V2.3 • JUNE-JULY 2013
CONTROL THE INFORMATION
Understanding the world of technical publications DO IT FAST; DO IT WELL
The pros & cons of fast software implementation
AN INTELLIGENT APPROACH
Using the right software in an intelligent manner will increase efficiency
PROJECTS NEED PLANS
The next stage of project management White Paper: InfoTrust Group, EnvelopeAPM Case Study: 4U Aircraft Design & Engineering, PSIPENTA Vendor Job Card: ACS Plus… News & who’s in the News, Upcoming Webinars, Latest Vacancies, Past Webinars, MRO Software Directory
AMOS
A Story of Success “The best fit in terms of functionality, price and market standing,” states easyJet Read more about the world-class M&E software system at SWISS-AS.COM
04 News Information is the life blood of any business or process but where can busy MRO managers find the information they need today? Professionals keep up with the latest developments by checking regularly on http://www.aircraftit.com/ MRO/Index.aspx and here in the Aircraft IT MRO e-journal.
Editor’s comment
Aircraft IT MRO: The world is always changing in small ways but current developments look likely to bring change in a big way With the maiden flight of the Airbus A350 taking place as I write and with the Boeing 787 (having overcome teething problems) establishing a reputation for high quality, highly efficient air travel, we seem poised on the threshold of significant change… or should that be changes? While the appearance of new generation aircraft is not radically different from earlier generations, they are, in truth about as different as it’s possible to be and still be categorized in the same generic product group of aircraft. In the first place, most of the structures that make up new generation aircraft consist of new materials, carbon fibre and other light but incredibly strong composites. They also use novel construction methods to fulfil the architectural solutions that make the best use of the new materials. Even matters such as ‘what happens when a plane is struck by lightning’ have required wholly new approaches to deal with the nonconductivity of modern materials. And the amount of data the new aircraft generate and use is phenomenal by any standards. It’s all necessary given the very tight regulatory, efficiency, safety and lifetime management envelope within which they fly and it makes the task of MRO more challenging than ever. This issue includes the sort of high quality writing that our readers expect on different aspects of IT. The first in a series of articles will map the landscape on technical information publishing and management and point out some of the best routes for users to follow. You’ll also learn about the implications of and benefits from a fast implementation of a new software package. The intelligent use of software can change the way a business runs, as readers will see. And in the third of a series on project management, the value of proper project planning is set out. You’ll learn what makes a key software vendor tick. Plus, of course, How Michael Denis sees IT. And, as always, lots more news and information from your sector. As well as all 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. In a fast changing world, Aircraft IT MRO keeps readers up to speed with the changes and developments that do and will affect their world. Aircraft IT MRO: the knowledge you need, when, where and how you need it. Ed Haskey CLICK HERE: Send your feedback and suggestions to AircraftIT MRO AircraftIT MRO is published bi-monthly and is an affiliate of Aircraft Commerce and part of the AviationNextGen Ltd group. The entire contents within this publication © Copyright 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. 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.
CLICK HERE: Subscribe for free
AircraftIT MRO
Publisher/Editor: E-mail: Telephone: Website: Copy Editor/Contributor: E-mail: Magazine Production: E-mail:
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
16 WHITE PAPER: A fresh look at information JD Sillion, VP Products and Solutions at InfoTrust Group This first of four articles reviews the whole technical information publication and management landscape in which all participants in commercial aviation must work.
20 WHITE PAPER: Use your intelligence Ulrike Fuchs, Press and Marketing Officer at PSIPENTA Software Systems GmbH Increasing the efficiency in MRO has become a major factor for success. The intelligent use of special software gives companies a decisive competitive edge.
24 Upcoming live MRO software demonstration webinars A preview of live MRO software demonstration webinars featuring Ramco’s MRO software on18th July 2013 and Hexaware’s HMro Suite on 1st August 2013.
25 VENDOR JOB CARD Jacek Łyczba explains the thinking and approach that have made Airline Control Software (ACS) such a success In the latest of our Q&A pieces, Jacek Łyczba President & CEO, Airline Control Software, LTD. (ACS) shares his Job Card with Aircraft IT readers.
26 CASE STUDY: No need to delay Mutlu Uzun, Managing Director, 4U Aircraft Design and Engineering GmbH Fast implementation of new software can create challenges for the business and employees but the benefits from a fast migration usually outweigh those challenges.
30 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 MRO Software Demonstrations, including: ADSoftware, Volartec, IDMR Solutions and AviIT.
32 WHITE PAPER: Plan for project success Wesley J Parfitt, CEO EnvelopeAPM Inc. This third part of the series on project management espouses and demonstrates the need for project planning to ensure a smooth, on time, on budget implementation.
39 MRO Software directory A detailed look at the world’s leading MRO IT systems.
4 | NEWS | AIRCRAFT IT MRO | JUNE-JULY 2013
New software solutions providers join AircraftIT vendor groups
As a knowledge resource, the strength of AircraftIT is greatly enhanced by the members of our growing panel of vendors. So it is with great pleasure that we announce the inclusion of two more solution providers to the panel. Aeroxchange Ltd delivers total supply chain collaboration solutions through a single, neutral platform. Founded in 2000 by 13 airlines, Aeroxchange has grown to become the industry leader in eCommerce solutions for airlines, OEMs, MROs, distributors, surplus providers, repair vendors and partners within the aviation community. Aeroxchange’s solutions increase efficiency, reduce cost, and provide full transparency to trading partners. The business goes beyond offering basic search and list services to drive value with solutions that support the entire purchase and repair order lifecycle. Other solutions available from Aeroxchange include locating parts for AOG recovery, managing loans/borrows/ exchanges, and supporting process management of component support contracts. Airline Control Software, LTD is a specialized IT company engaged in software development for the airline. The main product is the ACS System, consisting of 16 modules. There are optional modules: OPS (including OCC Flight Dispatch, NTO, FLIGHT INFO PAX OPS, MCC), CREW, CAMO (Part-M), LINE MAINTENANCE (Part-145), FLEET MANAGEMENT, HANDLING, FUELING MANAGEMENT QMS, SMS, TRAINING, TICKETS & BOOKING and built-in modules: DOCUMENTS MANAGEMENT, LOGISTICS, COMMERCIAL, FINANCE SUPPORT, SYSTEM ADMINISTRATOR. The system is designed for small and medium-sized airlines and fully covers all aspects of managing and supporting the airline. YOM 2012 uses the latest technology mainly Mictosoft and Apple. Three platforms are available for users: PC, www and iPad/iPhone. The system is scalable and open, allowing integration with other systems existing in the airline. For data security, each client can use an online database replication. AircraftIT MRO editor and publisher, Ed Haskey, welcomed the new vendors to the panel, commenting, “In an increasingly integrated and digital working environment, MRO executives, whether in airlines or pure MRO businesses, need a resource through which they can keep up to speed with the latest developments. Through the vendors on our panel, we are able to offer readers just that capability. These further two vendors who have joined will continue to strengthen that panel adding significantly to the skills and knowledge resources available to readers.” Click here for full SOFTWARE details and for a demo
2MoRO Solutions welcomed Helinka to join the Aero One® community With this move, the helicopters operator becomes the third American company, within the six last months, to implement the successful duo: Aero One® combined with SAP® Business One. Already committed to apply the highest level of safety international standards and a focus on security, efficiency and quality of services to support its corporate vision and long-term strategy, Helinka was looking for an integrated system that would ensure Airworthiness, Maintenance, Planning and Inventory Management. 2MoRO Solutions, along with SYPSOFT, its reliable SAP® Gold Partner, is delighted that Helinka has chosen to implement its aviation vertical solution Aero One® that leans on the strong, sustainable and proven ERP : SAP® Business One. Indeed, 2MoRO is focused on fully addressing Helinka’s growing needs for integration and optimization of Airworthiness, MRO and Business information. The operator will soon have its helicopters, fleet data, maintenance activities, inventory information all integrated into a unique system. Helinka is determined to initiate operations with Aero One® and SAP® Business One as soon as possible; so the first implementation actions have already been launched and, in a very short time, Helinka will benefit from substantial improvements in its IT system. “We are very thrilled and proud to be part of Helinka’s IT system improvement! We are looking forward to demonstrate how our solution will immediately delivers financial and quality benefits as well as time saving to Helinka” said Laure Marcelin, in charge of the Business Development in Latin-America for 2MoRO.
JUNE-JULY 2013 | AIRCRAFT IT MRO | NEWS | 5 AeroxchangeAircraftIT0613.pdf 1 5/22/2013 3:32:52 PM
TNT Airways selects rusada’s envsions for its fleet and maintenance management
Click here for full SOFTWARE details and for a demo
Contact us at: sales@aeroxchange.com or call 1 (972) 556-8548
Rusada was pleased to announce in late April 2013 that TNT Airways has selected Envision suite to manage its aircraft fleet and maintenance requirements. In 2012, the senior management of TNT Airways identified the need for a modern and comprehensive computerized solution. This solution needed to provide for the efficient management of the activities of the fleet, replace older legacy systems and provide a greater level of visibility and efficiency for the organization. After short-listing a number of candidates, Rusada was selected as the preferred vendor, and invited to present Envision to the senior team at the company headquarters in Liege. The exercise used actual aircraft data and reproduced scenarios posed by the management team to ensure that Envision was fit for purpose. In parallel with this exercise, the TNT team undertook a reference site visit to speak with an existing customer and look at the Envision system in use. Having satisfied the TNT Airways team as to the functionality of the Envision system, the knowledge and experience of the Rusada team and that the system could address TNT Airways’ operational requirements TNT Airways executed a contract with Rusada. “Rusada’s keenness to work with our team and their flexibility to respond to our varying needs throughout the tender process were highly appreciated” said Bill Harrison TNT ICS Director of Global Networks. “When matched to the rich functionality of the system and the knowledge of the Rusada team, it was an easy decision to select Envision.” “We are very proud to add TNT Airways to our expanding numbers of Envision users throughout the world and greatly appreciate the manner in which we were able to demonstrate the benefits of the Envision system “said Julian Stourton CEO of Rusada. “TNT has a strong heritage in the cargo market and we look forward to implementing solutions for their aircraft operations.”
Having contacted several vendors the Air Seychelles team was impressed by the speed of response from Rusada that allowed the evaluation team to further understand the capabilities of Envision. A significant part of the requirement was the need for a rapid deployment of the system and Rusada were able to commit to the timeline and demonstrate prior ability to deliver on time and within budget from other projects. “We are very proud to add a national airline such as Air Seychelles to the family of Envision users around the world.“ said Julian Stourton CEO of Rusada. “The airline has great plans for the coming years and with partners such as ourselves and the experience of Etihad, we look forward to a successful partnership.”
Air Seychelles select Envision from Rusada for fleet and maintenance management
In other news Rusada announced in late May 2013 that Envision is going mobile with the introduction of an Android based mobile solution that can be deployed for maintenance users to allow them remote access to the application not only for the monitoring of maintenance activity but also for the entering of defects and parts requisitions, to name just two of the functions available. Continuous development will allow more functions to be added as the market demands.
Later, in early May, Rusada announced the selection of Envision by Air Seychelles. With the expansion of the airline and its route structure after the investment from and code sharing with Etihad and its partner airlines, the need for a modern and comprehensive fleet management solution was identified by the management team of the airline.
Envision rapid deployment, Beechcraft Atlanta FTY service center go live on schedule C
Also in early May, Rusada announced that site 2 has now gone live in Fulton County, Atlanta, USA. The installation, managed jointly by Rusada consultants and Beechcraft’s own project team went live exactly to schedule. With a well-defined process of delivery, testing, user training and data upload, there were no big surprises for the team in April. User familiarity is very high and significantly reduces the training requirements for staff since the system is so intuitive to use. Taking over the day-to-day maintenance transactions from the current system will free up resources from admin and enable a much faster and efficient throughput of work. KFTY is one of two sites in Atlanta and the second of six sites across the USA that will use Envision. The installation however is not six separate instances of the software but one single solution capable of performing as a true multi-site, multi-currency and multi-time zone single database application. Consistency of procedure, data and transactions across service centers is therefore assured. M
Y
CM
MY
CY
CMY
K
Envision is going mobile
The answer for managing all pooling agreements. Aeroxchange’s AeroComponent is a comprehensive application that combines functionality with flexibility for the ultimate solution in managing pooling agreements. With AeroComponent, you get • Full visibility to the entire transaction process from part request to serviceable replacement and return of unserviceable part • Tracking of actual performance levels against targeted service levels • Direct links to major freight forwarders for real-time shipment updates • Flexibility to work out of your backend system or use our simple browser interface
6 | NEWS | AIRCRAFT IT MRO | JUNE-JULY 2013 2moroAnnoncePresse1112.pdf
11/01/12
16:12:56
Click here for full SOFTWARE details and for a demo
Commsoft’s Oases selected by Aviation Consultancy RTTS Supplier of aviation engineering and maintenance systems, Commsoft, was delighted to announce in mid-April 2013 that its Open Aviation Strategic Engineering System (OASES) has been formally chosen by the UK-based aviation consultancy RTTS to support its work with airlines, leasing companies and CAMOs. Dealing extensively with ‘end of lease’ aircraft owned by both UK and US companies, RTTS already has experience of using OASES within Commsoft’s own hosted environment, loading data for two Boeing 767-300ERs converted from passenger to freight configuration. In addition, the company has been
C
M
J
CM
MJ
CJ
CMJ
N
involved in aircraft implementation tasks with other OASES users, including Jet2 and Airclaims. Designed to combine ease of use with a technical sophistication that allows for the full integration of all maintenance and engineering functions, OASES is structured in a modular format and RTTS will be using the Core, Airworthiness and Planning modules. Dave Pusey, Commsoft Project Director, commented; “We’re delighted that RTTS has chosen to take advantage of our new hosted environment. We see it as further evidence that there is a real opportunity for us in offering activity-based subscription deals to the aviation consultancy market.”
Mxi makes progress in Japan and with Maintenix v8 Mxi Technologies and Jalux Inc. sign partner agreement to meet growing demand for Maintenix in Japan
Mxi Technologies, supplier of aviation maintenance management software, announced at the end of May 2013 the signing of a partner agreement with Jalux Inc., Japan’s largest aerospace supplier. Under this new agreement, Jalux has been appointed as an authorized representative for the sale of the Maintenix®portfolio of solutions and services to address the growing demand in the Japanese market. This agreement will enable Mxi to better support its Japanese clients in-country and to bring its solutions to the broader market. “In our role as supplier and advisor to a number of Japan’s leading aviation organizations it is important that we partner with companies that offer the highest quality products and services,” says Yasushi Amada, General Manager, Aircraft, Parts & Materials Department, Jalux Inc. “In working with Mxi Technologies, we believe that we have found the right aviation maintenance solutions provider that we can recommend with total confidence to our customers.” “Our partnership with Jalux allows us to better address the current and future demand we’re seeing as we work with Japanese aviation firms through the selection and implementation of an advanced aviation maintenance solution,” says Dave Seibel, President and CEO, Mxi Technologies. “We’re proud to play a part in the evolution of aviation maintenance in a region where we’ve seen the rapid adoption of next-generation aircraft, forward-thinking business models, and an appetite for competitive, world-class offerings.” Mxi Technologies is currently working closely with Jalux on several active accounts in the region. Latest Maintenix v8 Release Delivers Enhanced User Experience, Information Insights to Drive Stronger MRO Performance In mid-June 2013, Mxi Technologies announced the latest release of its Maintenix v8 solution, designed specifically to support high yield maintenance activities that can transform an aviation organization’s MRO function into a profitable business. Anchored on Mxi’s Avinomic Predictive Control System (PCS), the latest offering in the Maintenix v8 stream offers enhanced functionality that can help organizations glean greater information insights from their MRO data and become more agile in the face of ever-changing aviation maintenance demands. Aviation organizations that can mine the valuable information insights stored within their data are ultimately better positioned to deliver on the promise of more standard, lean and predictable MRO practices.
JUNE-JULY 2013 | AIRCRAFT IT MRO | NEWS | 7
Boeing wins new customer for Toolbox and upgrades Twister software Boeing to provide maintenance efficiency tool to El Al Israel Airlines
Boeing and El Al Israel Airlines announced in mid-April 2013 the carrier’s purchase of Boeing’s Maintenance Performance Toolbox to increase maintenance efficiency on the airline’s Boeing fleet, including Next-Generation 737s, 747-400s, 767s and 777-200ERs. The announcement came during Aviation Week’s MRO Americas 2013 conference and exhibition in Atlanta. Boeing’s Maintenance Performance Toolbox will allow El Al to improve its airplane dispatch reliability through the use of e-enabled technologies that run on the Toolbox system. El Al has selected the Authoring, Library and Task modules. The Toolbox is accessed through the Boeing customer internet portal, MyBoeingFleet.com. “Using Toolbox will enhance our maintenance activities by providing better plans and information to our technicians,” said Shmuel Kuzi, vice president, Maintenance and Engineering, El Al Israel Airlines. “Safety, reliability and efficiency are key responsibilities in serving our customers.” The combination of the Authoring and Tasks modules allows El Al to customize manufacturer maintenance documents with airline-specific data, providing a database that is easy to navigate. The Tasks module supports the planning and management of specific maintenance jobs,
enabling the creation of a maintenance program that exactly matches the specific fleet requirements. The Library module allows the airline to store and access current, consolidated manufacturer and customer maintenance data. “This is a strong commitment by El Al to bring increased efficiency to its maintenance practices and provide the latest, most accurate information to its maintenance and engineering teams,” said Lynne Thompson, vice president, Customer Support for Boeing Commercial Aviation Services. “Toolbox has a strong track record of delivering this essential information faster and more reliably than current systems.” El Al also will be able to access some Toolbox capabilities remotely, where conditions may not allow the maintenance team to access the online Toolbox, by hosting Toolbox data on airline-provided infrastructure.
