V3.2 • MAY/JUNE 2014
MRO DATA IS COMING
Realizing the value of information MOBILITY DEEP DIVE
The future for Aerospace Mobility
KEEPING MRO IT LEAN
Improving the function that improves the business White Paper: Flatirons Solutions, Rusada, AirWorks Case Study: SFS Aviation Vendor Job Card: AV-BASE Systems PLUS… How I see IT, News, Upcoming and Past Webinars, MRO Software Directory
04 NEWS
With an increasing variety of operating profiles, Aircraft MRO IT has to adapt to meet a growing range of demands. MRO IT managers can follow developments on http://www.aircraftit.com/MRO/Index.aspx and here in the Aircraft IT MRO e-journal.
Editor’s comment
Data is the catalyst that turns experience into value but it’s powerful stuff and must be properly handled to do any good. If you lived in Europe during the 1980s, you will have become familiar with food mountains and wine lakes. But don’t be deceived, these were not good things; they were the result of a Common Agricultural Policy that, in its drive to ensure food security, ended up generating more food than Europe could consume… or sell or give away without damaging markets. Aviation IT faces a similar challenge today. Data volumes are growing exponentially with, not only traditional IT systems harvesting and generating data in increasing volumes but also Aircraft themselves starting to generate data on every aspect of their function before, during and after each flight. As with European food and wine, the basic idea has worked well, there’s lots of data: the challenge is what to do with the mountains of information, how to apply them to the useful purposes we had in mind when the harvesting and generating capabilities were first mooted. The organization, integration and application of data for business process improvement are our themes for the issue. We look at Data Warehousing, how it works, and how it can be used to drive better business through better information and reports. Mobility is a key component in the drive to leverage data as a business advantage and so our article on mobility, where it is going and how it can be used will tick a lot of boxes. And, looking to the wider context, if IT is used to improve other processes in the business, what about making sure that IT itself is lean? We have an article addressing that. Also, we always like to see how all of this works in the real world and so the case study on a new MRO solution for a helicopter operator will be of great interest. As always, you’ll learn how Michael Denis sees IT and be able to take a broader view of the news and information that matters in your sector. And Aircraft IT live demonstration webinars let readers research the software market from the convenience of their own desk to find a package that could meet their needs by accessing past webinars with more focus than ever while, of course, future webinars are a valuable resource available to every reader who registers. Data volumes and quality will continue to grow, systems become more capable and delivery more convenient. Whatever the developments, Aircraft IT MRO will continue to bring the best ideas to your desktop or tablet screen with every issue. Aircraft IT MRO: organizing information about your world for you.
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The views and opinions expressed in this publication are the views of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the views or policies of their companies or of the publisher. The publisher does not guarantee the source, originality, accuracy, completeness or reliability of any statement, information, data, finding, interpretation, advice, opinion, or view presented.
Brian P. McDonald, Director Asian Aviation Services (AAR); Management Consultant, SFS Aviation Co., Ltd. When SFS Aviation was seeking a software solution, they needed one that could address all of their needs and challenges throughout the business.
21 VENDOR JOB CARD
The development path and technology innovations that have brought AV-BASE Systems to its present success. In this Job Card, Bert Vergeer, Vice President, Sales and Marketing at AV-BASE Systems, Inc. explains AV-BASE, its IT philosophy and its achievements.
22 UPCOMING LIVE MRO SOFTWARE DEMONSTRATION WEBINAR
A preview of the live MRO software demonstration webinar featuring AviIT, on 8th May 2014.
24 WHITE PAPER: MOBILITY DEEP DIVE
Paul Saunders, Global Product Manager, Flatirons Solutions Mobility is the single word that encapsulates a host of IT issues from getting content to where people can use it to the Internet of things, identity and machine learning.
28 WHITE PAPER: LOST IN TRANSLATION?
Tim Alden, Commercial Director, Rusada Warehouses ensure that variable inputs feed stable outputs. A data warehouse can ensure that multiple sources of data feed useful reports determined by need.
31 COLUMN: HOW I SEE IT
Michael Denis asks; In the age of Netflix and GoGo, why isn’t aircraft data real? More than 40 years ago we’d put a man on the Moon after just a 10 year program. Why then, today, is it still difficult to integrate data from different systems?
32 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 and IDMR Solutions.
Ed Haskey
AircraftIT MRO is published bi-monthly and is an affiliate of Aircraft Commerce and part of the AviationNextGen Ltd group. The entire contents within this publication © Copyright 2014 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.
