (purchase order) or WO (work order) reference. The software does the rest. All indexing is done virtually and, as the records are the responsibility of the operators, nobody should alter their content. Once the work packs have been scanned, they can be stored to a remote safe location exactly as they were produced by the operator or the MRO. It becomes pointless to revert to the paperwork again.

Thus, instead of having many files with names such as task 001, task 002, task 003 we set out to present information linked to as much related information as possible.

Documents have to be presented as what they are, with indexes and title related to the maintenance operation. Who cares about the file number or its location? But who does not care about having access to all airworthiness directives and service bulletins related to a specific landing gear? Indexing could be achieved by putting printed barcodes on A4 pages in front of specific sets of paperwork or by scanning them into specifically named files, but this would be more time consuming and would ultimately represent a prohibitive increase in the cost of the solution.

“Indexing could be achieved by putting printed barcodes on A4 pages in front of specific sets of paperwork or by scanning them into specifically named files, but this would be more time consuming and would ultimately represent a prohibitive increase in the cost of the solution.”

FEBRUARY-MARCH 2013 | AIRCRAFT IT MRO | WHITE PAPER: ADS | 23

Having in-depth indexing capability helps to create statuses: these statuses are not the actual statuses of the aircraft but from the technical records filing system. It then becomes easy to cross check the statuses coming out from the MRO IT software and the digital records system, thus dramatically reducing the time to identify and fix discrepancies between the two reference systems and/or the paperwork.

ABOUT Aircraft Data Systems (ADS)

System integration, MRO System linking

These indexes, stored in an open relational database can help build bridges between MRO systems and scanned technical records. Storing the indexes directly into the files can mean having to open every file to look for a specific page. Storing the indexes into a database will house the result of your searches and the software will only load the page that you require when you have displayed the correct indexes.

Whether or not to outsource technical records scanning and management

The first step has to be to compare the cost of an engineer offering material to a scanner against a low cost external company undertaking that task. As we have seen above, engineers have other jobs to do and might be quite a costly resource to use to scan and maintain records. But it’s also useful to consider the time needed by the MRO, the operator, engineers and the lessor to reconstitute sets of records at repossession time – this can also represent using a costly engineer resource for a task which is not really in the job description.

A study, published in 2004 by EASA, gives a cost of 19 euro per page for the storage of technical records so it might be useful for Airlines to consider using a low cost certified storage company to handle technical records. Also, fire is a real risk in light of the destruction of hangars in Athens or in Brussels.

Most importantly, the aviation business is about flying aircraft, not document storage. It would always be better to give the responsibility to someone specialized in that business. The same study from EASA gives a cost of 3 euros for a scanned, indexed and remotely stored page. Outsourcing also allows trained personal to handle corrections of the OCR engine and retyping of dirty finger prints, freeing engineers to do what they are hired for, engineering.

A final advantage is that, in case of bankruptcy, the records are not held on retention. We had a case when an airline went into bankruptcy in 2010. The lessor managed to get the aircraft out of the airline, but an aircraft without its documentation means nothing.

Fortunately for this lessor, there was a complete set of scanned records to help put the aircraft on the market because the airline was storing the records in a

specialized company. As the records were property of the lessor, under the responsibility of the bankrupted airline, it proved easy to get this aircraft back into the sky in no time.

Meet the lessor requirements

Every lessor has its own requirements for redelivery of aircraft technical records. The information is exactly the same but presented in the lessor’s preferred fashion.

At airline level, a user can institute a way of presenting scanned technical records, but if the airline operates 80 aircraft from 10 lessors, then it would have to implement and maintain 10 ways of scanning, storing and indexing records. Most of the time, if scanned records do not meet the requirements of the lessor then the scanned records may be rejected, which puts paperwork back on the table. And, of course, none of

the 10 ways of storing records to meet the requirements of lessors might meet the airline’s own requirements.

That’s why having good sets of indexes associated to a customizable architecture is very useful, associating an aircraft to its lessor and then creating a redelivery layout to that lessor’s standards. Records can then be scanned to meet the airline’s requirements. The indexing and virtual sorting of records will help to present the records whether in the airline’s fashion or in the lessor’s redelivery fashion. This removes the need to dig into boxes of paper files to create a set of DFP for AD statuses. The records generated by the scanning software will meet the requirements of whoever uses them. Daily scanning enables a day-by-day update of the record keeping system, helps to identify discrepancies as they arise and saves significant time come repossession. n

Digitally signing of scanned records Some aviation authorities recognize scanned records as originals only if they are digitally signed at the time of digitizing. This, at a cost of approximately 0.04€ per page, can lead to the right to destroy 80% of the paper records held. That said, it would still be sensible to keep as much as possible of the paper like SIGNED TALLY SHEETS, Certificates, NRC, work orders, engineering orders etc. as an aircraft will pass from one operator to another every five years on average and the next operator may not be under an authority that recognizes the digitally signed documents or digitized documents.

The signature has to be given by an outside company as the owner of the scanned copies cannot be judge and advocate. Verysign has already acquired knowledge about the specifics or our aviation world and is recognized in many but not all European and North American aviation authorities.