Boeing upgrades Twister software to take better advantage of Cloud Computing
Also in mid-April 2013, Boeing announced the release of an upgrade for its Twister Data Framework software, which helps customers make better decisions by analyzing large amounts of data. Customers using version 3.7.4 can quickly and reliably access and analyze data in the cloud or elsewhere from anywhere on their network.
“Finding decision-quality information in a massive amount of data is the ‘Big Data’ challenge that all of our customers face,” said Jonathan Moneymaker, Boeing director of the Intelligence Systems Group. “This latest Twister upgrade ensures that our customers continue to have an information advantage that incorporates the latest features of the rapidly evolving cloud environment.” Twister Data Framework’s new features include: • Support for variable workloads through elastic computing and loadbalancing to improve software performance in the cloud and across clustered file systems; • Extended open-source software support to make better use of thirdparty technologies for easier integration in the customer environment; • A reporting capability that alerts system administrators to performance bottlenecks by capturing node health events. More information about Twister Data Framework is available at twisterdataframework.com. Twister and other Boeing processing, exploitation and dissemination software products are one of the ways Boeing helps address customers’ situational awareness needs through a seamless flow of information, from collection to aggregation to analysis. The breadth of these capabilities can be experienced online at www.boeing.com/advertising/c4isr. 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
8 | NEWS | AIRCRAFT IT MRO | JUNE-JULY 2013
Icelandair MRO project: a flying success helped by Australian experts As a result of constant growth and diversification of its services, Icelandair Technical Services (ITS), the Maintenance Repairs Operations (MRO) provider for Icelandair Group, identified the need for a new comprehensive aircraft maintenance management software. A project of this size generated many challenges including: • The need to understand current processes and the people involved; • The need to clearly articulate system requirements and how the new software would be used; • The acceptance of the new software by the current workforce; • The training of the workforce to use the new software; • The creation of supporting material required after the software had gone live. ITS manager finance and resources, Viktor Vigfusson said because most areas of operation strongly interacted with the aircraft maintenance management software, the project was going to bring changes to the vast majority of procedures within ITS. “It was important to capture our procedures plus the undocumented knowledge and methods of individual employees, find ways for them to share their experience and create best practice standards. We also needed to use this information to produce standardized training documentation to better train and engage new and existing employees,” Vigfusson said. ITS researched tools that would help the organization capture and manage all its process, testing, training and standard operating procedures, communicate these across the business and facilitate the transition to the new aircraft maintenance management software. After assessing potential
partners to help with the task at hand, in early June 2013 ITS turned to Australian business management systems expert, Holocentric. Holocentric consulting services manager for the aerospace division, Walter Tran said Holocentric’s experience in the airlines industry facilitated the process. “We first met Viktor from ITS in Australia when he was here to visit our client Qantas Engineering who had embarked on a similar MRO project two years prior. Our experience in the domain and the possibility of reducing project costs by re-using content were real benefits for Icelandair. Viktor understood how our approach using our tools allowed him to tackle his challenges,” Tran said. “Although Icelandair’s challenges were generic to all large system implementation projects, what is specific about the airline and the MRO industries is the presence of a unionized workforce. They typically demand that changes be properly understood and documented so as to ensure the workforce transitions smoothly with the system implementation. The advantage of the Holocentric approach is that we specifically focus on the positions and roles that take part in the processes. This helped management understand and communicate the impacts the new system would have on the people involved. As a result, the changes were more easily accepted,” he added. After an initial trial, ITS started rolling out Holocentric’s business management systems in June 2012. ITS was able to capture all the organization’s data using Holocentric’s desktop-based modeling tool, Holocentric Modeler, and store it in Holocentric’s central repository, Modelpedia. This information was made easily accessible via Modelpedia’s web interface. The business management
systems allowed the company to produce the outputs needed for each stage of the project automatically, therefore streamlining the whole process. Vigfusson said that with strong support from Holocentric experts ITS was able to establish a framework that positively influenced its software implementation project, in addition to providing transparency throughout the process. “The presentation of the model was customized based on different roles within the organization, which made the process clear to everyone. Our team members found the Holocentric tools easy to use and it provided them with better overview and context when designing processes and detailed work instructions for the new software. A great time saver was the ability to reuse data stored in Holocentric Modeler across various processes, procedures and training material,” Vigfusson said. “We’ve also been using a feature of Modelpedia which enables employees to comment and communicate on processes. It greatly supports our efforts to engage our workforce in constant process improvements,” he added. By modelling the desired process, ITS was also able to generate training materials for staff and use the model in an ongoing way as the primary reference for the standard operating procedures. The implementation of Holocentric’s business management systems not only created tangible savings for ITS, but also left the organization with an asset to benefit from beyond the project timeframe. “All services provided by Holocentric, including training, consultancy and modeling support, have been of very high standard and testimony of expertise, dedication and professionalism.” Vigfusson concluded.
InfoTrust Group and Flatirons Solution join forces
Global Organization Accelerates Pace in Making a Difference to Turn Content into Knowledge and Deliver the Right Information, at the Right Time, to the Right People InfoTrust Group, provider of information management solutions, announced at the beginning of June 2013 that it has acquired Flatirons Solutions, recognized experts in consulting and systems integration for content-intensive and regulatory-driven industries. This acquisition is another milestone in InfoTrust Group’s strategic pursuit to challenge the status quo and provide independent and innovative solutions that meet business-critical information management requirements. InfoTrust Group introduced the first manufacturer-independent, aviation-centric technical information delivery system based on a number of open technology and industry standards. Today, the combination of InfoTrust Group and Flatirons Solutions creates an unparalleled team of domain and technology experts, and an enlarged portfolio of solutions, that will help organizations across industries solve increasingly complex information management challenges more effectively and achieve higher returns on investment. InfoTrust Group and Flatirons Solutions serve many Fortune 100 companies that are leaders in their respective markets, including the world’s largest engine and power systems manufacturer, the largest airlines, the largest component manufacturer, leading providers of auto repair information and services, leading media and publishing companies, global communications and consumer goods companies, and both Government agencies and Armed Forces. To further accelerate the growth of the combined organization, InfoTrust Group and Flatirons will continue to expand their strong ecosystem of partners that includes organizations such as EMC, SDL, Alfresco, MarkLogic, and others that continuously deliver new technologies to support evolving market requirements. “With this significant step, Flatirons Solutions is also looking to expand its solutions to customers in Europe and Asia as we leverage InfoTrust Group’s established operations,” said Greg Beserra, co-founder and president of Content Technology at Flatirons Solutions. “In fact, we are looking to attract and hire up to 40 experts, in just the second half of 2013 alone, to sustain the strong demand for our services and solutions.” Gary Fuller, president of Government Solutions at Flatirons Solutions, added; “Joining forces with InfoTrust Group now affords us a new and exciting opportunity to provide today’s most advanced content technology solutions to further benefit our Government and Armed Forces clients.” “Beyond the natural synergies between our companies and our complementary offerings, we are very excited to see that we also share a common vision and culture,” said Geoffrey Godet, president and CEO of InfoTrust Group. “Together, 400 information management and technology experts and consultants are fulfilling our company’s vision to make a difference and help our customers turn content into knowledge, and deliver the right information at the right time to the right people.”
JUNE-JULY 2013 | AIRCRAFT IT MRO | NEWS | 9
PSI enjoys a year of growth and wins contract from EURO-COMPOSITES GROUP
Click here for full SOFTWARE details and for a demo
PSI 2012 with Strong Growth in Production and Infrastructure Segment
180mm Trim
business units to be combined and at the same time to reduce costs. In the future the new platform will also be employed more so than to date in the Energy The PSI Group had sales of 180.9 million Euros and Infrastructure business. In 2012, license sales as (2011: 169.5 million Euros) in financial year 2012, an a measure of the product character of the business increase of 7%. The EBIT increased by 21% to 12.9 increased by 23 % to 17.4 million Euros (2011: 14.2 million Euros (2011: 10.7 million Euros). The group net million Euros), maintenance sales increased by 15 % result increased by 27 % to 9.4 million Euros (2011: to 40.6 million Euros (2011: 35.3 million Euros). 7.4 million Euros), the earnings per share increased to The cash flow from operating activities decreased 0.60 euro (2011: 0.47 euro). The new orders were, at to 0.8 million Euros (2011: 15.4 million Euros) as a 188 million Euros, 8 % above the previous year (2011: result of the pre-financing of projects in the Far East, 174 million Euros), the order book volume at the end liquidity at the end of the year was, at 33.3 million of the year increased to 118 million Euros (2011: 112 Euros, slightly below the value for the previous year million Euros). (31 December 2011: 33.8 million Euros), still sufficient Energy Management was primarily carried by the for the financing of organic growth and targeted gas and oil business in 2012, while in the field of takeovers. The Management Board will propose a 20% electrical energy the demand backlog continues as higher dividend of 0.30 Euro to the Annual General a result of the German energy transition. Due to the Meeting. fact that this cannot be completely compensated PSI will concentrate in the coming years to an even for by the export business, the sales in this segment greater extent on software products for efficient decreased by just about 10 % to 62.3 million Euros material and energy streams. With the shortage (2011: 68.9 million Euros). The electrical energy of resources and increasing fluctuation of energy business invested in the improvement of the product generation these solutions and therefore leading character of its solutions and developed many new software providers such as PSI will continue to gain unique selling points for the management of the in value. For 2013 PSI is aiming for 200 million Euros fluctuation of renewable energies. Encumbered by in new orders, a growth in sales to 190 million Euros these expenses, the EBIT dropped to 3.2 million Euros and an increase of the EBIT to 14 to 17 million Euros. (2011: 4.0 million Euros). With a strong beginning of 18 % more new orders In Production Management, PSI increased sales in compared to the previous year in the first two 2012 by 14% to 89.4 million Euros (2011: 78.6 million months of the new financial year, PSI has already Euros). The EBIT increased by 20 % to 6.6 million Euros established a very solid basis for achieving this goal. (2011: 5.5 million Euros). The largest contribution to PSIPENTA AWARDED CONTRACT BY EUROthe EBIT came from the metals and raw materials extraction business, followed by production planning, COMPOSITES GROUP In mid-April 2013, PSI subsidiary PSIPENTA Software logistics and optimization. Following upon the Systems GmbH was contracted by the EUROsuccessful entry into the Chinese market in the COMPOSITES Group, a specialist for the production previous year, the raw materials extraction business of complex composites, with the implementation won a strategically important major contract from of the ERP and MES standard PSIpenta. Along with one of the largest Chinese coal mining companies. the classical ERP core PSIpenta, the company will With 29.2 million Euros, Infrastructure Management implement the MES module control center, shop floor obtained a 32% increase in sales in 2012 (2011: data acquisition and personnel time recording as well 22.1 million Euros). The EBIT increased by 39 % to as a solution for mobile data collection. With the new 4.3 million Euros (2011: 3.1 million Euros). All of the software solution, EURO-COMPOSITES will optimize its segment’s business units improved their result; the production planning and control. strongest growth in new orders was shown by PSI PSIPENTA, on the basis of the distinct specialization Poland. of its software solutions for production processes In 2012, PSI had expenditures totalling 17.9 million and its strong references in the aerospace industry Euros for research and development (2011: 16.2 and mechanical engineering, asserted itself in the million Euros). The new group-wide development selection process against very strong competition. platform increasingly allows the strengths of all the
For better health, it pays to see a specialist. Boeing Airplane Health Management (AHM) provides comprehensive monitoring and analysis of airplane performance to ensure efficient maintenance operations. Utilizing advanced analytics, AHM software anticipates and detects component failure, immediately alerting Maintenance, Operations and executive functions and recommending fact-based solutions. The result is a healthy fleet that spends less time on the ground and more time in the air. AHM, designed for the digital airline.
www.boeing.com/boeingedge/informationservices
10 | NEWS | AIRCRAFT IT MRO | JUNE-JULY 2013
Click here for full SOFTWARE details and for a demo
The only supplier of 2 MRO ‘best of breed’ plus CMS software
www.aerosoftsys.com Offering DigiPLAN, DigiREPORTS and AeroBUY– common Logistics, Analytics and B2B tools for DigiMAINT and WebPMI MRO systems. Our DigiDOC CMS is agnostic of MRO with proven integration with any competitors’ system, in addition to our own. iSPEC2200, S1000D, DITA, SPEC2000, SPEC2300
FLYdocs signs deal with ILFC to provide e-Records services for its fleet of nearly 1,000 aircraft ILFC Targets Paperless Aircraft Records For Future Transfers
FLYdocs is at the cutting edge of the industry and our revolutionary plans will ensure that we continue Mid-April 2013 saw the announcement that to excite and offer airlines and lessors great value, FLYdocs has won a contract to provide electronic technical excellence, personal service and major aircraft records management services for financial benefits through game changing products International Lease Finance Corporation (ILFC), a and services. ILFC’s decision to work with FLYdocs wholly owned subsidiary of American International demonstrates how progressive ILFC continues to be Group, Inc. and the world’s largest independent as an organization, and the company will quickly see lessor. The world-renowned, U.S. based aircraft a substantial benefit as this project unfolds.” lessor, which has an portfolio of nearly 1,000 “ILFC conducted extensive research to support aircraft, has selected FLYdocs’ advanced aviation our vision of reducing the inefficiencies related software solutions to revolutionize its asset records to managing paper records during the transfer management processes, transform aircraft reprocess. We found that FLYdocs, with its advanced delivery procedures, and deliver a more efficient and administrative tools, offers a dynamic and paperless office working environment. environmentally friendly solution for airlines, lessors Under the deal, FLYdocs will also provide specialist and other third parties,” noted ILFC Senior Vice technical services across the globe to support ILFC’s President, Technical, Richard Poutier. “ILFC is leading leasing programs. Furthermore, ILFC will be deploying the industry towards managing and transitioning FLYdocs’ ground-breaking software capabilities to aircraft records in an electronic format, which will perform paperless aircraft transfers, thereby leading ultimately be done remotely and in an integrated and driving the creation of standards for maintaining manner, from anywhere in the world. This will aircraft records across the commercial aviation sector. significantly reduce costs for the industry related to FLYdocs Managing Director Adrian Ryan commented, global aircraft transactions. “ “ILFC’s decision to select FLYdocs confirms the world FLYdocs is a software solution exclusively designed class credentials of our product and service and for the commercial aviation sector. It is assisting a we are absolutely delighted to be able to serve growing number of airlines and lessors to manage and support ILFC going forward. FLYdocs has been their aircraft records day-to-day and to re-deliver operating in the commercial aviation environment for aircraft at the end of lease terms through its software, four years and has successfully delivered real change supported by robust aircraft document management that immediately brings massive financial benefits processes and high quality electronic imaging. to our clients as well as completing numerous FLYdocs also provides specialists technical services aircraft lease transfers in a fully paperless way. from its UK, USA, India, China and Philippines offices.
ADSOFTWARE celebrates 15 years of success
French international aviation software firm, ADSOFTWARE, announced in mid-May 2013 that they have recently celebrated their 15th anniversary of operations; a milestone made possible by continuing to provide quality state-of-the-art software solutions and services within the aviation industry. Holding patents on specialized solutions like AIRPACK and DAILYPACK, ADSOFTWARE continues to revolutionize the aviation industry with innovations that push the operators forward, just as they did 15 years ago. Founded by Fred Ulrich in 1998 and already considered by the French government as an Innovative Company at the time, ADSOFTWARE has created a great business model by investing in client support and relying on a network of recognized ground-breaking experts. With more than 350 aircraft managed worldwide, ADSOFTWARE has achieved an average annual growth rate of 26%. ADSOFTWARE’s birthday celebration coincides with a record-breaking 50 clients signed worldwide and a 5th participation in the most prestigious aerospace trade fair in the world, the Paris Le Bourget Air Show. In June this year, the management of ADSOFTWARE together with long-time partner Regio Lease (consulting and technical provider for the aviation industry) will be welcoming the industry’s key players to its own booth number D124 Hall 4. Laurent Le Minh Loc, CEO of Regio Lease, commenting on the ADSOFTWARE/Regio Lease partnership confirmed; “We have been working with ADSOFTWARE since we commenced business in 2005. Both our companies have grown into successful organizations benefiting from each other. Our partnership keeps on getting stronger and we are looking forward to some more exciting years together.”