18 CASE STUDY: FACING UP TO THE CHALLENGE OF OFFSHORE HELICOPTER OPERATIONS
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Publisher/Editor: E-mail: Telephone: Website: Copy Editor/Contributor: E-mail: Magazine Production: E-mail:
Ed Haskey ed.haskey@aircraftit.com +44 1273 454 235 www.aircraftIT.com John Hancock john@aircraftit.com Dean Cook deancook@magazineproduction.com
34 WHITE PAPER: ALSO A BUSINESS PROCESS
Ravinder Pal Singh (Ravi), CTO and CIO, Air Works While IT is the driver of leaner processes in other parts of the business, it should also operate as integral to the business, seeking to make its own processes lean.
38 EVENT PREVIEW: AIRLINE & AEROSPACE MRO AND OPERATIONS IT CONFERENCE 43 MRO SOFTWARE DIRECTORY
A detailed look at the world’s leading MRO IT systems.
4 | NEWS | AIRCRAFT IT MRO | MAY/JUNE 2014
New resellers and new module mark the continuing progress at 2MoRO 2MORO WAS PROUD TO ANNOUNCE IN EARLY APRIL 2014 THAT THREE NEW AERO ONE® RESELLERS HAVE JOINED ITS PARTNER’S NETWORK IN RUSSIA, FINLAND AND MALAYSIA.
CROESUS IT Solutions Sdn. Bhd., a Malaysian company, Nirax Consulting OOO, a Russian company and Datance Consulting, a Finnish company, have decided to work closely with 2MoRO so as to offer their Aviation customers a fully integrated solution based on SAP® Business One. Indeed, one of the main key features of Aero One® is that the software is powered by the ERP SAP® Business One, a world proven ERP dedicated to small and medium sized companies with over 40,000 customers in the world. The Aero One® functionalities (flight operations management, continuing airworthiness management, MRO management & execution, referential data management) are designed to answer the specific needs of Airlines, Aircraft Operators, Repair Centers and Aerospace OEMs. 2MoRO resellers are experts in local domestic laws and regulations and they will help clients implementing their new Information System. They will also be supported by Aero One® consultants so as to take into account the Aviation & MRO specificities. 2MoRO and its resellers will commit together to the success of client projects. With partners located in more than 20 countries 2MoRO is proud that Aero One® is available in English, French, Portuguese, Russian & Spanish.
2MORO ANNOUNCES THE RELEASE OF A NEW MODULE: AERO ONE® FLIGHT OPERATIONS Still in early April 2014 and in addition to a bunch of enhancements to the ergonomics and features in terms of maintenance execution (Part
145), 2MoRO announced the release of a new module: Aero One® Flight Operations. This module is designed so that clients can schedule and record flight operations and be at the source of the data needed for maintenance planning. For airlines and aircraft operators, this module should fulfill expectations with features designed to adapt to each user’s specific constraints in terms of flight planning and crew assignment. The two main pillars of Aero One® Flight Operations’ first release are Flight Scheduling and Flight Records. 2MoRO set up a cockpit to consult and smoothly drive whole flight operations. Users can see at a glance what has been planned and balance it against what actually happens. Moreover, the Flight Scheduling feature allows creating and updating flight schedules. A user-friendly and interactive interface will display them in a calendar time grid. Airlines and operators can track the status of flights for their fleet (planned, arrived, delayed) and be alerted by visual signals when a flight is delayed or canceled. Additionally, the creation and management of recurring flights will help to work smarter, be proactive and reduce the duplication of effort. The Flight Records features are used for actual post-flight data collection, as provided in pilot’s log. Users can simply and quickly capture and keep history for analysis of time updates, crew information, liquids, fuel & oil consumption, PAX & loads and counters. Directly connected to the Aero One® Fleet Management module, this functionality is particularly useful to calculate the actual flight time, account the aircraft/equipment flight hours and update counters. Users can keep all fleet data up to date for maintenance activity. Also, if they prefer to record flight information for a working day at once
rather than one by one, they’ll find the Daily Flight Log feature very convenient. In addition to this new module, 2MoRO has added advanced functionalities to simplify the jobs of sales and logistics departments. The ‘Sales Cockpit’ allows easily creating sales documents (quotation and invoice) from technical information fed by the technical staff. Whether you need to create a quotation from the results of an inspection process or create a time & material invoice, Aero One® does it all in flawless way. So, the Sales Cockpit provides a range of features to easily get the sales inputs and finally create the document in a few clicks. Meanwhile, the Logistic Cockpit summarizes in an easy-to-handle way all logistic information and stock movements to perform or to be performed in relation to a maintenance project. No need for complex searches to retrieve what has to be done, it is all there! Quick access to standard stock transactions is of course part of this cockpit.