ADS is a specialist in moving aircraft maintenance records and associated documentation from paper to digital format, creating single records from multiple formats (electronic and paper). It has created a scanning methodology to ensure the highest degree of accuracy in records scanned from even hand written ‘dirty finger print’ originals. The firm will also create and maintain a database from which data can be extracted in a variety of formats to suit different requirements; particularly those of the airline, the regulatory regime under which it operates and the aircraft lessor – useful at repossession time.

The service can be tailored to suit customer requirements; either the customer can scan in the information from the paper records or ADS will undertake the whole record scanning and maintenance task as an outsource operation.

ADS have now scanned more than 2.5 billion pages for more than 650 aircraft.

Julien Albrecht

General Manager, Aircraft Data Systems

Graduate IT engineer. After his degree and his military period in the French Air Force, he was engaged by Alain Perroteau to be the Network Manager and team leader in project management for LOGITAIR integration processes.

LOGITAIR, was specialzed in airlines revenue accounting and financial back office processing.

As he has been in aviation since he was two years old pushed by his father François, also well known in aviation industry, he confounded ADS with his father and Alain Perroteau. He is now the general manger of ADS.

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24 | WEBINARS | AIRCRAFT IT MRO | FEBRUARY-MARCH 2013

Past Webinars: View Video Recordings of our Live Software Demonstration Webinars at Aircraft IT Build your own MRO Software Demo Webinar Library. Search through and sign up to view the convenient video recordings of all previous Live MRO Software Demonstration & Masterclass Webinars at the following link: http://www.aircraftit.com/MRO/Webinars/Past.aspx.

This exceptional video library contains recordings of Live Software Demonstrations and Masterclasses from the following major IT Vendors: TRAX, Swiss-AS (AMOS), Enigma, Rusada, Mxi Technologies, Gen2Systems, Ramco Systems, Aerosoft Systems, 2MoRO Solutions, Lufthansa Technik (manage-m), AV-BASE Systems, plus more. An outline of four of the recent Webinar Recordings can be seen below:

TRAX Software Demo of the TRAX M&E Solution Webinar

manage-m WebSuite Demonstration Webinar

6th September 2012

20th September 2012

n Session OVERVIEW

n Session OVERVIEW

Sign up for this Webinar Recording and join TRAX for a software demonstration of their industry leading maintenance software solution for airlines and third party MROs. You will be taken on a tour of the different modules and the rich functionality the software provides with a particular focus on the Engineering, Documentation and Technical Records Modules.

Sign up to view this Webinar Recording and follow Lufthansa Technik’s guided tour of their Technical Operations WebSuite manage/m® designed to assist airlines in managing the technical operation of their entire fleet via a web-based system.

The Webinar will show you a demonstration of a unique software solution from the world’s leading MRO provider which does not require any IT investment and allows airlines to control all aspects of their fleet’s technical operations online – anytime and anywhere. The demonstration will cover the following key functions: Compliance Reporting via an eye-catching Traffic Light System, Deadline Tracking, Aircraft Configuration Monitoring, Supplementary Maintenance Management, Online Access to Engineering Documents, Control of Airworthiness Management, and more.

This Webinar will provide you with the great chance to see a high-level review of this industry leading software solution and see why the TRAX M&E Software solution is used by over 110 companies worldwide.

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About the Live Software Demonstration Webinar Recordings

How it works:

Whether you missed them the first time around, need to refresh your understanding of available systems before making a key decision or if you are building a reference portfolio of relevant knowledge, these past webinar recordings will add vital market intelligence to your established professional skills. They’ll improve and sharpen your awareness of available solutions and add to your knowledge store. You’ll gain an overview of the major MRO software systems on the market today, from the world’s leading IT Vendors, and all at a time and a place compatible with your busy schedule. Each demonstration lasts 1 hour, providing airlines, aircraft operators and MROs with the perfect introduction to each MRO software solution demonstrated.

• Visit: http://www.aircraftit.com/MRO/Webinars/Past.aspx • Use the scroll option or view the details of the latest recorded sessions on the right and select a Webinar recording you would like to view.

• Next click ‘Register for Recording’ and enter your details.

• Once approved the video file will appear in your Member’s Area at the Aircraft IT website.

• You can then view the Webinar recording as many times as you wish, share it with your colleagues and retain it as part of your own market intelligence reference library.

MRO/M&E Software Demonstration Webinar of OASES

Aviation Business Intelligence Software Demonstration and Masterclass Webinar Recording

15th November 2012

29th November 2012

n Session OVERVIEW

n Session OVERVIEW

Sign Up to view this Webinar Recording and view this software demonstration of OASES, Commsoft’s extremely popular MRO/M&E software solution for airlines and third party MROs. The Webinar recording will take you on a tour of the different modules and the rich functionality the software provides with a particular focus on the Continuing Airworthiness, Planning, Production, Line Maintenance, Materials and Commercial Modules This Webinar is suitable for airlines, MROs and CAMOs of all sizes and will provide you with the great chance to see a high-level demonstration of this industry leading, cost effective, MRO/M&E software solution, and to see why OASES is used successfully by over 70 companies around the world. You will see how a modern, cost-effective MRO/M&E software system operates and the potential benefits it can bring to your operation; or be able to compare OASES to your current system.

Sign up for this Webinar recording and join IFRSKEYES for a demonstration of their Business Intelligence software solution IBIS (Integrated Business Intelligence System).

During the Webinar recording video, you will see how by drilling deep into your Flight Operations and Aircraft Maintenance data you can enhance your company-wide decision making and generate key level reports.