JUNE-JULY 2013 | AIRCRAFT IT MRO | NEWS | 11
Hexaware grows business in Mexico and Dallas Hexaware Expands Delivery Center at Mexico
In mid-March 2013: Hexaware Technologies Limited, a provider of IT, BPO and consulting services announced the inauguration of its third Global Delivery Center (GDC) in Saltillo, Mexico. The inauguration was hosted by Hexaware executives; R V Ramanan, Executive Director & President, Global Delivery, and Amberin Memon, Chief People Officer: local Saltillo government officials and members of the media were invited. This expansion in the facilities will allow Hexaware to hire 85 IT engineers in the coming months to add to the current employee strength of 300 at the existing Software Development centers. The new Development center will focus on providing IT services for clients in business segments such as Quality Assurance & Testing (QATS), Business Intelligence and Analytics (BI/BA), Remote Infrastructure Management Services (IMS) and domain-based offerings in Banking & Financial Services Vertical. Currently, the Global Delivery centers in Mexico serve over 30 customers and deliver over 100 active projects. The company has extensive experience in managing large IT applications in real time as well as in providing high value services around packaged enterprise applications such as SAP and PeopleSoft and Business Intelligence and Analytics. Hexaware’s experience in the Quality Assurance as well as in Business Process Outsourcing arena fully complements and strengthens its service spectrum and allows it to operate as an enterprise-class solution delivery company. Hexaware’s solutions aim to provide high value by optimizing cost of ownership of technology investments for its customers. “The opening of the new development center is in response to the growth Hexaware is experiencing in the IT market and this will help us to further strengthen Hexaware’s presence and add value to more customers from this region,” said P R Chandrasekar, CEO & Vice Chairman, Hexaware Technologies Limited. “Hexaware’s rich human capital coupled with its expertise in these focus business segments promises to deliver innovative solutions that benefit both new and existing customers.” Having been operational for 10 years now, these delivery centers in Saltillo, Mexico provide software development, application maintenance and remote infrastructure management capabilities with a state-of-theart infrastructure to execute large projects and manage key clients. A case in point is the HP Software Lab which was the first of its kind to showcase the potential of an HP suite of software solutions catering to business needs in Performance Validation, Application Security, Quality Assurance, and Business Service Management space. The new addition to its global delivery centers addresses the needs of its U.S.-based customers from the same time-zone location and at the same time helps to make further inroads into the rapidly growing Latin American IT market. Besides the centers in Mexico, Hexaware also has a presence in Brazil and Global Delivery Centers in Mumbai, Chennai, Pune, Nagpur and Bengaluru in India and in the United States of America.
Hexaware Opens Global Delivery Center in Dallas
Hexaware Technologies Limited, announced the opening of its latest Global Delivery Center (GDC) at Frisco, near Dallas in the state of Texas, USA in late May 2013. It is a significant milestone in the growth journey of the Company. The new onshore delivery center is situated in a prime location and in close proximity to several key clients. The state of the art infrastructure enables the Company to undertake critical IT projects, thereby adding value to existing and new customers alike. The new Dallas Global Delivery Center will allow Hexaware to add 150 engineers to its team of global IT consultants, commencing with a first phase of 50 personnel, sourced from the rich local talent pool of recent graduates and experienced engineers. Hexaware will also commence recruitment from the engineering schools next year. The hiring of experienced professionals will continue on an on-going basis from the local markets. “After the first two onshore GDCs in the state of New Jersey, the firm has now established a center in the state of Texas. As we continue implementing our strategy, we will set up more GDCs in other cities establishing a wide network of centers in the US,” remarked Atul Nishar, Chairman, Hexaware Technologies Limited. “These initiatives enable us to serve our clients better, recruit best in class local talent, drive above-industry revenue growth consistently while maintaining desired profitability metrics.” Hexaware has set up this onshore delivery center with two anchor clients already in place. While the center will offer services across all its major service offerings, Hexaware has commenced with key clients in the focus business verticals of Banking and Financial Services domain. The Banking and Financial Services vertical is one of fastest growing verticals for Hexaware as it registered 28% annual growth in revenue during 2012. This business domain is expected to continue on its healthy revenue growth path & stay well ahead of the company growth rate in 2013 as well. “Dallas is recognized as one of the fastest growing hubs for the high tech industry, providing us with access to a great talent pool to add to our global human capital,” said P R Chandrasekar, CEO & Vice Chairman, Hexaware Technologies Limited. “With the new center in place, we would continue investing in implementing Learning & Development programs under the aegis of Hexavarsity, focus on institutionalizing the Quality processes here and ensure seamless delivery across our network of GDCs. These steps would invariably strengthen our ability to add value to our North America based customers by addressing their business needs better.” The Texas center joins the two New Jersey centers to service North America based customers. In addition, Hexaware has Global Delivery Centers located in Mumbai, Chennai, Pune, Nagpur and Bengaluru in India and three Nearshore Delivery Centers at Saltillo in Mexico.
Bringing mobility and Bag Data Business intelligence to parts and service support Service techs get mobility — Execs gain insight into aftermarket business operations.
In early May 2013, Enigma introduced InService® EPC Version 5.5, an electronic parts catalog with tablet compatibility and dashboard reporting and billed as the most advanced electronic parts catalog software on the market. Tablet compatibility expands the capabilities of service staff with an application expressly designed for mobility. It provides full functionality with touch screen navigation and the convenience of tablet. It is HTML5 and CSS3 compliant making it device and browser independent — service technicians can use whatever device they want, wherever online connection is available. It also features built-in streaming pdf, so users can view, search with highlight, and display parts and service information without an outside pdf viewer as well as drawings of all formats. Dashboard Reporting is a newly created executive management tool for Enigma InService EPC customers. It captures data trends of their service and parts business and visually represents it in an easyto-read chart format by highlighting pre-defined key performance indicators (KPIs). “The Dashboard is an extremely important management tool,” says Jonathan Yaron, CEO of Enigma. “For the first time it uncovers user buying habits of spare parts as well as trends in the service and support of complex equipment. It is a real game changer for OEMs looking to improve customer/dealer support and increase aftermarket parts revenue.” Dashboard Reporting brings Big Data business intelligence to our electronic parts catalog software. It gives management the tools to evaluate and optimize aftermarket service and parts processes — those recurring activities that drive the most profitable part of the business. It is a real-time, data-driven competitive advantage that helps OEM executives capture more of the aftermarket parts market.
12 | NEWS | AIRCRAFT IT MRO | JUNE-JULY 2013
Awards and US success mark further progress for Swiss AviationSoftware
Click here for full SOFTWARE details and for a demo
Swiss AviationSoftware voted ‘Best IT Software Provider’ 2013
Maintenance & Engineering, Operations and Analytics
• • • •
Airlines MROs Defense operators State-owned operators • Aircraft manufacturers • Engineering companies
CommutAir to be 1st passenger carrier in the United States using AMOS June 2013
Later on, in early June 2013, Swiss-AS, in cooperation with Lufthansa Systems, announced the latest success for the AMOS branch office in the US: CommutAir has recently decided in favour of AMOS and will be the 1st AMOS customer in the States offering passenger air transportation. “CommutAir is a strategic customer for us to further strengthen our position in the United States. We are convinced that the implementation of AMOS will provide CommutAir with a competitive edge by introducing industry proven processes and practices,” says Ronald Schaeuffele, CEO of Swiss-AS. Joel T. Raymond, Executive VP at CommutAir states, “After thoroughly evaluating numerous MRO IT software platforms it became evident to us AMOS offered our complex maintenance operations the “total” package in terms of technology, support and value. We look forward to deploying AMOS in the coming months which we believe will result in cost and process efficiencies across this key unit of the company.” After a long and meticulous selection process Commutair decided that AMOS was the most complete as well as the most user friendly MRO IT solution available. The regional carrier will be migrating from an in-house developed system to AMOS with a planned seven-month implementation project. The project kick-off has already taken place at CommutAir’s operations center in Ohio which laid the foundations for a very lean implementation without any customer-specific software modifications.
SKILLED, FLEXIBLE AERONAUTICS STAFF COMMITTED TO OUR CUSTOMERS MORE THAN
80 customers
Web-based training provides users with system overview of manage/m®
Worldwide
Telephone: +33 (0) 5 62 74 75 00 Email: commercial@ifrskeyes.com
A new web-based training (WBT) is now available for all Lufthansa Technik customers who use the Technical Operations WebSuite manage/m®. The training provides users with a general system overview, presenting the core functions and interrelations of the different manage/m® modules and applications. The WBT is intended to create a better understanding of the links between the individual modules and the functions they perform.
ifrskeyes.com IFR Skeyes 0213.indd 1
Swiss-AS is pleased to announce being awarded ‘Best IT Software Provider 2013’ by Aircraft Technology Engineering and Maintenance (ATE&M). Ronald Schaeuffele, CEO of Swiss-AS, accepted the award in April 2013 during the ceremony in the prestigious Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre in London, UK. More than 300 delegates from the aviation industry attended the event. “Being awarded ‘Best IT Software Provider’ is a great honor for Swiss AviationSoftware – especially in view of the tough competition. We would like to take this opportunity to thank our customers and all additional supporters. This prize is not only an important sign with regard to external recognition in the MRO IT market but also internally as a token of esteem for our employees,” states Ronald Schaeuffele. After the initial industry-wide voting process, four dozen of the world’s leading companies were shortlisted in 12 categories out of 1,000 nominations worldwide. In the final voting round the ATE&M readers and aerospace professionals voted the winners for 2013 for each category. The fact that the categories are mixed and every voter had to select their favorite from each category makes the award especially meaningful since it represents not only one part but the aviation sector in total.
04/02/2013 18:35
JUNE-JULY 2013 | AIRCRAFT IT MRO | NEWS | 13
A successful RUM ’13 with CAB and ‘go live’ at GoAir marks progress at Ramco Ramco reaffirms focus on Customer Centricity
From best practices to hands-on experience, technology trends to operational excellence, Ramco Systems’ three day user meet for its Global Aviation Customers, RUM ‘13 (Ramco User Meet), turned out to be a great success. The three day user meet kick started on the 3rd of April 2013, at The Meritage Resort, Napa Valley, California, USA where the first day took off with a grand reception dinner at the Castello Di Amorosa. On the second day Mr. P. R. Venketrama Raja, Vice Chairman & Managing Director, Ramco Systems, and Mr. Virender Aggarwal, CEO, Ramco Systems kick-started the event by presenting the product roadmap, and the company’s focus on building Mobility, Usability, Social, In-Memory and Context-aware features in the software. This was followed by Ramco customers Columbia Helicopters, Petroleum Helicopters and Ornge sharing their experience and success stories using Ramco’s solution. Ramco also unveiled WorkSpaces. Ramco’s focus on ‘Gamification’ kindled user’s interest and was well received. The day
ended with the formation of Customer Advisory Board’ (CAB), which saw representatives from Airline, Heli-operator and MRO segments engage in a panel discussion that set the charter for CAB. The first-of-its-kind Customer Advisory Board was welcomed by the users as a step towards democratization of the product development process. The third day was a forum for partners, OEMs and customers to share their insights on the industry and the trends they witness. Republic Airways Holdings (RAH) shared a case study on how it manages multicompany financial operations and consolidation using Ramco’s solution. The event focused on combining networking with power-packed sessions that got the audience to unwind and share experience with one another. Commenting on the meet, Mr. P. R. Venketrama Raja, Vice Chairman & Managing Director, Ramco Systems said, “It is exhilarating to meet users and understand how they have benefited from our solution. RUM ‘13 was a great platform for both users and us to network and have a healthy exchange of ideas and draw up the product roadmap for the year ahead.”
GoAir continues to fly smart with Ramco Aviation Suite
Go Airlines (GoAir), a leading provider of low fare services in the growing Indian aviation market, announced at the beginning of May 2013 that it has successfully gone live in record time on Ramco’s Aviation Maintenance & Engineering (M&E) suite of software for its 15 stromg fleet across 21 base stations. Key Benefits reaped by GoAir… • Digitalized maintenance of records – mandated by DGCA (Directorate
General of Civil Aviation) to be available by 1st of April, 2013; • Integration with ARMS, resulting in automatic maintenance of journey logs thus enabling better planning of aircraft; • No need for manual computation for flying hours, next due dates for components and equipment; • Integration with SAP, GL/AP automatically transferred to SAP from Ramco with all relevant information for payment processing and financial transactions; • Traceability, tracking and visibility of parts/components, etc. fitted to aircraft, available in stores and with other outside vendors, across locations. The go-live marked Ramco’s web-based Series 5 M&E software and Ramco ePublications™ seamless integration with GoAir’s existing Flight Operations ARMS system and SAP Financials. Integration with ARMS has helped GoAir create journey logs automatically whereby users get to know of flight schedules in advance, thus enabling better aircraft planning. Ramco’s integration with SAP financials has helped in the smooth flow of transactions between the two systems. Speaking on the go-live, Mr. Giorgio De Roni, Chief Executive Officer, GoAir, said, “We are happy to announce the successful go-live of Ramco Aviation Suite at GoAir. We embarked on adopting Ramco’s web-based M&E software to help us meet regulatory requirements, efficiently monitor the fleet, have better inventory control and bring about cost-effectiveness. Within 200 days of project kick-start, both teams at Ramco and GoAir have ensured a smooth go-live and also ensured seamless integration with the existing system. This is a truly remarkable achievement and we look forward to fully leveraging the power of the system as we grow further.” Click here for full SOFTWARE details and for a demo
14 | NEWS | AIRCRAFT IT MRO | JUNE-JULY 2013
Click here for full SOFTWARE details and for a demo
EasyFly Colombia selects ALKYM (by Volartec) At the end of May 2013 Volartec welcomes EasyFly as the first operator based in Colombia. It takes the number of Latin American countries where Alkym has been implemented to ten. EasyFly has signed contracts to implement ALKYM® aircraft maintenance control and management software. Announcing the news, Manuel Roche, VP Business development LATAM of Volartec stated, “With Alkym once more proving to be the software of choice for yet another mid-sized growing operator it is great for our global Brand in our proven market sector. For EasyFly Alkym will enhance their processes during the implementation period. Of course they benefit from our experience implementing such projects where we are very efficient. In this case the project time for EasyFly is just six Weeks.” EasyFly will undertake the implementation Project beginning in July 2013 when they will get underway with the 10 concurrent user licenses of 10 modules. This is the selection made for the EasyFly operation. With Alkym, the scaling of the system is very simply arranged to suit the size and scope of the organization. “EasyFly researched most of the maintenance control systems on the market and decided to bring the Alkym system on board. We feel that the Alkym system has all the necessary facilities and ability to meet the requirements in our daily maintenance operations. It will also assist us to meet our commitment to Quality and Excellence”. Said Julio de La Hoz, Maintenance Director at EasyFly.
Amerijet International opts for WebPMI from AeroSoft Systems In early April 2013, AeroSoft Systems Inc. was pleased to announce that Amerijet International Airlines has opted to upgrade its MRO solution to WebPMI to support the operation of its fleet of Boeing cargo aircraft. The new web-browser system will run on a MS Server / SQL 2008 R2 platform.
Who’s in the news: Vendors 2MoRO Solutions
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.
ADSoftware
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.
AeroSoft
AeroSoft was founded in 1997 to develop systems for maintenance and engineering applications for commercial aviation. The firm’s current active customers’ cumulative fleet of 1000 aircraft has been managed using AeroSoft solutions from four to 23 years.
the Boeing Edge
Boeing offers a comprehensive portfolio of commercial aviation services, collectively known as the Boeing Edge, bringing maximum value and efficiency to customers’ fleets and operations to give customers a competitive advantage.
Boeing Defense, Space & Security
Boeing Defense, Space & Security is one of the world’s largest defense, space and security businesses specializing in innovative and capabilities-driven customer solutions. It is also the world’s largest and most versatile manufacturer of military aircraft.
Commsoft and OASES
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 day-to-day help desk maintenance support and update release services.
Enigma
Enigma products provide aircraft maintenance engineers and technicians, in a single application, all of the technical support information needed for efficient, effective service and maintenance plus reduces the time to find the service and parts information they need.
JUNE-JULY 2013 | AIRCRAFT IT MRO | NEWS | 15
Who’s in the news: Airlines, Operators, OEMs and MROs Flatirons Solutions
Flatirons Solutions is a system integrator specializing in full life cycle strategic consulting, systems and software engineering, digital asset management, dynamic publishing, and enterprise architecture solutions for commercial and government clients.
FLYdocs
FLYdocs is a privately owned organization headquartered in Tamworth, Staffordshire, UK. It is a supplier of specialist aviation technical services including business consultancy and software solutions.