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MAY/JUNE 2014 | AIRCRAFT IT MRO | NEWS | 5
ADSoftware vertical solutions attract Aerolys, Air et Compagnie and Air Kbz THE end of March 2014 saw a number of key announcements from ADSoftware starting with… The European IT & Software Excellence Awards 2014 have selected ADSoftware as a finalist in the Vertical Market Solution category. A timely recognition that comes together with ADSoftware signing three very distinct new customers in the aviation industry market. A large number of solutions nowadays are termed ‘vertical’ because they are designed to support an organization that operates in a specific market segment. ADSoftware is one of the few IT solution providers in the aviation industry who understand the peculiarities of specific market segments and design solutions that improve the operations of their customers. Over the last 16 years ADSoftware has delivered industry-specific applications to more than 50 companies spread over numerous segments such as commercial aircraft, major / national airlines, commuter/regional airlines, fixed based operators, helicopters operators, maintenance and repair organizations, flying school, and continuing airworthiness management organizations. The European IT & Software Excellence Awards 2014, which recognize best practices in customer solutions by Systems Integrators, Solution VARs and ISVs across Europe,
have selected ADSoftware as being one of the best vertical solutions provider focused on delivering services to customers in specific market segments. In the last six months, three new customers have signed with ADSoftware; all of them in three distinct market segments of the aviation industry; all of them requiring a clear understanding of the special characteristics of the client’s industry and tailored solutions to meet those requirements. Launched in 2011, Air Kbz is a privately owned domestic Burmese airline based in Yangon who selected AirPack fleet management system and logistics package by ADSoftware. The airline operates four ATR 72-500 and two ATR 72-600 aircrafts serving 15 destinations. AEPS, the exclusive distributor for ADSoftware in Middle East and Asia, will assure software delivery to specification and time scale while meeting agreed customer targets. Offering its services to aircraft owners and operators during the phases of delivery and return, the company Aerolys has chosen ADSoftware while working on getting its Part M approval. The young French Continuing Airworthiness Management Organization, has been convinced by the flexibility of the solutions which will offer support to its growth. “ADSoftware was chosen for its
ADT (Applied Database Technology) partners with INFLITE The Jet Centre Ltd
software ergonomics and its features capability that would allow us to meet the requirements of our customers in terms of monitoring, but also documents management. The professionalism and reliability of ADSoftware’s team also confirmed our choice” says Sébastien Lecointe, Aerolys General Manager. Air et Compagnie, an aircraft and helicopter flying school founded in France in 2004 is the latest company to have signed with ADSoftware and the first flying school of the portfolio. “The missing link to our aviation activity was the EASA Part F for maintenance and Part G for continuing airworthiness, our workshop started operation in early 2014 with the French Civil Aviation Authorities approval. For the continuing airworthiness management and all operations of the workshop, a market study jointly run with our partner TimeToFly has led us to select several software [packages]; convergence towards ADSoftware was obvious, given the quality of the product and the professionalism of the teams. Says Charles Clair, Air et Compagnie’s CEO.