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26 | CASE STUDY: AIR WORKS | AIRCRAFT IT MRO | FEBRUARY-MARCH 2013

“Today we are standing at a crossroad wherein, on the one hand there is a serious threat to legacy but also, on the other hand, a tremendous opportunity to create a simple, beautiful (and low cost) but practical IT which can be a potent business differentiator and confer huge competitive advantage.”

I

What should a CIO think about?

Ravinder Pal Singh, Global Chief Information and Technology Officer at Air Works, identifies the IT dilemmas and opportunities that faces airlines today and suggests how a business might use them

T is a wonderful thing: I mean… none of us would be doing the jobs we do in quite the way we do them if it wasn’t for IT. In fact, a lot of what makes the modern world go round and, importantly for us, helps airlines to fly around and over it can be credited to IT with its power to marshal information and help get things done. But, like any strong force, IT can be a power for good or for bad and needs to be handled carefully, not only to leverage the best value from its capabilities but also because, like any power, mishandled it can bite. That’s a lot of responsibility for those involved. So, it matters what goes on inside the head of a Chief Information Officer, Chief Technology Officer, Chief Architect, Enterprise Architect or anyone who is trying to take IT strategy decisions in today’s world of volatility (business and political) and technology disruption (especially with the two ‘Cs’ – Consumerisation and Cloud – getting into the enterprise zone).

Today we are standing at a crossroad wherein, on the one hand there is a serious threat to legacy but also, on the other hand, a tremendous opportunity to create a simple, beautiful (and low cost) but practical IT which can be a potent business differentiator and confer huge competitive advantage. It’s all down to managing information, as Bill Gates put it: “Virtually everything in business today is an undifferentiated commodity, except how a company manages its information. How you manage information determines whether you win or lose.”

FEBRUARY-MARCH 2013 | AIRCRAFT IT MRO | CASE STUDY: AIR WORKS | 27

Image © Air Works

Time and trust

Image © Air Works

Technology changes the world

Much of what technology achieves is at the behest of its creators but it could be argued that there are two near-natural forces that technology brings to business: disruption and convergence. Disruption occurs where a technology development doesn’t simply replace its legacy predecessor but actually changes the environment in which it operates by changing the way people interact with the function. To use a consumer analogy, when MP3 files arrived they didn’t just do what vinyl, tape and CDs had done before, they changed how, where and through which platforms people accessed music which meant that artists and distributors had to find new ways to attract the public’s attention and sell their products. In a similar way, convergence isn’t simply the coming together of technologies but often the converged result creates a new reality of its own. Again from the consumer world, when mobile phone technology, email capability and digital cameras converged, they gave birth not only to a multi-capability device but also to a whole new paradigm of ‘people’s journalism’ with anybody holding a mobile device able to record any incident at the touch of a button or screen. Bring disruption and convergence together and you can put into a child’s hands a device that would once have been regarded as ‘Star Trek’ science fiction.

These forces also work on wider scale, using technology design to bridge the gap between desire and need for consumers and technology function to turn business needs into operational realities in the workplace for businesses.

These, at first sight, natural forces can be harnessed, can be made to work with the business through a process of ‘business and IT alignment’; they are also the source of dilemmas which I and my peers and chiefs face. To run, procure, create, simplify and continuously improve the legacy… these were typical IT goals in past and they have changed now. I now apply a strategy for convergence of design, technology and business to ensure that the right systems are built, for the right business needs, in the right time; but also for the right people to bring about quick and true successful adoption. The trick is to recognise early and then to manage the business advantage that disruption and convergence can generate.

Time is also an issue here. In the past, programs to realize values from IT have often been lengthy affairs so that, in extreme cases, benefits have arrived only after the reasons for which they were developed have already been superseded by events. By importing some of the attitudes, priorities and characteristics that govern the fast-paced consumer technology space, businesses can move away from past sins of IT ecosystems: undertaking multi-year implementations (under the incorrect pretext of IT being complex) and forced adoption of systems to business users (under the veil of process improvement). Programs to realize IT value need to be fast and, with technologies like the Cloud, they need to be on the business’s own terms for purposes that the business has identified will serve it (rather than getting caught in the artificial enigma of cloud interpretations by various technology providers acting in their selfish interest). A focus such as this can, in turn, lead to a considerable reduction in IT spend and reduced implementation cycle times to build or improve an IT portfolio.

And, for all of its potency and seemingly miraculous capability, IT needs to be trustworthy. A practical interpretation of trustworthy IT would focus on some basic elements such as a balance of need versus desire, the value of a consistent user experience, customization (making what we have manage what we need) versus configuration (aligning IT with the business) and the superficial security of predictability versus the longer term value of innovation.

28 | CASE STUDY: AIR WORKS | AIRCRAFT IT MRO | FEBRUARY-MARCH 2013

“A lesson learnt from the consumer environment is that, for users, IT should help them not challenge them.”

A world of data

Investment in IT cannot be a cost in isolation but must be aligned with the global, world-class ambitions of the business. In order for this to be managed in the business, it is important to ensure IT clarity at all levels: clear architecture and design guideless, especially related to system performance and user experience; applying simple technologies like search, application marketplace, auto identification, maps etc. When applied in the aviation domain, such clarity of purpose, execution and user experience can increase efficiency by multiples. A lesson learnt from the consumer environment is that, for users, IT should help them not challenge them.