Hexaware
Hexaware focuses on delivering business results and leveraging technology solutions by specializing in Business Intelligence & Analytics, Enterprise Applications, Quality Assurance and Testing, Remote Infrastructure Management Services and Legacy Modernization.
Holocentric
Holocentric provides business management systems that help organizations capture, understand, change and optimize every detail of their business The aerospace team focuses on providing tailored business management systems, technical services and support.
InfoTrust group
InfoTrust Group delivers solutions to hundreds of companies, in the aerospace, defense, manufacturing, automotive, high-tech, publishing and health care industries for their information processing, conversion, authoring, content and change management, publishing and distribution objectives.
Lufthansa Technik
PSI AG
PSI AG develops and integrates complete solutions for energy management (electricity, gas, oil, heat), production management (metals, automotive, mechanical engineering, mining, logistics) and infrastructure management for transport and safety. PSI was founded in 1969 and employs 1,500 people worldwide.
Ramco Systems
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.
Regio Lease
Set up in 2005, Regio Lease has grown into a successful aviation consultancy firm with a global presence, developing solutions for airlines, MRO’s and aircraft leasing companies on a wide range of projects.
RTTS
With over 44 years’ experience in the industry, RTTS Ltd is an independent aviation consultancy based in Cheshire, UK. Its clients include airlines, aviation leasing companies and CAMOs.
Rusada
Rusada was established in 1987 as a UK-based aviation software provider and consultancy to the aviation industry, and system integrator. Today the company is headquartered in Switzerland, with operations in the Middle East, Asia, Europe and the Americas. The flagship product is Envision.
Swiss AviationSoftware and AMOS
Lufthansa Technik is a manufacturer-independent provider of maintenance, repair, overhaul and modification services for civil aircraft. The six business units of Lufthansa Technik (Maintenance, Overhaul, Component Services, Engine Services, VIP Services and Landing Gear Services) serve about 750 customers worldwide.
Swiss-AS boasts more than 100 customers worldwide, including pure operators, low-cost, 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
Volartec
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.
Volartec specializes in the development and implementation of software systems for the aviation industry. With more than 10 years aviation industry experience and with a team of IT and aviation experts, Volartec offers a combination of professionalism and experience.
Amerijet International
As a worldwide carrier with a leading presence in its primary service regions of Latin America and the Caribbean, Amerijet International is poised for continued global growth.
CommutAir
CommutAir operates as a flying partner for United Express from United Airline’s hubs utilizing a fleet of modern Bombardier Q200 and Q300 turboprop aircraft with service to more than 25 cities in the Midwestern and Northeastern United States.
EasyFly
EasyFly S.A. is a low-cost carrier operating in Colombia. Its main base is El Dorado International Airport, Bogotá from where it serves 16 destinations. Originally started in 2007 EasyFly has grown its fleet to 12 BAe Jetstream 41 and it has three.
EURO-COMPOSITES
The EURO-COMPOSITES Group is a producer of complex composites for various industries. EURO-COMPOSITES produces, amongst other things, galleys, wing sections, various composite components, crew rest compartments and engine cowls.
Helinka
Helinka offers special flight services such as commercial charter, passenger transportation, as well as cargo transport, mainly for energy, mining and construction and is committed to the highest level of safety with a focuses on security, efficiency and quality of service.
Icelandair Technical Services
Icelandair Technical Services (ITS) is the MRO (maintenance, repair and operations), technical services, design services and component services provider for Icelandair Group. Technical support is also provided for customers around the world.
ILFC
International Lease Finance Corporation (ILFC) has approximately 1,000 owned and managed aircraft and commitments to purchase 244 new high-demand, fuelefficient aircraft and rights to purchase an additional 50 A320neo family.
Jalux Inc.
JALUX provides aircraft materials and parts for aircraft and aero engines, systems for maintenance, as a total solution provider in all value chains while meeting the customers’ needs for cost reduction and greater efficiency.
GoAir
Go Airlines (India) Ltd. operates its services under the brand GoAir, a low-fare carrier offering airline seats at marginal premium to train fares across India. The airline currently operates across 21 destinations over 100 daily flights and approximately 707 weekly flights.
Hawker Beechcraft Services (HBS)
Hawker Beechcraft Services (HBS) consistently ranks as one of the best avionics facilities in the country by the ProPilot PRASE survey. The award-winning, FAA-certified service center provides a full continuum of capabilities for Hawker and Beechcraft products.
TNT Airways
TNT Airways is a wholly owned subsidiary of TNT Express. Its main activity is to provide a safe, reliable and cost effective air freight network with daily connections to all TNT Express locations throughout the world and specifically in Europe with a fleet of 37 cargo aircraft.
16 | WHITE PAPER: INFOTRUST | AIRCRAFT IT MRO | JUNE-JULY 2013
First flown in 1969, the Boeing 747 marked a huge leap in aviation.
I
This four-part series explains how new document specifications, content consumption expectations, mobile technology, and other trends in civil aviation information management have developed an industry stepchange aimed at building efficiencies in the management of technical information throughout its lifecycle, from OEMs and their suppliers to airlines and MROs, challenging the current way things are done.
A fresh look at information JD Sillion, VP Products and Solutions at InfoTrust Group reviews trends defining what it takes to remain competitive in the Civil Aviation Industry.
f a commercial airliner soaring across the skies makes a captivating impression, that aircraft’s complexity is, to an even greater degree, daunting. A quick look at the Boeing 747 aircraft family, one of the world’s most impressive aircraft if not the most complex by today’s standards, is revealing. The 747 family, examples of which first flew commercially in 1970, includes models each comprising more than six million parts. They each also have 171 miles (274 km) of wiring and five miles (8 km) of tubing; they consist of 147,000 pounds (66,150 kg) of high-strength aluminum, with 16 main landing gear tires and two nose landing gear tires. The height of a 747 aircraft is 63 feet 8 inches (19.4 m), equivalent to a six-story building. Seventy-five thousand engineering drawings were used to produce the first 747, and 971 lights, gauges and switches were used in the first 747 models. The aircraft has a ‘flexible’ cabin interior that allows airlines to rearrange seats and class configuration overnight (in eight hours), and it supports 48-hour conversion times for changes in galley and lavatory locations. Since its inaugural flight, the 747 family has logged more than 42 billion nautical miles (77.8 billion kilometers), equivalent to 101,500 trips from the Earth to the moon and back. 747s have flown 3.5 billion people, the equivalent of more than half of the world’s population.1
In order to operate a fleet of aircraft safely and in a timely manner, airlines are required to maintain volumes of technical documentation to assist technicians in performing both standard and non-routine tasks. This includes aircraft maintenance manuals (AMMs), aircraft recovery manuals (ARMs), component maintenance manuals (CMMs), fault manuals and troubleshooting manuals (FRM/FIM/TSMs), flight crew operations manuals (FCOMs), maintenance planning documents (MPDs), master minimum equipment lists (MMELs), structural repair manuals (SRMs), system description sections (SDSs), weight and balance manuals (WBMs), wiring diagram manuals (WDMs), illustrated part catalogs (IPCs), and more. In fact, it has been said that if all of the technical information required to operate and maintain an aircraft were printed, it would fill an entire 747 in cargo configuration. According to Boeing, in 1998 they “distributed enough maintenance documents to create a stack of paper more than 24 miles (38 km) high and a stack of microfilm cartridges more than 14 miles (22 km) high.”2 And rightfully so: when you have equipment as complex as aircraft, accurate and up-to-date technical content is an absolute necessity. There is no safe way to maintain aircraft without appropriate documentation.
Technical information: holding it all together
You don’t have to look far to understand the importance of technical information in commercial aviation. Airline operators must adhere to stringent regulations for technical information related to the operation and maintenance of aircraft. These requirements are mandated by aviation regulatory authorities such as the United States Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), the European Union European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), and similar bodies in other countries.
Building, operating, and maintaining such a complex and heavily utilized fleet of aircraft for almost a half century is no small feat. And while half of the world’s population has concerned themselves with the comfort, convenience, and on-time departures and arrivals of each flight, passengers are largely unaware of the silent army of technical professionals working around the clock to execute each flight flawlessly.
The quality of information counts
JUNE-JULY 2013 | AIRCRAFT IT MRO | WHITE PAPER: INFOTRUST | 17
In order to operate commercially, operators must meet FAA and EASA technical information certification requirements. Operators also must show compliance with airworthiness directives (ADs), “legally enforceable rules issued by the FAA in accordance with 14 CFR part 39 to correct an unsafe condition in an [aircraft] product.” 3 and issued by EASA on behalf of the European Community, its member states and the European third party countries that participate in the activities of EASA.4 First and foremost, these regulations help ensure the safe operation of aircraft and, because of their importance to public safety, airlines make it their number one priority to comply with them. Failure to comply with federally mandated technical information can result in the grounding of aircraft (the EASA states that “the continuing airworthiness of an aircraft shall be ensured by accomplishing any applicable ADs. Consequently, no person may operate an aircraft to which an AD applies.”5) or the imposition of stiff fines — both of which result in financial consequences that no airline can afford to risk.
The need for effective technical information management
The immense amount of information required for operating and maintaining not just a single aircraft but an airline’s entire fleet — all while keeping in
“…while half of the world’s population has concerned themselves with the comfort, convenience, and on-time departures and arrivals of each flight, passengers are largely unaware of the silent army of technical professionals working around the clock to execute each flight…” compliance — is staggering. Perhaps more importantly, in order for operators to demonstrate accordance with regulations, and for technicians to be able to find all of the required information across related material from multiple manuals in order to perform tasks accurately, airlines need a way to organize and manage all of their technical information as well as a methodology for technicians to access it across their aircraft models. Compound this with technicians working 24 hours a day, seven days a week in multiple locations worldwide who must be able to access the latest published revisions at the same time, and multiple users at a single location who must have access to their own copies of the information, and the need for effective technical information management becomes clear. Airlines simply cannot and do not rely on volumes of hard bound manuals to operate and maintain aircraft
working around the clock, year in and year out. By taking a brief look at the players involved in creating, managing, and distributing technical information for the aviation industry as well as technical information standards for civil aviation and other trends in information consumption and management, we can see how the industry is transitioning away from paper based approaches to modern digital information models.
The players in technical information for Civil Aviation
The almost overwhelming volume and complexity of technical information supporting the aircraft industry can be viewed from the angle of the OEM and operator players who create and use technical information as well as the information standards developed over several decades to facilitate the exchange of information across
the ecosystem for aerospace technical information. The originators of technical information are Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) and their suppliers. This includes major airframe manufacturers like Boeing, Airbus, Embraer and others, engine manufacturers such as General Electric, Pratt & Whitney, and Rolls-Royce, and the hundreds of suppliers that specialize in the systems and components that make up an aircraft. Each supplier and OEM must provide technical information related to the systems or components they deliver, rolling up to the manuals that the primary airframe manufacturers provide to their airline customers. Airlines and their technicians, in turn, are the consumers of technical information, as are the maintenance, repair, and overhaul providers (MROs) that play a role in servicing aircraft. OEMs and their suppliers require a way to exchange information efficiently with their parent partners, and airlines while MRO consumers of the technical information need an effective way to receive and access (and, in the case of airlines, customize) technical information. Whether a supplier is a small company specializing in a discrete component or a leading engine manufacture, and whether the airline operator is a small, regional carrier or a large airline operating worldwide, each is connected through the technical information ecosystem that accompanies an aircraft throughout its lifetime. Click here for full SOFTWARE details and for a demo
GO MOBILE! Use Smart Content to Get the Greatest Benefit from Your iPad® Deployment
Deliver Information to Pilots and Technicians at the Point of Performance on iOS® and Android™ Devices Optimize Tablet Devices to Help Technicians Return Aircraft to Service Quicker than Ever Before
Making a Difference Together www.infotrustgroup.com +1.949.474.4200
18 | WHITE PAPER: INFOTRUST | AIRCRAFT IT MRO | JUNE-JULY 2013
A brief history of information standards
Various information standards have been put in place during the past couple of decades to facilitate the flow of information between OEMs, their supply chains, airlines, and MROs. The first standard was ATA100 (ATA: Air Transport Association), introduced in 1956 as a paper- and microfilm-based standard for aircraft system numbering. A digital data appendix was added to ATA100 in the early 1990s to support early digital data. The first real specification to support technical digital data was ATA iSpec 2100. It was introduced in the mid-1990s, at about the same time Airbus and Boeing introduced their technical information management systems and Jouve Data Management, the precursor to InfoTrust Group, introduced its AirGTI system and related Task Manager for managing maintenance manuals and task cards. For the past decade, manufacturers and airlines have based their maintenance and engineering manuals on ATA iSpec 2200. This specification was developed by the Air Transport Association (ATA) as a global aviation industry standard for the content, structure, and electronic exchange of aircraft engineering and maintenance information.6 The specification was introduced largely to address the massive volumes of paper required to produce multiple manuals and publications that accompany every aircraft. ATA iSpec 2200 reduced dependence on paper by providing a common way to enable the electronic use of maintenance and engineering information for the aerospace industry. The next step-change in technical information standards is S1000D, which is recognized today as the new information exchange standard for civil aviation. Originally developed for military aircraft by the AeroSpace and Defence Industries Association of Europe (ASD), S1000D is an international specification for the production of technical publications currently jointly produced by the ASD, the Aerospace Industries Association of America (AIA), and the ATA e-Business Program.7 Airline, OEM, MRO, and vendor members of these organizations have provided key input to the development of S1000D and earlier aerospace standards. S1000D is an exchange standard based on reusable content components, called data modules, and a common source data base (CSDB) in which all of the data modules for technical publications are stored and managed. The S1000D standard allows for output of information in either a page-oriented or Interactive Electronic Technical Publication (IETP) that is consistent, regardless of the IT platform used. S1000D data modules also can be used many times in output to speed up the delivery of consistent information. As a reflection of the break from a paper-centric world to a more flexible digital world demanded by content consumers looking for easy access to Web-
2. Hosting and Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) models. As companies seek to cut costs and as Cloud-based applications continue to be adopted for enterprise purposes, hosted SaaS models are becoming available to both OEMs and airlines for their technical information management requirements. OEMs, airlines, and MROs can meet their technical information management needs by using SaaS-based systems rather than incurring capital expenses for in-house systems that also require more IT support and on-going maintenance requirements and costs.
The Airbus A350 XWB and Rolls Royce Trent XWB engines
© 2013, Airbus
“…Boeing and Airbus have identified S1000D as the information exchange standard for their new-generation aircraft programs, the Boeing 787 Dreamliner and the Airbus A350.” based information, Boeing and Airbus have identified S1000D as the information exchange standard for their new-generation aircraft programs, the Boeing 787 Dreamliner and the Airbus A350. Both manufacturers require their primary OEMs and suppliers as well as airline customers to be able to create, manage, deliver, and access technical information in S1000D. These organizations’ ability to respond will impact their ability to compete in the civil aviation industry of the 21st century.
Other trends in technical information consumption and management for Civil Aviation
Along with requirements to support more flexible information models based on the S1000D standard are trends and opportunities in information consumption and management that OEMs, airlines, and MROs can tap into in order to improve the way they manage their technical information requirements, most notably: 1. Mobility & tablet devices — information delivery at the point of task performance. Delivering the right information in ways most convenient to users, including on tablet devices. Yesterday’s monolithic,
PDF-based manuals that require maintenance technicians, pilots, and other users of technical information to dig through them in order to find specific information, no longer meet expectations of today’s information consumers for searchable, webbased information. All participants in the technical information ecosystem must be able to provide search-optimized content delivered in digital chunks according to the user’s task at hand. Moreover, the introduction of iOS, Android, and other tablet devices provides a straight path for delivering information to technicians — as well as flight crews — at the point of performance, under the wing or on the flight deck itself rather than in a hangar or other computer-based setting. Access to technical information at a technician’s fingertips translates into fewer trips to a computer station and quicker turnaround of aircraft to active service. When used for flight operations, tablets can help airlines eliminate bulky volumes of paper, offer an unprecedented level of convenience to pilots, and can facilitate regulatory compliance through tracking of pilot acknowledgment of information updates along with real-time reporting capabilities.