IN early April 2014, ADT (Applied Database Technology), provider of MRO software (WINGS) and services for the aviation industry, announced that INFLITE The Jet Centre Ltd, a leading British aircraft maintenance organization concentrating on BAE and Embraer aircraft, is the latest customer to acquire WINGS MRO software. WINGS is a web-based solution used by some of the world’s largest MROs to manage aircraft maintenance business. Commenting on the announcement, Ilhan YAGIZ, European Sales Director of ADT said; “INFLITE is another great example of a company that will implement Wings for its third-party maintenance work and for the CAMO services. The wide-ranging benefits of Wings software for MRO and CAMO organizations are proven. We look forward to supporting INFLITE for many years to come.” CLICK HERE FOR FULL SOFTWARE DETAILS AND FOR A DEMO
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6 | NEWS | AIRCRAFT IT MRO | MAY/JUNE 2014 AeroxchangeAircraftIT0613.pdf 1 5/22/2013 3:32:52 PM
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AviIT to support Monarch Aircraft Engineering’s technical library
© Monarch Aircraft Engineering, Stewart Writtle
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AviIT announced in late March 2014 that Monarch Aircraft Engineering Limited has completed swift and smooth transition to an eMan managed service for the delivery of technical publications and manuals to engineering teams across its sites. eMan is an AviIT product created to ease the library management challenges associated with the efficient control and distribution of publications and applications required for aircraft service and
maintenance activities. Keith Earnden, Engineering Director of Monarch Aircraft Engineering Limited (MAEL) welcomed the move. “eMan has been successfully supporting MAEL for a number of years so it was a very simple decision when it came to looking at our future systems for library management. However, we were aware that AviIT now offers the solution on the basis of a managed service which has the attraction of placing the Service
responsibility with the vendor.” The growth of MAEL’s own business had a role to play as Keith explained. “The eMan managed service proposition is even stronger in a multi-site environment so it made sense to implement a new architecture as we expanded into our new 110,000 sq. ft. state-of-the-art maintenance facility at Birmingham Airport in the UK.” David Brown, Chief Executive Officer of AviIT was delighted with this development. “It’s fantastic that we have been able to deepen our relationship with Monarch in his way. Monarch has always been very supportive of our eMan developments, which are designed to make the solution fit the current and future maintenance and repair demands. Our managed service proposition is not entirely new as it’s already been proven on an industrial scale supporting a number of airlines and MROs in Europe and North America on a managed service basis.”
DAC International secures another parts manufacturer approval DAC International, a Greenwich AeroGroup company, announced in mid-March 2014 that the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has provided Parts Manufacturer Approval (PMA) for the company’s Electronic Flight Bag system including the RPU, Display and Tray assemblies. The PMA was issued as a result of
the Supplemental Type Certificate obtained earlier in the year for DAC’s Gen-X EFB e-Enabling program that is installed in the cockpit and cabin to support a wide range of applications including system interfaces to the aircraft navigation systems, EFB functionality for charts and aircraft documentation, communication
system interfaces for text messaging, maintenance support, e-Commerce applications as well as cabin applications for customer support. The PMA approval was accomplished by DAC International’s Engineering and Certification Division (ECD) and supports the Boeing 777200/300/300ER series aircraft.
AMASIS chosen by Lao Airlines
IFRSKEYES was delighted to announce that Lao Airlines and their partner CIT Lao have selected AMASIS with the long-term objective of optimizing its airworthiness and MRO processes. Lao Airlines was looking for a reliable solution to replace its legacy system and to ensure the maintenance of its fleets according to the corporate longterm strategy. The company opted for the latest version of AMASIS – AMASIS V9.20 – it was announced in mid-
February 2014, and decided to implement it on-site with a brand new dedicated server. The go-live was carried out in two phases, adapting to Lao Airlines’ organization, and the final go-live was scheduled for January 2014. Lao Airlines with CIT Lao have been able to transfer the maintenance of its entire fleet with AMASIS less than three months after the license transfer/software decision. This represented a real challenge for all involved.
MAY/JUNE 2014 | AIRCRAFT IT MRO | NEWS | 7
JetGo Australia opts for Commsoft’s OASES to support its planned RPT operations AVIATION engineering and maintenance systems provider, Commsoft, announce in early March 2014 that specialist charter operator, JetGo Australia, has selected OASES to support its planned introduction of Regular Public Transport (RPT/ Part 121) flights. Providers, since 2012, of ad hoc charter and Fly In Fly Out services for major resource development projects in Australia, JetGo has traditionally contracted out its CAMO operations but plans to bring them in-house for its RPT operations and has embedded OASES within its RPT approval applications. Designed to combine ease of use with a state-of-the-art technical sophistication, OASES is structured in a modular format and JetGo has signed a five concurrent users, 5-year contract which incorporates the Airworthiness, Planning, Core and Materials modules. It is also anticipated that OASES will be integrated with SkyNet, a satellitebased operations system. Currently operating a number of Embraer 135s, JetGo plans to expand this fleet as its RPT services expand. Nick Godwin, MD of Commsoft, commented: “We’re delighted that JetGo has opted for OASES, in the face of some tough local competition, for the support of the Embraers it will be using for its planned regular passenger services. The fact that JetGo has incorporated its intended