This is true of most environments but we need to be wary of the very smart technology providers with their respective (and often self-serving) definitions and vocabulary about the Cloud and User Centric computing.

My vision is of a ‘World of Data’ in which data is stored wherever that is best achieved, made available to whatever systems might be able to use it and the resulting output presented as a seamless and immersive user experience on whatever platform suits the user’s needs or circumstances at the time.

poor ROI (return on investment) for IT investment. I would instead put the stress on insights through coverage of all business critical paths (see diagram above): for me, business intelligence is IT. I see this as three elements (see diagram above) to manage business information (corporate, customer and operation data), considering globalization, growth, high quality experience and connected value chain.

By adopting these elements we can create: • Mission critical confidence; • True breakthrough insights.

These, in turn, will generate a true differentiator and support continuous business success.

Business Intelligence

With change being the new constant in today’s world of volatility and constraint, a smart IT is the only channel which can provide business intelligence. I would differentiate today’s equating of business intelligence to C-level dashboards as an immature view which invariably ends up with

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Image © Air Works

FEBRUARY-MARCH 2013 | AIRCRAFT IT MRO | CASE STUDY: AIR WORKS | 29

ABOUT AIR WORKS

Air Works is India’s largest independent aviation MRO and India’s first EASA certified MRO. The company is certified to maintain 50 different types of aircraft – ranging from small, single engine machines to turboprops plus B737s and A320s. Air Works includes Air Livery, UK which is Europe’s leading independent aircraft painting and re-finishing company and Empire Aviation Group, Dubai which is the Middle East’s largest aircraft management services company.

Ravinder Pal Singh Global Chief Information and Technology Officer

Image © Air Works

Taking the best from the rest

None of this requires those of us working in aviation IT to reinvent the wheel. There are plenty of mature and proven adoptions of technology which we can take away from other domains, including cases wherein, to help their overall value chain, even fierce business competitors, global brands, have come together to share staple information, hence reigniting the growth of their shared market and increasing by many factors the efficiency of their industry at large. At the same time, such collaborative efforts have given birth to new paradigms and innovation which have, in

turn, improved the whole industry within which the businesses operate.

Of course, working collaboratively and sharing information across the value chain, especially working with Cloud based solutions, can cause some people to worry about security and privacy. Loss of competitive advantage is an often expressed concern in this context but also, depending on where the business is located, concerns can extend to issues such as intrusion into human rights with an attendant fear of unions, legislation and restrictive regulatory agencies, customs and corruption in emerging markets, a fundamental

reluctance to contemplate anything that smacks of outsourcing (the individual manager’s personal interest in managing a large number of employees to create his/ her empire as opposed to passing parts of the job over to managing vendors) and so on and so forth. But, in the end, users have to believe that what has worked and generated across-the-board business success in other sectors stands a very good chance of achieving as good an outcome in the aviation IT sector.

That really is something positive for CIOs and everybody involved in taking IT strategy decisions to be thinking about today. n

Ravi is transforming current IT and creating its future avatar which is aligned to Air Work’s Vision and its various business goals. He has lived and worked on three continents and his global experience covers broad disciplines ranging from strategy to execution. In the recent past he has been associated with a leader in technology and a ‘big 4’ management consulting firm to help their Fortune 100 customers and government institutions in IT transformation. He is a child rights activist, practices yoga, runs marathons and does mountaineering. Ravi is also a holder, in his personal capacity, of several technology patents.

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30 | VENDOR FEATURE JOB | AIRCRAFT CARD|ITAIRCRAFT MRO | FEBRUARY-MARCH IT MRO | FEBRUARY-MARCH 2013 2013

What makes TRAX work?

Chris Reed, Managing Director, Trax, shares the story of their success with Aircraft IT.

fact he made his first Chris has an educational background in computing and sales. In n he pursued a career software sale at the age of twelve years old. After leaving educatio Virgin Atlantic joined and rs in music but finally went back to working with compute tion Systems.

Informa Airways where he eventually became responsible for their Maintenance ng services to other Five years at Virgin were followed by a period of providing consulti in 1997 and has been airlines in the MRO Software area. Chris started to work for TRAX the highest number ished accompl have responsible for their Sales ever since. With TRAX they of sales of this type of MRO Software in the world.

Aircraft IT: Your name, your job title and the name of the business?

Chris Reed: Chris Reed, Managing Director, Trax.

Aircraft IT: How did Trax get started?

CR: In the late nineties, a few of us from airlines and MRO IT got together to discuss creating a windowsbased software: until then all MRO software packages had been mainframe or green screen types. We worked with two European launch customer airlines to get the product off the ground.

Aircraft IT: What is the attraction of aircraft related IT? CR: IT is an exciting industry, fast moving and always changing, as is Aviation, from the early pioneers through to the latest aircraft such as 787 and A380. Flying has become part of everyday life, but retains a mystical quality – most people do not really understand the physics of how an aircraft stays in the air. I have always been interested in aircraft and in IT, now I can be involved in both.

Aircraft IT: What is the guiding business principle that drives Trax?

CR: There’s more than one: dedication, creativity and advancement in the technology. We strive to create a good working atmosphere for employees and clients by being open and fair in business.