3. Technical publications outsourcing. Moving passengers from one point to another safely and on time is the core business of commercial airlines. Technical information management is not. The experience and attention to detail required to maintain accurate, up-to-date, regulatory-compliant information adds pressure to organizations whose expertise is either in designing and producing specialized components and systems for aircraft or in operating the aircraft themselves. OEMs, airlines, and others in the commercial aviation ecosystem can call on vendors that provide full-service technical publications outsourcing services to alleviate the pressures of managing it in house. For airlines, often this means using services offered by airframe manufacturers. But this option cedes control over airlines’ customized technical information to the manufacturers, which dilutes their competitive edge, and also puts airlines in long queues for update cycles. By working with manufacturer-independent vendors that offer technical publication outsourcing services, airlines, OEMs, and MROs can leverage the expertise and experience required to maintain up-to-date, regulatory-compliant information while keeping control over their information and relieving the pressure of a required but not core function. 4. Support for multiple specifications and versions. One key to participating in the 787, A350, or other programs that require S1000D data is the ability to create and make accessible native S1000D content while supporting concurrent requirements for standards such as iSpec 2200. Today’s best of breed XML editing tools — such as TechSight/X Editor (Serna XML Editor) — provide user-friendly interfaces that make structured XML authoring in multiple specifications a straight forward process, with modular menu and toolbar options being dynamically added or removed from the user interface based on the content type being authored. On the content management side, many CSDBs can natively support multiple S1000D issues, or manage the transformation of source iSpec 2200 content to S1000D as part of the content import process. When
JUNE-JULY 2013 | AIRCRAFT IT MRO | WHITE PAPER: INFOTRUST | 19
“…technical information ecosystem must find costeffective ways to operate in dual ATA iSpec 2200 and S1000D systems, while not slowing down the thousands of technicians who are not concerned by standards but instead are focused on the timeliness and accuracy of information…” Looking ahead
delivered to users, data can be presented in S1000D or ATA iSpec 2200, PDF and HTML publishing options to provide the required level of flexibility needed to support a wide array of spec-defined programs and contractual commitments from within a single publishing environment. 5. Process automation and optimization. Beyond traditional content creation and delivery tools are value-added business process management tools that organizations can use to standardize processes and ensure best practices where effective change management is critical. Because airlines are required to document their technical information decision making process, business process management tools can help with the monitoring and management of the information change workflow. Business process management tools also provide the ability to identify steps within a business process that cause delays or otherwise have a negative impact on project cycle times. They also can provide visibility into handling of ad-hoc change requests from internal stakeholders and external regulators in order to keep them on track.
Technical information requirements for civil aviation in the 21st century are not abating. Rather, with the emergence of the 787 Dreamliner — the first e-enabled aircraft that interfaces directly to technical data — and the A350 that are driving S1000D requirements, technical information is becoming more complex. Participants across the technical information ecosystem must find cost-effective ways to operate in dual ATA iSpec 2200 and S1000D systems, while not slowing down the thousands of technicians who are not concerned by standards but instead are focused on the timeliness and accuracy of information itself. Organizations that take advantage of mobile technology or hosted systems, that adopt best practices in digital information management, or that outsource part or all of their technical information requirements are likely to remain active players — even pull ahead as market leaders — in a highly competitive industry. Join us for part two in the series, in the next issue of Aircraft IT MRO, to learn more about the evolution of information exchange standards in civil aviation, including more about the impact of S1000D and what it means for OEMs, suppliers, airlines, and MROs. n Footnotes 1, http://www.boeing.com/boeing/commercial/747family/pf/pf_facts.page 2, http://www.boeing.com/news/releases/1999/news_release_990407b.html 3, http://www.faa.gov/aircraft/air_cert/continued_operation/ad/ 4, https://www.easa.europa.eu/certification/airworthiness-directives.php 5, Ibid. 6, Airlines for America, www.airlines.org 7, http://public.s1000d.org/Pages/Home.aspx
Airlines wishing to learn more about supporting both ATA iSpec 2200 and S1000D requirements are invited to download the free white paper “Taming the Complexities of a Multi-spec Content Ecosystem: How Airlines Can Control Costs and Speed the Delivery of High-quality Information” at http://www.infotrustgroup.com/WhitePapers/MSCE/.
InfoTrust Group
InfoTrust Group (www.infotrustgroup.com) provides information management solutions and services for global organizations and Fortune 500 companies in the aerospace, defense, high-tech, and other industries. For more than 25 years, InfoTrust Group has helped operators, OEMs, and MROs meet their technical information management requirements for maintenance, engineering, and flight operations. The company’s TechSight/X® suite of products is in production at many of the largest airlines around the world, and both OEMs and carriers rely on InfoTrust Group services to increase the efficiency of authoring, managing, and processing their data to keep it timely, accurate, and industry-compliant.
JD Sillion
Vice President of Products and Solutions, InfoTrust Group
As Vice President of Products and Solutions, InfoTrust Group, JD Sillion has held senior leadership roles in professional services, program management, and product management and served as a consultant/ change agent for numerous high-growth technology companies. Among his responsibilities, Sillion ensures that InfoTrust Group’s solutions are responsive to the current and evolving needs of its customers. In addition to solution lifecycle management, Sillion’s areas of expertise include investment strategy, service delivery, customer management, sales support, and marketing.
INTERACTIVE
ASK THE AUTHOR A QUESTION
CLICK HERE to leave YOUR QUESTION
INTERACTIVE
JOIN THE DEBATE
CLICK HERE to leave your feedback about this article and start or join a discussion
20 | WHITE PAPER: PSIPENTA | AIRCRAFT IT MRO | JUNE-JULY 2013
© E.I.S. Aircraft
Cabin components produced by E.I.S. Aircraft
“…it delivers an extensive array of integrated MRO solutions for airframes, engines and components, along with engineering services, technical management, and training. The business carries out over 1,000 checks and modifications each year.” Technics optimizes entire SR planning and implementation in the hangars
© SR Technics
Use your intelligence As Ulrike Fuchs, Press and Marketing Officer at PSIPENTA Software Systems GmbH. explains, the right software can make a competitive difference
On-wing inspection
Maximum Transparency The SR Technics Group is a leading global technical solutions provider for airlines. Backed by 80 years of operational experience, it delivers an extensive array of integrated MRO solutions for airframes, engines and components, along with engineering services, technical management, and training. The business carries out over 1,000 checks and modifications each year. As part of a strong and growing international MRO network, SR Technics builds long-term partnerships with a diversified global customer base that includes flagship and low-cost carriers, aircraft leasing companies, and original equipment manufacturers (OEMs). They specialize in providing technical services and solutions for Airbus and Boeing aircraft, as well as PW4000 and CFM56 engines. Headquartered at Zurich Airport in Switzerland, SR Technics has operations in Cork, London, Madrid, Malta and Palma. An extensive network of field
JUNE-JULY 2013 | AIRCRAFT IT MRO | WHITE PAPER: PSIPENTA | 21
Click here for full SOFTWARE details and for a demo
PSIPENTA Software for Perfection in Aerospace
Mobile Processes
© E.I.S. Aircraft
Sequencing
Order Management Warehouse Management Spare Parts Management Adaptive Planning Project Management Skill Management
Component modifications
stations both within and beyond Europe provides full line maintenance services for their customers’ dayto-day flight operations. In addition to a sales office in Zurich, they also have sales offices in Abu Dhabi, Fort Lauderdale/Florida, Hong Kong, Mumbai and Shanghai. In January 2010, SR Technics commissioned the Berlin Software Provider PSIPENTA to introduce comprehensive planning software that would optimize the entire maintenance planning and implementation process in the hangars at their Zurich and Malta sites. In conjunction with SAP, the solution provides all of the planning functions for capacity and materials. After twelve months, all of the modules in Zurich had gone online, including order management, finite
MRO
capacity scheduling, slot planning, resource allocation and mobile feedback involving three different end terminals. Today, all data relevant to planning are stored centrally and visible to everyone involved in the process. In June 2011 the first aircraft, an Airbus A340, to be completely maintained with the new software was released. Half a year later, in February 2012, SR Technics delivered the first VIP aircraft right on schedule to a customer from the Middle East. With a standard configuration for scheduled operations, the aircraft features modern cabin outfitting and purpose-built design details. In this respect too, the software provided all planning and implementation functions.
“…in February 2012, SR Technics delivered the first VIP aircraft right on schedule to a customer from the Middle East. With a standard configuration for scheduled operations, the aircraft features modern cabin outfitting and purpose-built design details. In this respect too, the software provided all planning and implementation functions.”
Data Collection
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.
PSIPENTA Software Systems GmbH Dircksenstrasse 42-44 • 10178 Berlin – Germany sales@psipenta.com • www.psipenta.com
22 | WHITE PAPER: PSIPENTA | AIRCRAFT IT MRO | JUNE-JULY 2013
custom solutions including aircraft retrofitting, component modifications, cabin conversions and component maintenance; it also produces partitioning systems such as partition walls and curtains, and manufactures all kinds of transportation containers and additional equipment as well as oxygen systems. From craftsman’s workshop to series producer Over the past 50 years the former craftsman’s workshop has developed into a fully-fledged manufacturing organisation and is now progressively equipping itself for industrial series production. The requirements on the company’s IT support infrastructure for managing the organization’s rapid expansion and production processes are thus increasing accordingly. At the same time many customers are attaching greater importance to integrated, transparent enterprise processes as a basic requirement for placing an order with a supplier. What is more, the use of software solutions that handle the prevalent industry-specific processes also plays an important role from the point of view of the customer. At the beginning of 2011 the decision was made to replace the ERP system. After various phases, the consultants and the ERP project team at E.I.S. eventually filtered out three systems from different suppliers that short-listed the requirements to a high degree.
© E.I.S. Aircraft
E.I.S. Aircraft saves an enormous amount of time
On the threshold of series production Throughout the world E.I.S. Aircraft has made a name for itself in engineering, cabin component manufacturing and the provision of services for the civil and military aviation industries. The company’s origins can be traced back to 1953 when Alfons Pützer AG, as the business was then called, was a glider designer and manufacturer. The company, which has been operating under the name of E.I.S. Aircraft GmbH since 1994, has been growing continuously since then and now counts over 200 employees at eleven sites.
Custom solutions for the aviation industry As a manufacturing and maintenance operation, E.I.S. is subject to regular, strict quality controls by the national and international aviation authorities as well as auditing by customer companies. E.I.S. holds numerous certifications, including, for instance, recognition by the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) as a design and production organization in accordance with EASA Part 21. Among its customers are aircraft manufacturers, airlines and other suppliers, including notable companies such as Airbus, Lufthansa, KLM, the TUI Group and Recaro Aircraft Seating. At its Dahlem site in Germany’s Eifel region, the company implements
“Over the past 50 years the former craftsman’s workshop has developed into a fullyfledged manufacturing organisation and is now progressively equipping itself for industrial series production.”
A single system for integrated manufacturing processes “We were looking for a solution that enabled us to stay close to the standard but that at the same time was sufficiently flexible for later modifications and that would keep pace with our future growth,” said Mark Farny who, in his position as quality manager at E.I.S., was tasked with managing the ERP project, explained two core requirements on the ERP system. In the end the choice fell on Berlin-based PSIPENTA Software Systems GmbH, a supplier of ERP software and manufacturing execution solutions (MES). “[Our selected software vendor] was awarded the contract for three reasons.” said Mark Farny, outlining the considerations in the selection process. “Firstly, the system met all the requirements with regard to its provision of the standard functions and offered an integrated production data acquisition and staff work time logging system that we had not originally planned for but which in the end we introduced immediately. And so the manufacturing process that is so essential to us could be universally integrated into a single system. Secondly, its references from notable enterprises in the industry, such as SR Technics, Groth Luftfahrt und Systemtechnik and Schempp-Hirth Flugzeugbau, convinced us, as did the integrated product data management system supplied by its partner Contact, a firm that can likewise provide references from the aviation industry. And thirdly, it simply felt right on a personal level too.”
“We are already saving 15 per cent in process costs. Since having done away with manual tasks and the familiar ‘paper chaos’ in material supply processes we are saving an enormous amount of time. And, at the same, time the risks of errors occurring have been minimized.” Software implementation in eight weeks In the first project phase, the standard ‘Psipenta ERP’ system, the MES components (production data acquisition and staff work time logging) as well as the document archiving system were introduced. This enabled all processes to be integrated – from purchasing to dispatch – and permitted planning processes to be interfaced with implementation processes. Furthermore, the software supports automated capacity planning, a very important feature for handling the large number of smaller projects. It enables the company, for instance, to state transparent and reliable delivery dates. At the same time, thanks to the software’s focus on production, the system is able to support orders with very high unit numbers. Where previously Excel lists had to be created manually and databases only supported individual areas of the organization, the company is now utilizing a centralized system. This approach also brings with it the benefit that each department and employee receives the appropriate data access permissions based on their specific roles. Nowadays the staff and management are performing their tasks using a shared database. Also, thanks to the multi-site structure of the software, it is already preconfigured to permit integration of additional parts of the enterprise in the system, if needed. The tight schedule for implementing the system seemed to many to be almost unfeasible. The plan was in place for the system to go live just eight weeks after project commencement on 3rd September 2012. The motivated, ambitious team of users and personnel from the IT department and software provider did an outstanding job adapting the preconfigured standard system. “We went live on time and are very pleased with things as they stand now,” confirms André Kasper, data processing and purchasing manager at E.I.S.
JUNE-JULY 2013 | AIRCRAFT IT MRO | WHITE PAPER | 23
Aircraft IT MRO eJournal: Subscribe for FREE MRO inside a plane Reliable service thanks to the project team and hotline The manager is also one of the key users of the new system in the company. André Kasper not only confirms the company’s satisfaction with the user side but also makes special mention of the software provider’s quality of service: “I am really delighted with the level of professionalism of both the [software vendor’s] project team and the Berlin hotline. We always receive a very prompt reply from all contacts enabling us to solve our problem. Particularly when you still have such bad experiences in the back of your mind, as we do, and you introduce a software solution very quickly, you will, of course, frequently have questions. So you cannot overstate the importance of having access to reliable support that does not talk IT [jargon].” Reduction in costs of 15 per cent The extension of the document archiving system to all areas of the company by Psipenta’s partner Intex Informations-Systeme GmbH as well as the introduction of integrated functions for project management and product data management is planned for the second stage. In the long term, E.I.S. wants to use the entire system to develop and collect key company data. But even after this brief period in operation, it is already possible to make very sound statements about the effects. “We are already saving 15 per cent in process costs. Since having done away with manual tasks and the familiar ‘paper chaos’ in material supply processes we are saving an enormous amount of time. And, at the same, time the risks of errors occurring have been minimized. Our customers therefore receive professionally processed orders. And let us not forget: the amount of IT effort involved equates to only 20 per cent of the work. That is an aspect that was very important to us. We did not want to get bogged down in administration but
© SR Technics
keep producing; something that we have successfully achieved. Our customers also really appreciate this move and are therefore placing their trust in us in the future as well. And that is what matters to us most,” explains André Kasper. n
Ulrike Fuchs
PR Consultant and Marketing Officer for PSIPENTA
Ulrike Fuchs is PR Consultant and Marketing Officer for PSIPENTA. She completed the state Examination in German and English at Humboldt-University in Berlin, in 2007. After having worked as a teacher for German as a foreign language at Lethbridge University in Alberta, Canada for a year, she started, first, as marketing officer at PSIPENTA in October 2008. She then completed an additional training as press consultant.
Two simple ways to guarantee you receive all future editions of Aircraft IT MRO 1. Fill in our online subscription form – it only takes a few moments. By filling in the subscription form you will also receive alerts regarding the latest live MRO Software Demonstration Webinars and you can also take part in all the interactive features at the Aircraft IT website. 2. Download the free Aircraft IT App – Search ‘Aircraft IT’ in the App store or click here for full information.
INTERACTIVE
ASK THE AUTHOR A QUESTION
CLICK HERE to leave YOUR QUESTION
INTERACTIVE
JOIN THE DEBATE
CLICK HERE to leave your feedback about this article and start or join a discussion
www.aircraftIT.com
24 | WEBINARS | AIRCRAFT IT MRO | JUNE-JULY 2013
Upcoming Live Software Demonstration Webinars at www.aircraftit.com/MRO/Webinars.aspx this July and August This July and August will bring further 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 managing MRO with software and the power of role-based WorkSpaces, Mobility and more or about better ways to leverage MRO data for accurate decision-making, 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 this two informative webinar. 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.
Ramco MRO Software Demonstration Webinar
Hexaware HMro Suite – managing MRO data made easy
n Session 1: 18th July 2013 – 06:30 GMT/UTC n Session 2: 18th July 2013 – 15:30 GMT/UTC n Duration: 1 hour plus Q&A.
n Session 1: 1st August 2013 – 06:30 GMT/UTC n Session 2: 1st August 2013 – 15:30 GMT/UTC n Duration: 1 hour plus Q&A.
Sign Up to attend this Webinar and join Ramco for an excellent MRO Software Demonstration.
Join Hexaware Technologies for this MRO Data Analytics masterclass and software demonstration.
n DESCRIPTION Ramco unleashes the power of role-based WorkSpaces, Mobility and a host of other powerful features on a LIVE webinar tailor made for Airlines, Heli-Operators and MROs. With competition perpetually intensifying within the aviation industry, the need for technology to inject frugality, efficiency and productivity into operations and maintenance has become a ‘uno primo’ for all Airlines, Heli-Operators and MROs. But choosing the right technology partner for M&E/MRO needs is probably the most crucial first step in achieving set goals. Three critical questions to evaluate the right Aviation IT partner are: • What is the breadth and depth, the IT solution offers? • Is the solution an end-to-end integrator of entire MRO operations and business management? • Who in the industry are currently benefiting from the solution? With more than 2500+ aircraft and helicopters powered by Ramco globally, Ramco Aviation Suite is the solution of choice for some of the biggest names in the industry – Eurocopter, Emirates, Hevilift, FLTechnics, Air India and Caribbean Airways to name a few. Through robust customer-need research, Ramco has built several key features around the needs of the customer. Embedded with some out-of-the-box visualizations and real world functionality, Ramco’s Aviation Suite has raised the user experience to a whole new level.
n AGENDA Introduction to Ramco Systems…Ramco Aviation Suite V5.6 demonstration and highlights: • Offline Field Maintenance (OFMS) – Case study; • WorkSpaces; • Mobility; • Time & Attendance capabilities – Case Study; • Advance reporting capabilities;
n Q&A SESSION 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.