AIR Canada has signed an agreement to implement the Boeing Maintenance Performance Toolbox to support maintenance operations for its 767, 777, 787 and 737 MAX airplane fleets. The early April 2014 announcement came during Aviation Week’s MRO Americas 2014 conference and exhibition in Phoenix. The Maintenance Performance Toolbox suite delivers real-time access to information that technicians need to quickly resolve airplane maintenance issues. As part of the Toolbox deployment project, Boeing will also provide services for transition and migration of customized data from maintenance management applications currently used by Air Canada, and will enable integration with existing maintenance resource planning systems. “Lean practices are essential to our operations,” said Alan Butterfield, Air Canada vice president of maintenance and engineering. “By implementing Maintenance Performance Toolbox, we will be moving from legacy IT to ‘lean IT’
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use of OASES within its application for RPT approvals is also a gratifying vote of confidence in both OASES and Commsoft as a company.” Barry Maunder, Head of Airworthiness & Maintenance Control for JetGo Australia, added: “Although we already know that we have the managerial and staff expertise to expand JetGo’s range of services, we are effectively undertaking two new ventures – the introduction of regular passenger flights and the launch of an in-house CAMO service. That’s why we wanted to be certain that we chose an MRO IT system that would meet the highest standards of technical sophistication and reliability, could be implemented easily and would also be sufficiently flexible to ‘grow with us’. After taking a close look at the MRO IT market, we decided that Commsoft’s OASES best fitted the bill.”
Boeing Maintenance Performance Toolbox Selected by Air Canada REAL-TIME INFORMATION SOLUTION FOR AIR CANADA’S 767, 777, 787 AND 737 MAX FLEETS
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solutions. As we move ahead with fleet expansion, this Boeing solution will enable us to streamline and standardize access to maintenance information.” In addition to supporting its current fleet, Air Canada will implement Maintenance Performance Toolbox in maintenance operations for its new 787 airplanes. On April 1, Boeing and Air Canada finalized an order for 61 737 MAX airplanes. Toolbox will also be implemented for the new 737 MAX additions to the fleet as they are delivered. “We continue to receive positive feedback from our airline customers about how Boeing Maintenance Performance Toolbox has helped to improve operations efficiency,” said Per Noren, vice president, Customer Solutions, Boeing Digital Aviation, a business unit of Commercial Aviation Services. “We are excited to support Air Canada as they leverage this solution to achieve their goals for lean and efficient maintenance operations.” Today, more than 120 airlines rely on Maintenance Performance Toolbox to support their engineering and maintenance operations.
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8 | NEWS | AIRCRAFT IT MRO | MAY/JUNE 2014
AerData progresses on all fronts plus moves to a new office in Ireland ENGINEERING HOLDING, RUSSIA’S LARGEST DOMESTIC MRO PROVIDER, CHOOSE AERDATA’S STREAM DIGITAL AIRCRAFT RECORDS SOFTWARE
CROATIA AIRLINES CHOOSES AERDATA’S STREAM DIGITAL AIRCRAFT RECORDS SOFTWARE
IN late February 2014, AerData announced Croatian flag carrier, Croatia Airlines, as the latest airline to acquire STREAM aircraft records software. Commenting on the announcement, Mark Nieuwendijk, Managing Director of AerData said; “Croatia Airlines is another great example of a company that will adopt STREAM for its own fleet and for its third-party maintenance work. The wide-ranging benefits for both applications are proven. We look forward to supporting Croatia Airlines for many years to come.” Davor Bujan, Engineering and Technical Support Manager, Croatia Airlines said; “STREAM consists of an easy to use and fully functional records management system that can integrate with our maintenance planning system. Our business is about fulfilling the requirements of customers both inside and outside the company, day to day and at major events like lease return or heavy maintenance work for other airlines. STREAM will go a long way towards satisfying those objectives.”
AERDATA ANNOUNCES ‘REPAIR MAP’ MODULE FOR STREAM
IN mid-February 2014, AerData, provider of software and services for the aviation industry, announced that Engineering Holding, Russia’s largest domestic MRO provider, is to acquire STREAM aircraft records software. STREAM (Secure Technical Records for Electronic Asset Management) is a webbased solution used by some of the world’s largest airlines, lessors and MROs to manage aircraft and engine records. Commenting on the announcement, Mark Nieuwendijk, Managing Director of AerData said; “AerData have been working closely with Engineering Holding’s team to take full advantage of the benefits that STREAM can bring. It’s also our first customer in the rapidly expanding Russian airline and MRO market to implement the global standard in aircraft records on the STREAM platform.” Marat Tereshenko, General Director of S7 Engineering said; “We wish to adopt a global standard for managing records within our MRO customers. STREAM will integrate with our MRO IT system allowing full transparency on closed maintenance work, thereby increasing our quality and efficiency as we continue to grow our fleet and third party maintenance activity.” He added; “We are pleased to be making this announcement with AerData, a company that has a history of supporting successful large scale implementations with major airlines.”