Aircraft IT: What has been Trax’s greatest IT achievement to date, and why?

CR: Making our solution available as a web based application to facilitate efficient distribution for customers by streamlining deployment and starting the move to iPad and android mobile devices for greater flexibility… ‘use anywhere, on the go’.

Aircraft IT: What has been Trax’s greatest business achievement to date, and why?

CR: To grow from a small company to a large organisation providing essential services for many customers, airlines and MROs. At pretty much every airport I fly into I can see one of our customers’ aircraft. Millions of people fly safely in aircraft maintained using our software. That’s some achievement.

Aircraft IT: What have been Trax’s disappointments and what have you learned from them?

CR: In life there are always disappointments but, as Frank Sinatra sung, ‘regrets I’ve had a few but then again too few to mention.’ We learn from our mistakes and we aim to put people into the right place, to play to their strengths. Teamwork means creating a great team to cover all the angles and deliver the win.

Aircraft IT: In a sentence, how would you summarize what Trax does for aviation customers?

CR: TRAX Maintenance Software solution has been developed with aviation for aviation, to provide today’s most comprehensive and advanced maintenance software solution; delivering safety, business efficiency and visibility across the operation for improved decision making capability and excellent return on investment [ROI].

Aircraft IT: What is new on Trax’s development horizon?

CR: We’re constantly improving the application and our user groups provide a lot of input to this process.

We currently have a focus on mobile technologies including tablet deployment of functions to provide a great solution for today’s mobile workforce. In line with this we’re also working on more RFID functionality, in the aircraft records and logistics areas. The dream of an aircraft coming into a hangar with all the parts and conditions being scanned as it comes through the door is an approaching reality.

The advent of e-enabled aircraft also brings new challenges with integration into OEMs’ health monitoring systems and the new software-based component tracking on aircraft such as the 787.

We have been working with OEMs to bring this functionality to our customers.

Aircraft IT: What will be the next big thing in MRO Aviation IT? CR: New technologies for user interfaces are becoming more common in the general commercial world, with personal smartphone technology in common use now. This has spilled over into aviation and we have been working on these developments.

We are a visionary company so finally, while Biofeedback devices such as brain-computer-interfaces may seem like science fiction, they are already a reality with commercially available home devices that can detect brain signals with an accuracy of 99% to control computer games and apps. The time will come when a mechanic will just have to think that they want a part and it will be communicated to TRAX! Aircraft IT: What do you want your customers to say about Trax?

CR: TRAX delivers an excellent, consistent and personalized service at value for money and with a good return on investment. Although they’re not perfect, we can totally rely on them.

AircraftIT: Chris Reed, thank you for your time.

FEBRUARY-MARCH 2013 | AIRCRAFT IT MRO | IN THE NEXT ISSUE… | 31

What’s in your next issue of Aircraft IT MRO?

Professionals working in aviation MRO IT won’t need reminding that developments, new approaches and changing solutions to meet evolving needs are a constant feature of their world. So every issue of Aircraft IT MRO brings new ideas and new perspectives on established ways of working.

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32 | WEBINARS | AIRCRAFT IT MRO | FEBRUARY-MARCH 2013

Upcoming Live Software Demonstration Webinars at www.aircraftit.com February and March will bring great opportunities for readers to attend programs covering two of the leading MRO software solutions on the Market today. If you need to know more about MRO analytics and planning and/or maintenance management at all levels, you’ll save a great deal of time and gain a lot of what you’ll need to know to inform a good decision by simply attending these two informative webinars.

Swiss-AS AMOS Live MRO Software Demonstration n 7th FEBRUARY 2013 n Duration: 1 hour plus Q&A. n Session 1: 07:00 GMT/UTC n Session 2: 15:30 GMT/UTC

A

MOS 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.

Sign up now! This Webinar offers you a great chance to view a live demo of AMOS, which offers a second to none scope of business functionalities as well as an unsurpassed degree of integration which is a prerequisite for data quality, productivity, reliability and informed business decisions.

Description

Scenario 1: Financial Multi-Entity Process Swiss-AS has implemented new features to allow multiple Financial Legal Entities to exist in a single instance of AMOS. New Functions allow for configuration of the multiple Entities, restrictions on usage of materials between entities and easy transactions to move material between Entities when required.

Scenario 2: Operator Maintenance Program With the new Operator Maintenance Program AMOS provides the means to edit the information from the aircraft manufacturer maintenance program according to your operational needs. The module allows for splitting of maintenance schedule items into multiple tasks, individualizing pre-defined planning information per operator, etc.

Agenda

• • • • •

General overview of Swiss-AS and AMOS; Recent developments and outlook; Scenario 1: Financial Multi-Entity Process; Scenario 2: Operator Maintenance Program; Q&A Session.

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.

How to sign up for the Webinar

Click on the ‘Register for Webinar’ link, select your preferred Webinar Session and enter your details. Full instructions on how to access the Webinar will be emailed to you.

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FEBRUARY-MARCH 2013 | AIRCRAFT IT MRO | WEBINARS | 33

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.

And remember that if you miss a webinar or are reading this after the live webinar has run, you can still access all of the benefits through a recording of the event. Just go to www.aircraftit.com/MRO/Webinars.aspx for how to do that.