INTERACTIVE
JOIN THE WEBINAR
CLICK HERE to VIEW FULL DETAILS AND SIGN UP FOR THIS FREE WEBINAR
n DESCRIPTION Looking for better ways to leverage MRO data for accurate decision-making? Is your organisation facing challenges in assimilating data from multiple sources? Ever worried about data migration from Legacy to current system? Hexaware’s webinar provides insights on how to leverage meaningful business analytics from disparate data sources through key metrics and performance indicators, migrating to a new system successfully, and tips to organise your data to use it better. Our In-house MRO Practice and BI Innovation Lab, together provide key takeaways on Data Migration Accelerators, Data Warehouse building blocks and MRO Analytics Framework, which can ensure that your organisation leverages the best out of available MRO Data. Sign up to attend this webinar for a as live MRO Analytics Software Demo and Master Class Webinar on managing your data hosted by Hexaware. The Webinar will show you a demonstration of Hexaware’s MRO Analytics Pack, a web-based modular suite designed for business reporting, and planning on key maintenance objectives for airlines and MROs, Key accelerators and tools for migration to new systems and much more.
INTERACTIVE
JOIN THE WEBINAR
CLICK HERE to VIEW FULL DETAILS AND SIGN UP FOR THIS FREE WEBINAR
Vendor Job Card
JUNE-JULY 2013 | AIRCRAFT IT MRO | VENDOR JOB CARD | 25
The thinking and approach that have made Airline Control Software (ACS) such a success Jacek Łyczba, President & CEO at Airline Control Software
the IT business Jacek has 18 years of experience in the IT market, having entered at the tics Cyberne in ing graduat and started to produce IT software after O of CEO&CF and founder Military University of Technology in Warsaw. He was a the both knows YESAIRWAYS airline, then AM&CEO of OLT Express Poland. Jacek a combination IT and aviation markets very well and the ACS System results from with a people and himself both of of knowledge and experience on the parts l technica and nal strong background in aviation as postholders from operatio departments.
spare time, Privately Jacek holds a pilot’s license and, in his rare moments of uses it just for enjoyment.
Aircraft IT: Your name, your job title and the name of the business? Jacek Łyczba:, Jacek Łyczba President & CEO, Airline Control Software, LTD. (ACS) Aircraft IT: Why did ACS get started? JŁ: With customized aviation software solutions using the most up-to-date IT features, with faster program execution and affordable prices. Our solutions should be helpful to exercise efficient management and cut the costs of an airline. Aircraft IT: What is the attraction of aircraft operations related Software & Hardware? JŁ: The main idea that drives ACS is to support the activity of an airline by using automation and partialautomation of processes but with the final decision to always be made by a human. ACS uses the latest skills and IT features to improve information and task, flow between all departures in an airline. Aircraft IT: What is the guiding business principle that drives ACS? JŁ: To create better, cheaper and faster software for aviation. The system can be further extended according to special customer wishes and preferences.
“The main idea that drives ACS is to support the activity of an airline by using automation and partial-automation of processes but with the final decision to always be made by a human” The biggest advantage is that the ACS system supports an airline in all aspects of cost control and reducing those costs. Aircraft IT: What have been ACS’s disappointments and what have you learned from them? JŁ: We know aviation from the ground up; so probably nothing can surprise us. Aviation is specific and exacting but we are ready for it and
keep on updating our product in line with current developments. Aircraft IT: In a sentence, how would you summarize what ACS does for aircraft operations customers? JŁ: Versatility and the multi-dimensional quality of our system allow exact adjustments to meet specific airline needs.
“…system functionalities to include mobile devices (iPad/iPhone) by using the latest technologies. We are dealing with future solutions.”
Aircraft IT: What is new on ACS’s development horizon? JŁ: The maximum extending of system functionalities to include mobile devices (iPad/iPhone) by using the latest technologies. We are dealing with future solutions; the sky is the only limit for us. Aircraft IT: What will be the next big thing in Operations software and hardware? JŁ: In future we plan to establish closer cooperation with aircraft manufacturers on ways to improve our system. We are also in the middle of work on a Fueling module which will be useful to help airlines in the reduction of cost in one of the areas of operation that cause most concern – fuel supply. Aircraft IT: What do you want your customers to say about ACS? JŁ: That we create the system they were waiting for. Aircraft IT: Jacek Łyczba, thank you for your time.
26 | CASE STUDY: 4UADE | AIRCRAFT IT MRO | JUNE-JULY 2013
T
oday’s MRO business, operating in a global market, is becoming increasingly complicated. Companies have to maintain not only high quality at a low price but also have to be flexible and provide fast turnaround times. To be able to match these requirements of the global market, MRO companies have to make sure that they will not waste time and resources while providing high satisfaction rates during maintenance checks for their airline clients. HAITEC Aircraft Maintenance GmbH (HAITEC) is an EASA Part 145 approved company located in Germany. The main activity of the business is in fuselage, line and heavy maintenance checks for large aircraft, such as Boeing B747, B767, B757, B737 and Airbus A330, A320. 4U Aircraft Design and Engineering GmbH (4UADE), is a German EASA Part 21J approved company which provides services to all areas of aviation including Technical Consultancy and Aerospace Design. HAITEC had set themselves the objective to implement a new MRO software solution for their needs but within a short time period and with as little impact on daily operations as they could manage. In the end, the whole process between selection, implementation, training and final go-live was completed within five months. So how was that achieved? The first step, at the beginning of such a project, is to define the customer requirements for an MRO Software solution. The second step is the pre selection process and live demonstration of the Software providers whose solutions best match the potential customer’s needs. Then, after the live demonstration and contract signing, the process of implementation starts.
Requirements definition
No need to delay The fast implementation of a new MRO software solution can, explains Mutlu Uzun, Managing Director, 4U Aircraft Design and Engineering GmbH, make the change-over more effective from the outset.
From several software providers considered, HAITEC selected ‘Wings’ from Applied Database Technology’s (ADT) as their preferred MRO software solution. Wings MRO software is a comprehensive, advanced maintenance and engineering software system for airlines and MRO’s. It is specifically designed and developed to manage aviation maintenance, repair and overhaul operations. The system effectively provides solutions to all aviation maintenance business requirements. As a result of on-site software vendor demonstrations, Wings satisfied the functional requirements of HAITEC with modules addressing issues and functions such as: • Production and Planning; • Engineering / CAMO; • Purchasing; • Quality; • Stores; • Accounting; • Human Resources.
JUNE-JULY 2013 | AIRCRAFT IT MRO | CASE STUDY: 4UADE | 27
“HAITEC had set themselves the objective to implement a new MRO software solution for their needs but within a short time period and with as minor an impact on daily operations as they could manage.” HAITEC had also created some internal requirements such as: • There should be a contact person close by or in Germany; • Technical Support should be available close by or in Germany; • That other EASA PART 145 Companies could be used as reference; • A favorable price/performance ratio; • That it would be possible to start implementation very soon.
Project plan for fast implementation
A software implementation core team drawn from ADT and HAITEC coordinated a project plan which is shown in Figure 1. It shows the tracking chart and the related milestones for a fast implementation of the Wings software. As mentioned above, from the selection until go-live,
the whole implementation of Wings was achieved in only five months. During the implementation period, the ADT and HAITEC project teams worked together in accordance with the project tracking chart to complete the following project tasks. HAITEC employees were trained, either on the job or additionally on request or based on the needs of individual user groups; certain forms and reports were customized based on user requirements; data migration was completed, etc. For the training process, Wings software installed on a test server is used. Many factors have contributed to the fast implementation of the Wings software, such as adhering to the project plan by both software vendor and HAITEC employees, minimizing the software customization, not repeating the training sessions if not needed, etc. Overall, the fast process created both disadvantages and advantages for HAITEC and its operation.
Figure 1 – Tracking Chart – Milestones Click here for full SOFTWARE details and for a demo
28 | CASE STUDY: 4UADE | AIRCRAFT IT MRO | JUNE-JULY 2013
Pros and cons of fast software implementation… first the cons
The fast implementation had some side effects which are to be considered as cons of fast implementation. Employee resistance during initial weeks of fast implementation Due to the fact that employees had to continue to work on their normal activities and to learn the new Wings system at the same time, the fast implementation caused employee resistance during the initial weeks. It is very important to have on-site consultancy that is available full-time in order to minimize employee resistance. With more ‘on the job’ training and consulting, the HAITEC employees were able to go through the learning curve period without too much pain as far as their use of Wings was concerned. Employees had to be re-trained for advanced topics Because of the mass of information that needed to be covered in a short period of time, during the fast implementation, initial training was not very detailed and did not take employees into the more advanced subjects. Therefore employees had to be trained with the go-live and directly after. This again caused minor disturbances to the daily business process. Increased number of user errors The fast implementation led to increased user error rates during the initial phase. This happened because, in the beginning, employees were not familiar with the system. Following a short period of time after the initial confusion, users were able to utilize the system with minimum errors arising because the selected software has a user-friendly interface.
… then the pros of fast software implementation The fast implementation provided more benefits to the company which outweighed the cons above.
Early go live Fast implementation results in an early go-live date for commencement of the use of the software. That means the project implementation costs are kept to a minimum, thus being more economical for the company. And an early go-live provides not only an economic benefit for the company, but also reduces confusion for employees due to not having dealt with two systems for a long time. Fast training of employees A fast training program for all employees not only reduced the consultancy expenses for the company, but also generated less lost time overall for employees, even taking into account that it had resulted in confusion in the beginning. Earlier change-over from the old system into the new An early change-over from the old system into the new system brings with it huge amounts of advantage. Employees are less likely to be confused during the overall transition phase for the implementation. It is recommended that this should be done with on-site consulting support, because having on-site support enables employees to resolve any issues quickly. This solution helps the transition period from the old legacy system to the new modern system to be much faster, thus providing a faster return on investment (ROI) for the company.
“The earlier the change is implemented, the earlier all deficits in the existing procedures will be discovered. At the beginning of the ‘go-live’, many weak points in the existing (old) processes were revealed.” Early detection of deficits in the existing procedures in the company This is one of the essential factors for a fast implementation. The earlier the change is implemented, the earlier all deficits in the existing procedures will be discovered. At the beginning of the go-live, many weak points in the existing (old) processes were revealed. Companies will often have different procedures that have developed over time within their organization, based on their old legacy systems. Those procedures will also have been developed as a result of having un-integrated software systems in the past. By using a new system like ADT´s Wings, and, where it makes sense, going through a re-engineering process, will result in changing some of the existing procedures within the company which then makes the processes become leaner. This process re-engineering process was supported by ADT and their experienced project team members. The approach provided time savings by revealing deficits at an early stage in the implementation process and resulted in the establishment of the software much faster. Accomplishment of know-how transfer in a shorter time span The transfer of know-how from ADT’s experienced project managers and consultants to HAITEC’s super users was accomplished over a shorter period of time as a result of the project implementation being faster. As a result of the faster implementation, HAITEC was able at an earlier stage to apply know-how from best practices in the MRO business. ADT consultants also found it useful to receive direct feedback from HAITEC employees regarding the effectiveness of the approach of applying the best practices within the company. This approach resulted in a better understanding on both sides, thus resulting in the software being more effective. Cost saving for the project All these previously mentioned facts generated cost savings for the whole implementation project amounting to savings of around 10% of the project budget. It also brought more benefits such as leaner procedures into the business.
Conclusion of the pros and cons of a fast implementation
After the end of this implementation, conclusions will be discussed to establish what lessons might be learned. What is clear is that there are definitely advantages and disadvantages that will result from a fast implementation. Employees have to be convinced that the new system is better than the current one and also that it will support and enable an improvement in the quality and effectiveness of their work. To avoid misunderstandings, it is recommended that all involved personnel are kept informed of progress and any issues from the beginning of the project. A core team has to be defined in the pre-selection phase. It is also essential to include into the project core team representatives from all relevant departments (those whose work practices and processes will be affected by the change to new software). Their inputs within their departments are very important to convince those departments that they will be well served by the change to the extent of getting their requirements addressed during the implementation process. Inputs from all different departments are necessary to be able to get an optimal product especially for the needs of the company. If the above aspects are considered, a fast implementation will bring more benefit on balance. Otherwise the goals of a fast implementation will not be fulfilled and the whole project will cost more money and time. n
4U Aircraft Design and Engineering GmbH
4U Aircraft provides design services in accordance with EASA part 21J. Either they or their partner companies will assist engineering departments to create the relevant documents or to complete a damage assessment. They support customers in every field. Plus,o in the near future, 4U Aircraft will provide CAMO services. 4U Aircraft‘s services support customers across the aviation engineering sector with tasks such as conversions, support to establish a new division of a company in Germany or to implement an ERP/Software solution or Phase In/Phase out.
Mutlu Uzun
Managing Director, 4U Aircraft Design and Engineering GmbH
Mutlu Uzun managed the implementation project for Haitec Aircraft Maintenance GmbH. He was involved in pre selection, live demonstration, contract preparation and whole implementation including onsite support, having started his carrier as a Product Engineer for A320 and B737 Aircraft in Lufthansa Technik. In 2009 he moved to Haitec Aircraft Maintenance as Manager Engineering and Planning. Since 2011, Mutlu has been Managing Director of 4U Aircraft Design and Engineering. Mutlu holds a Master Degree in Aircraft Design Engineering.
INTERACTIVE
ASK THE AUTHOR A QUESTION
CLICK HERE to leave YOUR QUESTION
INTERACTIVE
JOIN THE DEBATE
CLICK HERE to leave your feedback about this article and start or join a discussion
JUNE-JULY 2013 | AIRCRAFT IT MRO | VACANCIES | 29
Click here for full SOFTWARE details and for a demo
Targeted opportunities
…your next step Aircraft IT MRO ‘Vacancies’ on the website highlights real opportunities with great businesses looking for the best professionals
Sheorey Digital Systems Ltd
Considering your next career move? At Aircraft IT MRO ‘Vacancies’ [insert hyperlink] great businesses flag up opportunities that need experience and skills like yours: or you can simply use us for overview of the market. Aircraft IT MRO is the specialist website and publication for your sector so you won’t have to trawl through a host of general vacancies to find the aviation MRO IT ones that need your skills and will advance your career.
Job Alerts for first sight
As well as listing current career opportunities, Aircraft IT MRO ‘Vacancies’ also lets you sign up for ‘Job Alerts’ [insert hyperlink], to receive email alerts, making you among the first to learn about the latest opportunities and in pole position to put yourself forward.
Your Preferred
IT Solution & Business Process Out-Sourcing Partner for the future
Career opportunities currently on the website include the following so SIGN UP NOW BY CLICKING HERE
CONDUCE GROUP Hexaware is a niche, focused IT Solutions and Business Process
VP – Sales & Marketing
The successful candidate will conduct Market Research and gather Business Intelligence. He or she will also map the Global Market for sale of ERP Products in Aviation Vertical plus understand customers’ needs and create annual sales plan in consultation with MD. Job-Responsibilities
Include, client relationship Management, Business Development and technical presentations as well as sales volume, product mix, and selling price. CLICK HERE FOR MORE DETAILS
Outsourcing
Company
providing
end-to-end
Senior Developer We are looking for an Application Developer to join our team. Most of our work involves developing applications for the web and for mobile platforms, such as iOS and Android. This is an excellent opportunity for a software developer to join a dynamic and vibrant young business and to work with mission critical software in use within the airline industry.
system integration and Technology services to its Travel and
Junior Developer We are looking for an Application Developer to join our team. Most of our work involves developing applications for the web and for iPad. This is an excellent opportunity for a software developer to join a dynamic and vibrant young business and to work with mission critical software in use within the airline industry.