AERDATA’S IRISH OFFICE MOVES TO NEW LOCATION
AT the same time, mid-February 2014, AerData announced the relocation of its Irish-based office to a new site in Dun Laoghaire, South County Dublin. Commenting on the announcement, Godfrey Ryan, Director Marketing and Sales, AerData said; “We established AerData’s presence in Ireland in 2011 and have grown the office to such an extent that a new location was needed to house the expanding team and provide a convenient location to host customers from Ireland and abroad.” He continued; “The high specification office is adjacent to Dun Laoghaire railway (DART) station which provides convenient connections to the city center, just a 20 minute journey away, and transport links nationwide make [the new office] easily accessible from anywhere in the Emerald Isle.”
STILL in late February 2014, AerData also announced the launch of Repair Map, a new structural repair and damage management tool in its STREAM aircraft records software. To bring this about and to deliver a superior functionality to Image supplied with kind permission from Soft Aviation STREAM, AerData have exclusively partnered with the product developers of Repair Map, Germanbased Soft Aviation. Commenting on the announcement, Mark Nieuwendijk, Managing Director of AerData said; “The management of repairs and damages is reliant on data, specifically the records that identify the damage and then support the repair. We have integrated this new tool to enable airlines to centrally manage their repair files, including all the supporting documentation linked from STREAM along with a smart graphical interface.” Wolfgang Kliem, Managing Director of Soft Aviation said; “STREAM is a fully functional records management system that now can be the basis for an airline’s repairs and damages repository. The Repair Map feature can support direct linking with the documentation in STREAM but we have also enabled its ability to integrate with the airline’s MRO IT system to have a seamless link between ‘live’ damages and repairs and STREAM. This will allow airlines to provide third parties with real-time access to repair information on demand.”
AERDATA LAUNCHES ‘GEARS’ AIRCRAFT INSPECTION AND AUDIT SOFTWARE
MOVING to early March 2014, AerData announced the launch of GEARS, a new software tool, designed to standardize data collection for routine audits and inspections. GEARS (Global Electronic Asset Review System), is a digital tool that can control the quality, consistency and efficiency of data collection by utilizing standard procedures and guidelines. The assigned ‘inspector’ completes a series of pre-defined questions and at the end, based on the
answers, multiple reports can be generated and shared. Commenting on the announcement, Vincent van der Gulik, Director, Products and Services, AerData said; “GEARS was developed to address the problem of gathering data in a standardized way for routine audits and inspections. Lessors can deploy their standard audit template in GEARS for technical reps to complete and be sure that the data they collect is the right data, collected in a standardized format. For airlines, the principal is the same. When an airline has Quality Reviews to carry out, they too may utilize GEARS to efficiently manage the data collection and distribution.” He continued; “GEARS is designed to integrate across the AerData product platform, most notably CMS and STREAM. This means that customers who use one or both of these products realize the benefits of automated data transfer from GEARS to CMS as well as document linking from STREAM. This will improve the quality of data entry and reduce the costs and risks normally associated with manual data entry.” GEARS is offered as a stand-alone tool via AerData’s web browser-based Dashboard or integrated with CMS and STREAM if the customer is also subscribing to those AerData products. In addition, AerData can also offer GEARS through AerData Technical Services (ADTS) if customers wish to outsource audits and inspection work
MCAP CHOOSE AERDATA’S CMS AND STREAM SOFTWARE PACKAGES
STILL in early March 2014, AerData announced that MC Aviation Partners Inc. (MCAP), the commercial aircraft lessor, has chosen AerData’s CMS and STREAM software. CMS (Corporate Management System) is a lease and asset management solution used by the majority of the world’s aircraft, helicopter and engine leasing organizations. Commenting on the announcement, Mark Nieuwendijk, Managing Director of AerData said; “We are delighted to announce that MCAP has selected our services. In the process, MCAP will migrate from their legacy lease management platform to the CMS market standard. In addition, they become another major lessor to standardize its records management with STREAM.” Hiroshi Nakanishi, CEO of MCAP said; “We sought to substantially improve our operating model and key to this was the selection of an appropriate suite of dedicated aircraft leasing tools in CMS and STREAM.” He continued; “The functionality opportunities of both solutions, already proven within the industry and the experience of AerData in migrating data from other systems were the primary requirements for us. However, of equal importance was the partnership approach of AerData in this project.”