AD Software MRO Software Demonstration Webinar n 21st February 2013 n Duration: 1 hour plus Q&A. n Session 1: 07:00 GMT/UTC n Session 2: 15:30 GMT/UTC

Webinar Overview

AIRPACK is a new-generation maintenance software which improves safety and operations efficiency of aircraft and helicopters operators (Airlines / General aviation / CAMO / MRO). The new scope functionality developed for AIRPACK latest 2011/12 version is convincing more customers worldwide of our Innovative IT solutions. AD Software is carrying on its success story and recorded twelve new customers in the last 18 months.

Sign up now! This Webinar offers you a great chance to view a live demonstration of AIRPACK, and allow and interactive access to the system functionalities.

Agenda

• • • •

General overview of AD Software (10’) Presentation of the 6 AIRPACK modules (10’) AIRSTAT’s highlights: ‘How to quickly issue a reliability report?’ (30’) Q&A Session (10’)

Who should attend the Webinar?

This webinar is ideal for personnel and executives working in any area related to aircraft maintenance and fleet management; mainly engineering, purchasing, store, quality and technical department.

AD Software has developed a fleet management system and logistics package called ‘AIRPACK’ that fulfils the airworthiness standards of EASA and FAA, and is continuously updated accordingly. In 2012 AD Software was selected as one of 30 French National Finalists in the prestigious European Business Awards and was second at the CIC International Export competition.

Growing from 17 customers in 2009, to 45 as of June 2012 (an impressive achievement for a company of only 20 people) AD Software now handles more than 340 aircraft. Furthermore, a considerable number of airlines/ CAMO/MRO providers have already committed for AIRPACK solutions or are in the process of seriously considering its acquisition.

AIRPACK meets the needs of middle size airlines MRO and CAMO. The strength of AD Software is the simplicity of its product. AIRPACK is Microsoft Windows® ready, web-enabled, multilingual and complete training can be done in five days. The company provides 24/7 online technical support, with extremely competitive pricing.

How to sign up for the Webinar:

Click on the ‘Register for Webinar’ link, select your preferred Webinar Session and enter your details. Full instructions on how to access the Webinar will be emailed to you.

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34 | TENDERS | AIRCRAFT IT MRO | FEBRUARY-MARCH 2013 2moroAnnoncePresse1112.pdf

11/01/12

16:12:56

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MRO Software Tender Upload Aircraft IT website MRO Software Tender Upload function puts your requirements in front of all the leading MRO IT Vendors.

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he Aircraft IT Tender Upload function allows Airlines, Aircraft Operators and MROs the opportunity to send their software requirements to 30+ of the world’s leading MRO IT Vendors at the click of a mouse. It’s all of a piece with Aircraft IT’s mission to put readers in front of as many opportunities as possible to maximise their professional effectiveness; this time by linking to other professionals with a proven track record of matching complex requirements with effective software solutions.

Whether you are looking for full end-to-end Modular Maintenance & Engineering Management Software, ERP, Fully Integrated MRO software, Digital Documentation Management solutions, Supply Chain Management Software, Document Scanning Solutions, or something more, this Tender upload feature will allow you to send your requirements to all the major IT Vendors at the same time... and it’s not rocket science!

In fact, it couldn’t be easier.

Here’s how it works:

• Visit the Tender Upload page at the Aircraft IT MRO Website by clicking here.

• Login below with your Aircraft IT Membership details. If you are not a member click on sign up and enter your details — it is free to join. If you are already logged in click on ‘Upload Tender’ below.

• Fill in the Tender Upload form and upload a PDF document of your requirements. Under the ‘Software Type’ section, which ever box you tick sends your Tender to all the IT Vendors in that section of the Aircraft IT website.

• Click ‘Upload Tender’ and your information will be sent to the key contacts at the IT Vendors.

Once the Tender has been uploaded the IT Vendors will very soon send you details about their software and product solutions that would be suitable to address your requirements.

Send your MRO software requirements to the following IT Vendors:

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2. Download the free Aircraft IT App – Search ‘Aircraft IT’ in the App store or click here for full information.

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FEBRUARY-MARCH 2013 | AIRCRAFT IT MRO | SOFTWARE DIRECTORY | 37

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.

Click Here for Software Details Click Here to Request Private Demo

ADSoftware

W: www.adsoftware.fr T: +33 (0)4.50.89.48.50 E: contact@adsoftware.fr

Company formed: 1998, Office Location: France, Thailand, South Africa, Brazil Name of Product Marketed • AIRPACK Number of Modules.........6 Five Key Business/Software Areas • AIRTIME - Fleet management & CAMO • AIRSTOCK - Inventory control & Logistic • AIRDOC - Documentation management • AIRSTAT - Reliability and statistic reports • AIRWORK - Time Tracking Software ADSoftware has developed an integrated fleet management system and logistic package called AIRPACK. This 6 modules system replies to the needs of aircraft and helicopters operators, as well as MRO and CAMO centres. It meets all requirements in terms of functionality, traceability, performance, aviation legislation and regulations. Today, ADSoftware counts more than 45 clients worldwide. The strength of ADSoftware is the simplicity of its products; they are Microsoft Windows® ready, Web-enabled, available in various languages and a complete training can be done in just five days. The company also provides a 24/7 online technical support and extremely competitive pricing conditions.