Documentation domains along with specialize services in
CLICK HERE FOR MORE DETAILS
Transportation customers. With annual revenues of USD 230M for FY 2010, Hexaware has a global workforce of around 8300 consultants working across disparate domain and technologies. Hexaware with its strong experience in various
business
functions
in
MRO
and
Technical
Portfolio Analysis, System Selection, Implementation, Custom Development and Maintenance Services, Legacy Modernization, Upgrade and Migration Services, Business Intelligence / Analytics, Infrastructure Management Services (IMS) and Quality Assurance and Testing Services.
www.hexaware.com
30 | WEBINARS | AIRCRAFT IT MRO | JUNE-JULY 2013
Past Webinars: View Video Recordings of our Live Software Demonstration Webinars at Aircraft IT Build your own MRO Software Demonstration 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:
MRO Software Demonstration Webinar of AIRPACK
Alkym MRO / M&E Software Demonstration Webinar
21st February 2013
7th March 2013
n Session OVERVIEW
n Session OVERVIEW
Sign up to view this Webinar recording and join ADSOFTWARE for an excellent chance to view an `as live’ online demonstration of their AIRPACK MRO / M&E Software solution currently used by 45 companies worldwide and handling over 340 aircraft, with twelve new customers in the last 18 months.
Sign up to view this Webinar recording and join Volartec for an as live software demonstration of their extremely popular and cost effective Management and Control Software System for Aircraft Maintenance: Alkym.
During the Webinar you will see that AIRPACK provides an excellent alternative to other MRO software solutions at typically 40% less cost; it is Microsoft Windows ready, web-enabled, multilingual and complete training can be completed in five days. AIRPACK therefore provides the means for companies of all sizes to enjoy the undoubted benefits a sophisticated MRO Software Solution can produce.
INTERACTIVE
VIEW WEBINAR DETAILS
SIGN UP to VIEW THE WEBINAR RECORDING
The Webinar recording will show you how a sophisticated MRO / M&E System fits together and operates and how it can assist aircraft maintainers to reduce costs and increase efficiency. You will see why Alkym is becoming one of the most popular low-cost MRO / M&E software solutions in the industry and is suitable for operators of all sizes, major low-cost, regional and flag carriers to large airline groups and MRO/M&E providers, helicopter operators and CAMOs.
INTERACTIVE
VIEW WEBINAR DETAILS
SIGN UP to VIEW THE WEBINAR RECORDING
JUNE-JULY 2013 | AIRCRAFT IT MRO | WEBINARS | 31
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.
IDMR Solutions: Electronic M&E Task / Job Cards (A-Z) Masterclass Webinar
AviIT: iPad and Mobile Technical Docs / Publications Management Masterclass Webinar
18th April 2013
2nd May 2013
n Session OVERVIEW
n Session OVERVIEW
Sign Up to view this Webinar recording and join IDMR Solutions for this excellent (A-Z) Masterclass for generating electronic Job / Task Cards. It has been estimated that electronically generated task cards can increase maintenance efficiency to a level that can reduce the downtime for a heavy base check on a widebody, for example, by 15-20%*.
Sign up to view this Webinar recording and join AviIT for this excellent as live Technical Document / Publications Management, Distribution, and Mobile Working (iPad / Laptop) Software Demonstration and Masterclass Webinar. Via an as live demonstration of the popular eMan software solution, this Webinar will walk you through how to maintain an effective technical library and ensure that the maintenance engineers can easily access key updated technical documents and publications at any time including on mobile devices such as iPads and Laptops.
Using the powerful InForm Documentation Management Software System from IDMR Solutions as a guide this Webinar will walk you through the process of generating electronic task cards step by step including: creating, importing, integration with M&E Solutions, revising, publishing, exporting and electronic signatures.
INTERACTIVE
VIEW WEBINAR DETAILS
SIGN UP to VIEW THE WEBINAR RECORDING
This system is being used, and tried and tested by airlines, MROs & Operators throughout the world including: Virgin Atlantic Airways, airberlin technik, Greenwich Aero and Metro Aviation.
INTERACTIVE
VIEW WEBINAR DETAILS
SIGN UP to VIEW THE WEBINAR RECORDING
32 | WHITE PAPER: ENVELOPE APM | AIRCRAFT IT MRO | JUNE-JULY 2013
Plan for project success MRO software project planning – implementation and beyond. Wesley J Parfitt, CEO EnvelopeAPM Inc.
JUNE-JULY 2013 | AIRCRAFT IT MRO | WHITE PAPER: ENVELOPE APM | 33
I
n the Spring 2012 Edition of AircraftIT, in my second article about planning for project success, we looked at ‘MRO IT Project Management — Project Initiation’, (page 30 of issue 5) in which we discussed the basic framework of project initiation and how this practice is utilized during the implementation of an MRO software. This is a continuation from that second article and the original article on page 36 of issue 2. You’ll remember the five process groups in project management include: Initiation, Planning, Executing, Controlling and Project Closing. In this third article in the series, we’ll focus on project planning and the activities involved during this phase. This is not high level detailing, I am simply hoping to lay for you a foundation of some thoughts so that you may take away and apply them in your respective work environments.
principles are followed correctly, your implementation will be successful regardless of the operator or the MRO IT product you have selected.
Project management
The project planning phase is the formalized process which must include and respect the following components: agreement between the executive sponsor and project manager; project purpose; business and project goals and objectives; scope and expectations; roles and responsibilities; assumptions and constraints; quality management approach; and project management approach. Each of these components provides us with a framework which makes up the overall ‘project planning phase’.
Perhaps we should start with a quick reminder that Project Management is the application of skills, tools, knowledge, techniques and project activities in the processes required to successfully undertake a project. A project is a temporary endeavour. This means that it has a definite beginning and end, and creates a unique product or service.
Points to consider during the project (MRO software selection and implementation)
Project management principles are universal: if you are tasked with the adoption of new MRO software, a few important matters need to be considered. To ensure successful implementation of the MRO software package, project management principles should be followed. Of course, each operator is unique and there are numerous MRO IT products available; but project management principles are universal, so if the
Establish the business issue or business opportunity
We first must identify and establish the business issue or business opportunity. The need for a new MRO software package is an example of a business issue or opportunity. A feasibility study should take place, investigating all possible solutions to the identified business issue/ opportunity. If we cannot define the issue we cannot define the project going forward: it’s as simple as that.
Defining the project planning phase
The right time
Projects are always desirable and generally someone will be pushing for them to happen immediately. The key is to examine whether the project is right for the present time and situation. An analysis must be done to see what projects are already in place and how the initiation of another may impact them or vice versa. Many operators tend to already have too many projects in place and it is almost impossible for them all to succeed. Since
all projects require access to limited or even scarce resources, it is vital that each project has a clear reason for existing. So management needs to ask, is this right time and situation for the project?
Clearly define the budget scope and continuously communicate
All MRO’s and airline engineering departments struggle with determining the costs of their MRO software implementations. An accurate, defined, and agreed-upon budget helps organizations set clear expectations and allows for efficient managing and implementing of the Maintenance and Engineering (M&E) software. Before planning an implementation, one of the first steps is to define the budget scope. Include significant stakeholders in this process — people in the organization who have a major stake in the project or its outcomes — to help you develop the criteria for defining the budget scope. Once the budget is developed, communicate the budget to and continue open discussions with your stakeholders throughout the life of the project. Time and time again I see the budget planning stage overlooked which, in turn, has a dire effect on the implementation of the MRO software. The importance of raising issues and asking questions, especially about the budget, cannot be emphasized enough. Ask questions that help in clearly defining the scope of the activities. Ask questions such as, “what will or what won’t be included in the budget..?” “Will in-house resources carry out the implementation..?” “Will outside consulting firms be required to support the implementation?” Ask about equipment storage, new employee compensation, training, travel expenses, conference attendance, office and clerical supplies, audit costs, consultants costs, hardware purchasing and network costs among others. Click here for full SOFTWARE details and for a demo
34 | WHITE PAPER: ENVELOPE APM | AIRCRAFT IT MRO | JUNE-JULY 2013
Strategic planning
Click here for full SOFTWARE details and for a demo
Strategic planning is critical. Strategic planning involves careful examination of current aircraft and maintenance business processes. Establish an information flow: set clear, concise objectives and identify major milestones. We must develop a project plan and then assign a project team. Assigning a project team involves the inclusion of employees from Engineering, Aircraft Records, Systems of Maintenance, Aircraft Program Managers and senior management. Each member of the team should be committed to the success of the project and be accountable for specific tasks, i.e. developing timelines, finalizing objectives, formulating a training plan. Make sure that first line workers, such as aircraft records data entry controllers, hanger floor engineers, as well as management, are included on your team. Examine current business processes. Have the team perform an analysis of which business processes should be improved on. For the analysis, gather copies of key documents such as work orders, work wards, batch label tickets, invoices and purchase orders. To start the team discussion, consider the following: • Are your procedures up to date? • Are there any processes that can be automated? • Is overtime being spent in processing work orders or job cards or the entry of flight logs? Conduct interviews with personnel in which the aim should be to uncover areas in need of improvement. Discuss and set objectives, remembering that the objectives should be clearly defined prior to implementing the MRO software solution. MRO software systems are massive and you won’t be able to implement every function. You’ll need to define the scope of implementation. Ideally, the scope should be all inclusive. But practically, that would be very difficult to implement. Examples of objectives would include: • Does the solution reduce backlogs? • Can the solution improve on-time deliveries? • Will you be able to increase production? A good strategic plan starts with a good discussion.
Moving to a Modern MRO System? Are you considering or already underway on a Major Transformation Program? Compliance not what it should be? Why use old approaches to market research, implementation, compliance and risk assessment when we can ensure your programs are ON-TIME and ON-BUDGET.
Core planning
Call today to discover why our customers rate our approach as best-of-breed.
w: www.holocentric.com t: +61 2 9957 3169 Holocentric 0812 HP.indd 1
THE DNA OF YOUR BUSINESS®
Scope planning has to be part of a written document. Scope definition is the subdivision of the major deliverables into more manageable units. Activity definitions determine specific tasks needed to produce project deliverables. On many occasions, scheduled have inherent dependencies, resource THE activities limitations, date constraints, etc. that all need to be DNAconsidered when outlining how project work aligns in the form of a defined project schedule. The project OF YOUR schedule links schedule activities together in a manner BUSINESS that creates a timeline of work throughout the project’s life. Schedule activities that need to be conducted early in the project, or are depended upon by other tasks later in the project need to be performed at
01/08/2012 11:48
“Strategic planning involves careful examination of current aircraft and maintenance business processes. Establish an information flow: set clear, concise objectives and identify major milestones.” the appropriate point in the project’s life cycle to accommodate such dependencies. During the practice of activity sequencing, the project manager aligns the scheduled activities in a way to best avoid factors that may limit how quickly project work can be completed. To facilitate this effort a project manager may use project scheduling tools, such as Microsoft Project, or advanced sequencing techniques using various diagramming methods and/or applying scheduling leads or lags to individual tasks. The ultimate goal is to structure the sequence of scheduled activities in a way that completes the project as quickly as possible. Contained within all schedules is a critical path. The critical path is the series of tasks that determines the duration of the project. The tasks on the critical path are often scheduled tightly; upon finishing one, the next immediately commences. In other words, there is no slack between critical tasks, and so if one task slips, the entire schedule slips. Understanding and effectively managing the schedule’s critical path is vital to completing a project as planned. Core activities to define the planning include activity duration estimating; determining the amount of work needed to complete the activities and schedule development; analysis of activity sequences, duration; and resource requirements. These are factors that require significant thought as part of your core planning.
The project plan
The project plan is the foundation for all efforts associated with the project. This document is generally very fluid with continual changes taking place over the course of the project. The master plan contains all pertinent information driven by the project, and becomes a template for the actual work break down structure or activity sequence which evolves with the project. The plan should define the technical approach to the project at large, i.e. the MRO IT solution implementation. It will define the sequence of events and identify the deliverables and milestones associated. It should include and capture activities and processes including… data transfer, such as the import of the aircraft logbook, component register, parts
JUNE-JULY 2013 | AIRCRAFT IT MRO | WHITE PAPER: ENVELOPE APM | 35
database, AD/SB’s (Airworthiness Directives/Service Bulletins), component templates or masks and the MPD (Maintenance Planning Document) or planning documentation, etc. The project plan should also be where we establish and determine dependency between tasks, estimate resources, undertake tasking scheduling and, finally, define the processes.
Risk identification
The planning process must include risk identification — determining what is likely to affect the project and documenting these risks. It must also include risk quantification — evaluating risks and interactions to access the possible project outcomes. In the context of project planning, risk refers to any factors which could have an effect on the successful completion or close of a project or a factor that may affect a deliverable or milestone within the project. During the planning phase, a risk management plan should be included with summaries indicating approaches to identifying, analysing, and evaluating risk. Some risks may be identified and added to project budgets and, as part of the plan, it may include a process to mitigate the risks and include strategies to deal with them into the master plan. It’s important to think through the project lifecycle and identify risks.
Facilitating processes
In terms of facilitating processes, think about establishing the order of events, which means delivering a clear Scope Statement and develop the Work Breakdown Structure (WBS), finalize the team, establish a Network Diagram, and estimate time and cost. Thinking this through will clarify and facilitate each process.
Develop a ‘war-room’
A team ‘war room’ provides a great place for teams to gather and work as cohesive units in planning for and implementing maintenance and engineering software. Finding a designated team space where employees and consultants can meet helps isolate team members in an environment where they can focus on the project tasks at hand. Having a dedicated space also saves time in finding locations for teams to meet and provides a common area for documentation, supplies, and critical project information. War rooms vary in size and set-up and in some cases may simply be a wall where all project assumptions, milestones and a master schedule are visible to all the team members. A war room or wall such as this also can be beneficial for ‘outside’ visualization meaning other employees or stakeholders can have a quick visual on the project.
Clarity of role and responsibilities
Hold a project kick-off session to set and align expectations, clarify roles and responsibilities and
allow team members to bond and have their questions answered. Include the project sponsor to ensure visibility and involvement from the outset. Create ‘role impact guides’ so end users clearly understand how their roles will change, and reinforce specific benefits. Your team members are much more likely to buy-in if you can answer the ‘what’s in it for me’ question. You must plan for these questions and be prepared to respond to any concerns and queries.
Strategy building and communicating
Strategy building and communicating the overall strategy is one of the most critical events when implementing an MRO software upgrade or implementation. The strategy is to facilitate the buy-in and involvement of the rest of the organization. Like successful implementations, MRO software upgrades require the active participation and support of many parts of the company. Developing a strategy document that explains the reasons why periodic upgrades are necessary and lays out the time frames of the next several projects will encourage an internal dialog and allow for financial and resource planning. An MRO software upgrade or implementation strategy must be actively sold to the organization. Most people don’t understand why something that costs so much to buy and deploy needs to be changed and upgraded every few years. It may appear that the company is paying a lot of money to fix things that weren’t done right the first time. An important aspect to the implementation strategy process is getting a critical mass of employees to understand why a replacement for the MRO software is a normal part of the product lifecycle. Maintenance and engineering software systems are typically implemented in phases over several months or several years. The phases may represent groups of modules, business units, geographic locations, or some combination of all three. M&E systems implementation strategy needs to be positioned as a continuation of that approach, with new phases every three to five years that respond to inevitable changes in the business requirements and incorporate improvements in technology. The important thing is to help everyone understand that the purpose is to allow the company to have a modern, up-to-date information system without having to buy a new one every few years.
Plan for and identify required consultants and the associated costs
In my opinion, it is impossible to successfully implement an MRO system without expertise, either internal or external. Software vendors will obviously supply resources for implementation however, it’s important to remember that these companies are interested in their own mandates more than yours. The customer, i.e. you, should have a champion
outside of the vendor such as a consultant or an internal subject matter expert to facilitate a more effective implementation not only from the vendor’s side but also for the point of view of your business. MRO software purchases typically include, in the purchase price, consultant costs for installation. Usually this arrangement includes consulting up to a certain number of hours. Other products will add costs for installation or for installation certification. Be careful regarding self-installation with no certification from the vendor. Support for the product will always be in question when the installation is without certification. Include all of the potential consultants in your budget, and remember to be prepared for their arrival so you can maximize their productivity while on site. Things to think about include internal resource planning (identify what and how many resources are needed to perform the activities), cost estimating (develop resource and total project costs), cost budgeting (allocating project estimates to individual work items) and project plan development (taking results from other planning processes into a collective document).
Planning for organizational changes
Before the software can be put into place, the MRO business or airline must determine what organizational changes, business process improvements, and technology updates are in scope for the project. This means evaluating the existing software application or portfolio of software to determine if there are any existing applications that can be eliminated or replaced by functionality in the new MRO system.