SMBC AVIATION CAPITAL CHOOSE AERDATA’S STREAM AND GEARS SOFTWARE
BY mid-March 2014, AerData was able to announce that SMBC Aviation Capital (SMBC AC), has licensed STREAM aircraft records software and GEARS asset review system. GEARS (Global Electronic Asset Review System), is a total asset review management tool designed with in-field experience and IT to ensure quality, consistency and efficiency in any asset review. Commenting on the announcement, Mark Nieuwendijk, Managing Director of AerData said; “We are delighted to announce that another major lessor has chosen STREAM for the management of its technical documents. It is also a pleasure to see that SMBC AC has chosen GEARS, a product it has been trialing since late last year. GEARS will deliver SMBC AC standardized data collection and reporting across its inspection and audit program in an efficient manner.” Diarmuid Healy, Head of Technical Asset Management, SMBC Aviation Capital
MAY/JUNE 2014 | AIRCRAFT IT MRO | NEWS | 9
said; “We are pleased to announce our new working relationship with AerData through the use of their STREAM and GEARS systems. These systems will help to streamline processes in our business and assist our ambitious growth plans over the coming years.”
WAYPOINT LEASING CHOOSE AERDATA’S CMS AND STREAM SOFTWARE PACKAGES
STILL in mid-March 2014, it was announced that Waypoint Leasing, a leading global helicopter leasing company, has chosen AerData to support its leasing and records management as it grows its customer base, takes delivery of new aircraft and expands its business. CMS (Corporate Management System) is a lease and asset management solution used by the majority of the world’s aircraft, helicopter and engine leasing organizations. Commenting on the announcement, Mark Nieuwendijk, Managing Director of AerData, said; “Waypoint is our ideal partner – it is a pioneer in the helicopter leasing industry, dedicated to forming long-term partnerships with operators and sees the value of our services. We are delighted they have chosen two of our core systems, CMS and STREAM, to support their ongoing operations and growth of their business.” David Gorsky, Vice President Operations and Technical, Waypoint Leasing, said, “As a large helicopter leasing company with customers and aircraft all around the world, we regularly invest in infrastructure systems that support
our activities and the continuing growth of our business. The powerful combination of both of AerData’s solutions, already proven with major lessors and airlines, met our rigorous requirements. We look forward to building our relationship with AerData and leveraging their expertise for the benefit of our customers.”
MINSHENG FINANCIAL LEASING CO. CHOOSE AERDATA’S CMS LEASE MANAGEMENT SOFTWARE
IN early April 2014, it was announced that Chinese based financial leasing company, Minsheng Financial Leasing Co., Ltd (MSFL) has chosen AerData’s CMS software. Commenting on the announcement, Paul van Tol, Managing Director of AerData said; “We are delighted to announce another new customer for CMS, this time from the rapidly expanding Chinese leasing industry. MSFL are already a well-established and recognized name in the Asian market and CMS will assist them expand their activities using an industry standard lease and asset management platform.” Zhang Bo, Vice President and Director of Aircraft Leasing Division, MSFL said; “We wanted a straightforward and reliable solution to manage our aircraft leases.” He continued; “AerData was a name recommended to us as the market leader in this area so it was a natural decision to assess the capabilities of CMS, AerData’s IT infrastructure and support. We look forward to growing our portfolio utilizing this solution.”