Click Here for Software Details Click Here to Request Private Demo Click here for full SOFTWARE details and for a demo

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

38 | SOFTWARE DIRECTORY | AIRCRAFT IT MRO | FEBRUARY-MARCH 2013

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.

Click Here for Software Details Click Here to Request Private Demo Click here for full SOFTWARE details and for a demo

AeroSoft Systems Inc.

AV BASE SYSTEMS

W: www.aerosoftsys.com T: +1 905.678.9564 E: sales@aerosoftsys.com

W: www.avbasesystems.com T: +1 519-691-0919 E: info@avbasesystems.com

Company formed: 1997, Office Location: Mississauga,Ontario, Canada; Miami,FL,USA; Austria

Company formed: 1997, Office Location: Mississauga,Ontario, Canada; Miami,FL,USA; Austria

Name of Product Marketed • DigiMAINT, DigiDOC, WebPMI/DJM Number of Modules.........5

Name of Product Marketed • WinAir Essentials; WinAir Express; WinAir Pro-SQL; and WinAir Enterprise 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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Five Key Business/Software Areas • Complex Maintenance Programs / Configuration Management • Aircraft and Internal Shop Production • Inventory Control & Procurement • Opertational Administration • Reliability Module AV-BASE Systems develops and supports the successful series of WinAir maintenance and inventory software solutions. With over 20 years committed to the aviation industry, WinAir is a proven solution to increase operational efficiency and harmonize departments in even the most complex operations. The WinAir Series includes 24/7 technical support, top tier help and documentation, as well as professional training and implementation options. WinAir users span the globe and include Airlines, Government Operations, MROs, Military Operations, Law Enforcement Agencies, Corporate Aviation Firms, and Aviation Services such as Medical Evacuation organizations. Visit www.avbasesystems.com for a solution that works in the real world.

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FEBRUARY-MARCH 2013 | AIRCRAFT IT MRO | SOFTWARE DIRECTORY | 39

Aviation Intertec Services

W: aviationintertec.com T: +1 807-625-9260 E: info@aviationintertec.com

Company formed: 1997, Office Location: Thunder Bay, Ontario, Canada Name of Product Marketed • RAAS & RAAS Express Number of Modules.........7 Five Key Business/Software Areas • Production Planning and Management • CAMO Solutions • Inspection Document Management • Inventory and Procurement • Reliabiliity and Performance Analysisl AIS’s RAAS system is a best-of-breed M&E solution for mid-size operators. Our solution is 100% browserbased and tablet friendly, compatible with all major browsers including Apple Safari, Google Chrome, Firefox, and Microsoft Internet Explorer. RAAS includes industry-leading functionality such as task-step level signature, parallel inspection program management per type, digital part certification handling, iPAD/Android tablet-based EFB , electronic maintenance status board, centralized document library, wireless barcode scanning, and much more. RAAS offers flexible pricing and system hosting options making it suitable for a wide range of customer types and sizes.

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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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IFR SKEYES

W: www.ifrskeyes.com T: +33 (0) 562 74 75 00 E: commercial@ifrskeyes.com

Office location: HQ: Colomiers / France. Offices in Moscow ; Singapore ; Quito (Ecuador) Name of Product Marketed • AMASIS –> 7 core modules + 6 add-ons • KEOPS –> 8 core modules + 11 add-ons • IBIS –> 6 core modules 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 fleets 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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40 | SOFTWARE DIRECTORY | AIRCRAFT IT MRO | FEBRUARY-MARCH 2013

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Lufthansa Technik AG

Ramco Systems

W: www.lufthansa-technik.com/manage-m T: +49 69 696 91628 E: info@manage-m.com

W: www.ramcoaviation.com T: +1 305 538 8499 E: agatag@rsc.ramco.com

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.

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.

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)

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Mxi Technologies

W: www.mxi.com T: +1 613-747-4698 E: info@mxi.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

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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 mid-sized 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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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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FEBRUARY-MARCH 2013 | AIRCRAFT IT MRO | SOFTWARE DIRECTORY | 41

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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Swiss AviationSoftware Ltd.

W: www.swiss-as.com

T: +41 61 582 72 94 E: marketing@swiss-as.com

Company formed: 2004 (project AMOS started in 1989), Office Location: Basel, Switzerland; Miami, FL, USA Name of Product Marketed • AMOS Number of Modules.........10 Five Key Business/Software Areas • Material Management • Engineering • Planning • Production • Maintenance Control 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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TRAX USA Corp.

W: www.trax.aero T: +1 305.662.7400 E: sales@trax.aero

Company formed: 1997, Office Location: Miami, Fl, USA; Horsham, West Sussex, UK Name of Product Marketed • TRAX Maintenance & Engineering Software Number of Modules.........23 Five Key Business/Software Areas • Engineering & Planning • Production & Shop • Technical Records & Reliability • TRAXDoc Document Control • Supply Chain Management 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.

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 and world class support.

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Volartec

W: www.volartec.aero

T: +353 617 49010 E: marketing@volartec.aero

Company formed: 2004, Office Location: Ireland; Argentina Name of Product Marketed • Alkym ® Management & Control System for Aircraft Maintenance Number of Modules.........15

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 the 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

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: 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

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 the market. We deliver the implementation project in record time with a dedicated team. Typically this is done in 4 to 5 weeks.

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.