MRO software implementations: factors for failure
The last points are factors that can lead to failure. Here are some examples: lack of planning; unclear vision: goals and approach not aligned with vendor/service or provider incentives; schedules; other program priorities and other resource responsibilities; incomplete, unclear and/or changing requirements; lack of executive and internal company support and commitment; insufficient resources dedicated to the project (staff, time, money, participant involvement, project management and IT support); and unrealistic expectations for what can be accomplished and how quickly. Another factor that can lead to failure is to believe that the vendor or service provider will assume responsibility for all tasks. This is a large contributor to failure; so remember that you are generally dealing with sales people; they may give you a good ‘Sell’; however, in the end, the expectation of the deliverable from the software company is generally less than that being given to the customer. Do not expect the software vendor to supply a fix for your operational problems. Obviously
replacement software is expected to deliver considerable improvements to the efficiency of the operation; however, without your internal organizational process in place, managed and accepted, the replacement MRO software will be a failure. Equally, without clear internal process improvements, acceptance and without an internal support network the implementation will also be a failure. In conclusion, good planning is critical to successful project delivery and successful MRO implementations. Successful project management is an art and a science that takes practice and above all correct guidance and training. Continuing on with our theme in the next issue we will discuss project execution. n
EnvelopeAPM Inc
EnvelopeAPM Inc. provides International Aviation Project Management, advice and technical services to clients from around the world, and has worked on-site with customers from airlines to helicopter operators, regional airlines, tourist operations and governments in over 20 countries. Bringing together project management skills with aerospace technical knowledge, EnvelopeAPM Inc. offers a crossover capability that adds value within the aviation industry, combined with a new approach to the utilization of in-house resources for Aviation Project Management.
Wes Parfitt
Wes Parfitt, PMP® is CEO and founder of EnvelopeAPM Inc. and Global Aviation Audits. He has more than 10 years’ experience in aerospace project management, audits and MRO software implementation — having inducted over 30 MRO M&E systems in 20+ countries in the past decade. Based first in Australia and now Canada, and with broad aviation software and technical records knowledge, Wesley has worked with high profile, fixed-wing and helicopter operators and MROs across the world.
INTERACTIVE
ASK THE AUTHOR A QUESTION
CLICK HERE to leave YOUR QUESTION
INTERACTIVE
JOIN THE DEBATE
CLICK HERE to leave your feedback about this article and start or join a discussion
36 | AIRCRAFT IT MRO | JUNE-JULY 2013 Click here for full SOFTWARE details and for a demo
WinAir
CASE STUDY
Saving fuel at Condor V2.2 • APRIL-MAY 2013
AVIATION MANAGEMENT
SOFTWARE
Why WinAir? PROCESS DRIVEN MAXIMIZES EFFICIENCY EASY TO USE PROVEN IN THE REAL WORLD SEAMLESS MIGRATION
www.avbasesystems.com
ETL UPGRADE
A CHALLENGING IMPLEMENTATION
The power of planning and execution
Leveraging change and experience for operational value
NT SAFETY MANAGEME approach
A good solution supports a proactive
G BYOD CONTROLLIN the two-edged sword Handling
Airlines, BA CityFlyer Point to Point Case Studies: SriLankan White Papers: Sheorey Digital Systems, Operations Software Directory… The latest News, past and upcoming Webinars, Vendor Flight Log: T&A SYSTEME PLUS:
Interested in IT systems for Flight Operations?
Captain Frank Lumnitzer, Head of Fuel-, Environmental- and Air Traffic Management at Condor
WHITE PAPERS
The problem with implementation Captain Michael Bryan, Principal of Closed Loop Consulting
What can we do with airport data? Arno Broes, Commercial manager, ACFT PERFO Aviation Softwares
Plus…
The World according to IT & Me! A question of integrity, Paul Saunders
Vendor Flight Log Jacek Łyczba explains the thinking and approach that have made Airline Control Software (ACS) such a success
Click here to read AircraftIT Operations eJournal or …AND… click here to subscribe for free The Aircraft IT Tender upload functionality now to reserve your copy Contact us for further details visit: www.aircraftIT.com, email: ed.haskey@aircraftit.com or call +44 1403 230 700 or +44 1273 700 555
Aircraft eEnablement (Connectivity & IFE) Conference October 1st - 2nd 2013 at the Park Inn Hotel at London Heathrow Airport Confirmed speakers to-date:
• Cloudstore – (Speaker TBC)
• Boeing – Daniel Murray, Chief Engineer E/S
• Oman Air – Dawood Al Raisi, Senior Manager Technical Projects
• iJet Onboard – John Schramm, VP Product Development & Benson Miller, VP Engineering
• Flight Focus – Ralf Cabos, Managing Director
• ARINC – Mark Taylor, Business Development Director, eEnabled Aircraft Solutions
• Lufthansa Systems – Norbert Müller, VP of IFE Programs and BoardConnect
• AeroMobile – Kevin Rogers, CEO
• Row44 – John Guidon, CTO and Co-Founder
• Allegiant Systems – Andrew Kemmetmueller, CEO
• Air Informatics – Bruce Jackson
• American Airlines – Maureen Morgan, Manager of IT eEnablement
• Honeywell – (Speaker TBC)
• Cathay Pacific – Rob Saunders, Manager of Engineering Development
• OnAir – (Speaker TBC)
This conference will be the first of its kind to cover all aspects of aircraft communications, connectivity and IFE (for the ground, cockpit and the cabin). The aim of the conference is to help all airlines to better manage the operational benefits and revenue opportunities available for connected airplanes.
• Rockwell Collins – (Speaker TBC)
• IMDC – Robert Smith, Consultant
• SITA – (Speaker TBC)
• Icelandair – Gudmundur Óskarsson, Director of Marketing & Business Development
• Inmarsat - (Speaker TBC)
• Gulf Air – Mohamad El Assaad, Senior Manager IFE & Communications
• HMPlaney Consultants – Michael Planey, Senior Consultant
• LiveTV – (Speaker TBC)
Please visit: www.aircraft-commerce.com/conferences To enquire about attending, sponsoring and exhibiting please contact: Simon Barker Tel: +44 (0)1403 230 700 E-mail: simon@aircraft-commerce.com
October 1st - 2nd 2013 London Heathrow The Must-Attend Event to get Better Connected!
Main Sponsors
W NE NT E EV
38 | TENDERS | AIRCRAFT IT MRO | JUNE-JULY 2013
MRO Software Tender Upload
Click here for full SOFTWARE details and for a demo
Digital Aircraft Technical Records
Aircraft IT website MRO Software Tender Upload function puts your requirements in front of all the leading MRO IT Vendors.
FROM THIS…
T
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.
…TO THIS.
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:
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
JUNE-JULY 2013 | AIRCRAFT IT MRO | SOFTWARE DIRECTORY | 39
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 OneŽ, Aero-WebbŽ, BFlyŽ Number of Modules.........6 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-OneÂŽ, Aero-WebbÂŽ, BFlyÂŽ. We have partnership with the world best of class ERP and PLM software providers, SAPÂŽ and PTCÂŽ. 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 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 WindowsŽ 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
Looking to make your Aircra Returns really smooth and hassle free? Looking to manage your documents properly? Looking to enjoy incredibly advanced so ware to manage it all? You need FLYdocs. The most advanced aviation document intelligence system in the world. Accept no other.
e adrian.ryan@flydocs.aero t +44 (0)121 351 6563 www.flydocs.aero
40 | SOFTWARE DIRECTORY | AIRCRAFT IT MRO | JUNE-JULY 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 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
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
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.
Click Here for Software Details Click Here to Request Private Demo
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.
Click Here for Software Details Click Here to Request Private Demo
Want to keep up with IT developments? Subscribe for FREE to AircraftIT eJournal MRO today to receive all future eJournals! For case studies, keynote white papers, latest news & technology; all the knowledge you need.
Subscribe here for free – it takes a few moments. AircraftIT: All about Solutions for Airlines and Aircraft
JUNE-JULY 2013 | AIRCRAFT IT MRO | SOFTWARE DIRECTORY | 41
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 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.
Click Here for Software Details Click Here to Request Private Demo
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 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.
Click Here for Software Details Click Here to Request Private Demo
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 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).
Click Here for Software/Product Details Click Here to Request Private Demo Click here for full SOFTWARE details and for a demo
What Downtime?
Enigma InService MRO
Supporting PDF, Automated Job Cards S1000D and Revision Management
www.enigma.com ENIGMA 0512 MRO Ad HPH.indd 1
08/05/2012 10:27
42 | SOFTWARE DIRECTORY | AIRCRAFT IT MRO | JUNE-JULY 2013
Lufthansa Technik AG
Mxi Technologies
W: www.lufthansa-technik.com/manage-m T: +49 69 696 91628 E: info@manage-m.com
W: www.mxi.com T: +1 613-747-4698 E: info@mxi.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.
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.
Company formed: 1995, Office Location: Worldwide Name of Product Marketed • manage/m® Number of Modules.........15 Key Business/Software Areas • Compliance Reporting • MPD management and revision service • Task scheduling and control • Material management • Management of technical findings (PiRep & MaRep)
Click Here for Software Details Click Here to Request Private Demo
Want to keep up with IT developments? Subscribe for FREE to AircraftIT eJournal MRO today to receive all future eJournals! For case studies, keynote white papers, latest news & technology; all the knowledge you need.
Subscribe here for free – it takes a few moments. AircraftIT: All about Solutions for Airlines and Aircraft
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 Key Business/Software Areas • Maintenance Engineering & Information Management • Maintenance Planning • Maintenance Execution • Material management • Business Support & Analytics
Click Here for Software Details Click Here to Request Private Demo
Ramco Systems
W: www.ramcoaviation.com T: +1 305 538 8499 E: agatag@rsc.ramco.com
Company formed: 1996, Office Location: USA, Canada, Europe, Middle East, Africa, India, Asia-Pacific, Singapore, Malaysia Name of Product Marketed • Ramco Aviation Enterprise Solution, Ramco Aviation M&E solution, Ramco Aviation MRO Solution, Ramco Aviation Analytics, Ramco Electronic Flight Bag(EFB), Ramco ePublications, Ramco Aviation Manufacturing OnDemand, Ramco eProcurement Number of Modules.........20 Key Business/Software Areas • Maintenance & Engineering • Maintenance, Repair & Overhaul • Aviation Manufacturing and Repair Stations • Human Resources • Finance Ramco Systems is the world’s largest provider of Aviation M&E, MRO and Manufacturing software solutions designed from the ground up for Commercial Passenger and Cargo, Military, PBL, PBM, Fixed Wing & Rotor, Fleet Operators, MRO providers and OEM organizations. The solutions are offered On-premise (in-house), through an Application Service Provider, or OnDemand utilizing its solutions and automation tools in running lean, efficient and profitable operations. Ramco’s Series 5 provides a positive impact on reducing turn times while increasing operational performance and compliance through the full integration of engineering, supply chain, maintenance planning and execution, and compliance modules in an elegant graphical interface.
Click Here for Software Details Click Here to Request Private Demo
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) 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.
Click Here for Software Details Click Here to Request Private Demo
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 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.
Click Here for Software Details Click Here to Request Private Demo
JUNE-JULY 2013 | AIRCRAFT IT MRO | SOFTWARE DIRECTORY | 43
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
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.
Click Here for Software Details Click Here to Request Private Demo
TRAX USA Corp.
Company formed: 2004, Office Location: Ireland; Argentina Name of Product Marketed • Alkym ® Management & Control System for Aircraft Maintenance Number of Modules.........15 Key Business/Software Areas • Maintenance & Engineering • Logistics • Quality Assurance / Human Resources • Planning & Reliability • Document Management / Technical Library
Key Business/Software Areas • Material Management • Engineering • Planning • Production • Maintenance Control
W: www.trax.aero T: +1 305.662.7400 E: sales@trax.aero
Volartec
W: www.volartec.aero T: +353 617 49010 E: marketing@volartec.aero
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. 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.
Click Here for Software Details Click Here to Request Private Demo
Specialist Point Solutions
Aeroxchange
Company formed: 1997, Office Location: Miami, Fl, USA; Horsham, West Sussex, UK
W: www.aeroexhange.com T: 1 (972) 556-8548 E: sales@aeroexhange.com
Company formed: 200, Office Location: Irving, Texas
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 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.
Click Here for Software Details Click Here to Request Private Demo
Airline Control Software
W: www.airlinecontrol.com T: +48 22 2095035 E: contact@airlinecontrol.com
Company formed: 2005, Office Location: Poland (Warsaw), UK (London), Marocco (Casablanca), USA (New York), Argentina (Buenos Aires) Name of Product Marketed • ACS System Number of Modules.........16
Name of Product Marketed • TRAX Maintenance & Engineering Software Number of Modules.........23
Name of Product Marketed • AeroBuy, AeroRepair, AeroComponent, AeroAOG, Smart Source, and Strategic Tendering Solutions Number of Modules.........6
Key Business/Software Areas • Engineering & Planning • Production & Shop • Technical Records & Reliability • TRAXDoc Document Control • Supply Chain Management
Key Business/Software Areas • Purchase and Repair Order Management • AOG Recovery and Loan/Borrow/Exchange Management • Supporting Process Management of Component Contracts • Constructing Comprehensive Supporting Events
Key Business/Software Areas • Flight Operations, OCC Flight Dispatch, Crew Support with Duties autoplanner • CAMO (Part-M) and Maintenance (Part-145) • Safety Management System (SMS) & QMS • Handling, Fueling, Training (CBT Platform) • Tickets & Booking (Revenue Management, Tarrif Engine)0
Aeroxchange delivers total supply chain collaboration solutions through a single, neutral platform. Founded in 2000 by 13 airlines, Aeroxchange has grown to become the industry leader of eCommerce solutions for airlines, OEMs, MROs, distributors, surplus providers, repair vendors and partners within the aviation community. Aeroxchange’s solutions increase efficiency, reduce cost, and provides full transparency to trading partners. Aeroxchange goes beyond offering basic search and list services to drive value with solutions that support the entire purchase and repair order lifecycle. Aeroxchange also offers solutions for locating parts for AOG recovery, managing loans/borrows/exchanges, and supporting process management of component support contracts.
A specialized IT company engaged in software development for the airline. The main product is the ACS System, consists of 16 modules. There are optional modules: OPS (including OCC Flight Dispatch, NTO, FLIGHT INFO PAX OPS, MCC), CREW, CAMO (Part-M), LINE MAINTENANCE (Part-145), FLEET MANAGEMENT, HANDLING, FUELING MANAGEMENT QMS, SMS, TRAINING, TICKETS & BOOKING and built-in modules: DOCUMENTS MANAGEMENT, LOGISTICS, COMMERCIAL, FINANCE SUPPORT, SYSTEM ADMINISTRATOR. System is designed for small and medium-sized airlines cover in full all aspects of managing and supporting the airline. YOM 2012. Uses the latest technology – mainly Mictosoft and Apple. Three platform for user: PC, WWW, iPad/iPhone. Scalable and open integration with other systems existing in the airline. For data security, each client can use an online database replication.
TRAX is the global leader in the aviation industry for their MRO ERP software. TRAX is the most advanced maintenance software solution available and has been selected by over one hundred and twenty airlines and MRO’s worldwide with fleets consisting of all types of aircraft. TRAX Maintenance is a completely integrated product. Organizational efficiency gains can be substantial when using TRAX and ROI is quickly realized. TRAX maintains its advantage over the competition by developing software that works for customers through modern technology, world class support and strong customer relationships.
Click Here for Software Details Click Here to Request Private Demo
Click Here for Software Details Click Here to Request Private Demo
Click Here for Software Details Click Here to Request Private Demo
44 | SOFTWARE DIRECTORY | AIRCRAFT IT MRO | JUNE-JULY 2013
AVIIT
W: www.aviit.com T: +44 (0) 1383 620922 E: info@aviit.com
EmpowerMX
W: www.empowermx.com T: +1 866-498-3702 E: info@empowermx.com
Company formed: 2004, Office Location: Fife, Scotland
Company formed: 1999, Office Location: Minnesota, USA
Name of Product Marketed • eMan & Archimedes Number of Modules.........2
Name of Product Marketed • Fleetcycle MRO Suite, Fleetcycle Execution Suite Number of Modules.........8
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.
Click Here for Software Details Click Here to Request Private Demo
The Boeing Company
E: TheBoeingEdge@boeing.com W: www.boeing.com/boeingedge/informationservices Company formed: 1916 Name of Product Marketed • Maintenance Performance Toolbox • Airplane Health Management • RFID Integrated Solutions
Boeing offers the industry’s broadest range of aviation services to provide our customers the ultimate competitive advantage. We call this the Boeing Edge. In the information services field, we are keenly focused on addressing our customers’ continuous need for integration and optimization of information. Using data, software, analytics and IT infrastructure, we connect airplanes, operators and data. We strive to enable smart and informed decision-making to take operational efficiency of their aircraft fleet and operations to the next level.
Click Here for Software Details Click Here to Request Private Demo
Keep up with IT developments with Aircraft IT
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.
Click Here for Software Details Click Here to Request Private Demo
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 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.
Click Here for Software Details Click Here to Request Private Demo
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 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.
Click Here for Software Details Click Here to Request Private Demo
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 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
JUNE-JULY 2013 | AIRCRAFT IT MRO | SOFTWARE DIRECTORY | 45
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 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.
Click Here for Software/Product Details Click Here to Request Private Demo
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+ 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.
Click Here for Software/Product Details Click Here to Request Private Demo
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+ 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.
Click here for software details Click here to request private demo
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 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.
Click Here for Software/Product Details Click Here to Request Private Demo
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 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.
Click Here for Software/Product Details Click Here to Request Private Demo
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 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