Five Key Business/Software Areas • Maintenance & Engineering • Logistics • Quality Assurance / Human Resources • Planning & Reliability • Document Management / Technical Library

Click Here for Software Details Click Here to Request Private Demo

Click Here for Software Details Click Here to Request Private Demo

42 | SOFTWARE DIRECTORY | AIRCRAFT IT MRO | FEBRUARY-MARCH 2013

AVIIT

W: www.aviit.com T: +44 (0) 1383 620922 E: info@aviit.com

Company formed: 2004, Office Location: Fife, Scotland Name of Product Marketed • eMan & Archimedes Number of Modules.........2 Five Key Business/Software Areas • Technical publications Distribution - eMan • Document Acknowledment - eMan Read & Sign • ACARS data management - Archimedes • ACARS Technical Consultancy • IT systems management & support AviiT is exclusively focused on the provision of software solutions to the aviation sector. eMan provides an efficient capability for the distribution of technical publications across the maintenance and repair estate.

Used by aircraft operators and 3rd party MROs alike, eMan unlocks the benefits of smooth and efficient distribution of engineering and process documentation. eMan is available as an on-premise or hosted offering for complete deployment flexibility. Drawing upon data sources such as ACARS, Archimedes provides a powerful capability to capture, analyse and present valuable, real time data in a clear and flexible format to Operation and Engineering teams.

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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 for which they are responsible.

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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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: T: T: E:

www.hexaware.com/travel-transport-hospitality-solution.htm India: +91 22-67919595 Americas: +1 609-409-6950 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.

Click here for company product details Click Here to Request Private Demo

HOLOCENTRIC

W: www.holocentric.com T: +1 612 9957 3169 E: info@holocentric.com

Company formed: 2003. Office Location: Sydney, Canberra, Hong Kong Name of Product Marketed • Modeler, Modelpedia Five Key Business/Software Areas • MRO and Major Systems Implementations • Organizational Transformation • Continuous Improvement • Compliance Improvement • Business Management Systems Holocentric provides software and services for Airlines to build Operational Frameworks and Business Management Systems to support the business. This includes successfully completing the Transformation Programs, including implementing the MRO software, training material and publishing of the portal for Business, including both legacy and new applications.

We do this by creating an OPERATIONAL FRAMEWORK AND PORTAL, useable by all personnel. Holocentric customers’ MRO projects are successfully completed within budge t. Importantly, compmpliance is increased acrossthe organisation as a result.

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FEBRUARY-MARCH 2013 | AIRCRAFT IT MRO | SOFTWARE DIRECTORY | 43

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 ensuring 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 A recognized leader in the aerospace industry for more than 25 years, InfoTrust delivers solutions 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 increase productivity by taking advantage of XML capabilities and content reuse, and that produce more accurate and reliabile information for compliancy. Its solutions 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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NVable Ltd

W: www.nvable.com T: +44 141 280 0050 E: contact@nvable.com

Company formed: 2005. Office Location: Glasgow, UK Name of Product Marketed • Appixo, Appixo ETL Number of Modules.........4 Five Key Business/Software Areas • Electronic Technical Log • Alternative Training & Qualification Programme (ATQP) • Station Operational Compliance (SOC) • Management Dashboards & Analysis NVable (pronounced “enviable”) was founded as a specialist software development consultancy creating bespoke solutions that allow customers to exploit the full value of their operational data. NVable now also offers its own software products. NVable recently launched Appixo – a platform that combines large scale data handling with a framework to support multiple mobile data acquisition applications.

The Appixo ETL is one such application, first launched in May 2012 with BA CityFlyer. NVable is now expanding its suite of aviation focussed applications. The growing list now includes ATQP and SOC Management. The data gathered from each application is fed into the Appixo analysis platform to feed the Management Dashboard & Analytics. This allows for real-time analysis of aircraft status, fuel burn/ uplift, defects, Out of Phase Maintenance etc.

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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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PSIPENTA Software Systems GmbH.

W: www.psipenta.com T: +49 (0)800 377 4968 E: info@psipenta.com

Company formed: 1997. Office Location: Germany (Berlin, Stuttgart, München, Essen) Name of Product Marketed • PSIpenta Project Management; PSIpenta Materials Management; PSIpenta Maintenance, PSIpenta Purchasing, PSIpenta Order Management, Psipenta Sequencing, PSIpenta Warehouse Management, PSIpenta Adaptive Planning, PSIpenta Mobile Processes, PSIpenta Data Collection, PSIpenta Control System, PSIpenta Finite Capacity Scheduling, PSIpenta Cost Accounting Number of Modules.........15 Five Key Business/Software Areas • MRO • Materials Management • Planning & Scheduling • Production & Planning • Mobile Solutions

PSIPENTA Software Systems GmbH offers a complete solution for managing and maintaining complex technical systems. Our philosophy of Perfection in Aerospace is reflected in all aspects of our software.

Successful customer connections give a reference for our highly customer-oriented software solutions.

PSIpenta suite supports the planning and control of maintenance and servicing processes. The scope covers the whole MRO process ranging from slot planning to mobile processes.

PSIpenta Planning, Execution & Control refers to a solution-oriented approach based on standardized software modules. It enables the optimization of value-adding processes and increases logistic planning in existing system landscapes with commercial focus.

Click Here for Software/Product Details Click Here to Request Private Demo

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