Flatirons Solutions Enters Into Exclusive Support Agreement with EMC for Docato REINFORCES EXPERTISE IN XML-BASED CONTENT LIFECYCLE MANAGEMENT SOLUTIONS
FLATIRONS Solutions announced in late February 2014 that it has entered into an exclusive agreement with EMC Corporation (EMC) to support and sell the EMC Docato Component Services solution. The agreement includes providing support for existing Docato customers as well as sales and support for new Docato licenses, reflecting Flatirons Solutions’ expertise in XML-based content lifecycle management solutions for aerospace, automotive, electronics, financial services, government, healthcare, and publishing industries. The Docato Component Services solution was part of EMC’s 2007 acquisition of Netherlands-based XHive, which included the XDB database and was integrated into EMC’s Information Intelligence Group (IIG). At that time, EMC notified XHive’s Docato customers that it would end of life the Docato system in 2014. Flatirons Solutions had previously licensed the Docato source code from EMC and uses the XDB/Docato stack in the structured content lifecycle management solutions it provides to its aviation and aerospace customers. “EMC IIG performed a considerable amount of due diligence and has selected Flatirons Solutions, a long-term EMC partner, to continue to support existing Docato licenses and to sell and support new licenses,” said Barry Ruditsky, vice president of OEM sales for EMC’s IIG. “Flatirons Solutions has helped many EMC IIG customers develop solutions for their organizations using Docato. This expertise and Flatirons Solutions’ active customer base using the XDB/Docato stack in production environments afford them a unique position to carry the technology forward.” “The agreement to support EMC’s current Docato customers and carry the Docato platform forward is a reflection of our continued partnership with EMC,” said JD Sillion, chief solutions officer for Flatirons Solutions. “Flatirons Solutions brings more than two decades of content lifecycle management experience to EMC’s Docato customers, a strong foundation upon which we will continue to support and evolve the platform to meet customers’ unique business requirements.” CLICK HERE FOR FULL SOFTWARE DETAILS AND FOR A DEMO
10 | NEWS | AIRCRAFT IT MRO | MAY/JUNE 2014
CLICK HERE FOR FULL SOFTWARE DETAILS AND FOR A DEMO
Ramco extends its technology, solutions and market reach MODERN LOGISTICS TAKES OFF WITH RAMCO AVIATION SERIES 5.6
RAMCO Systems announced Modern Logistics, one of Brazil’s first ‘end-to-end’ logistics supply chain companies, as its first Aviation on Cloud customer in Brazil. The win, announced in mid-February 2014, also marks Ramco’s entry into the Air Cargo segment. Under the agreement, Modern Logistics will implement Ramco’s full suite Maintenance & Engineering solution, comprising of Engineering & Programs, Materials Management, Maintenance, Compliance & Quality, Flight Operations, along with HCM and Finance & Accounting. Mr. Amir Nasruddin, VP – Operations, Modern Logistics, said, “We needed a proven, best-of-breed solution that already has state-of-the-art workflows and processes which will ensure rigorous regulatory compliance, safety and operational efficiency in the management of the continued airworthiness of our aircraft fleet. Ramco’s solution fully complies with this demanding requirement and in addition provides the advanced technology architecture that can adjust to changing business needs. We are extremely pleased to partner with Ramco Systems and are very confident that the Ramco solution will be continuously enhanced to meet our future business requirements.” Commenting on the new win, Mr. Virender Aggarwal, CEO, Ramco Systems, added, “Modern Logistics will be leveraging Ramco’s solution to give it a competitive edge to improve the efficiency of the supply chain, adopt technology solutions to align with its business needs, support paperless processes and drive growth and operational efficiencies. This win opens up a new market segment in Air Cargo. With our end-to-end Maintenance and MRO software, we hope to effectively address this niche segment and its unique business needs.” Built for the Aviation sector, the Ramco Aviation Suite caters to airlines, rotor wing operators as well as third party MROs. The solution helps Aviation businesses to bring in best practices into all engineering and maintenance operations, and reduce overhead costs. Modern Logistics will begin operations with 737- 400 Special Freighter airplanes to launch the air solution of its integrated distribution platform. As part of its supplychain, the company will roll-out a network of logistics centers that will focus on supplying Brazilian businesses with a one-stop-shop distribution solution. Launch is scheduled for the end of the first half of 2014.
COLUMBIA HELICOPTERS GOES LIVE ON RAMCO AVIATION SUITE
RAMCO Systems has announced the successful go-live of Ramco Aviation version 5.6, at Columbia Helicopters Inc. (CHI), the world leader in commercial heavy-lift helicopter operations. CHI is a long-established customer of Ramco Aviation who has been using the series 3 for more than a decade. With this upgrade announced in late February 2014, CHI is on the latest and state-of-the-art version of Ramco Solution v5.6. CHI is now using the fully integrated suite of Ramco Aviation including Finance and 3rd party MRO, Offline Maintenance System, Time & Attendance and Advanced Reporting. Ramco’s Offline Field Maintenance System (OFMS) has unique features that stand apart from traditional offline systems as it allows the system to be operated completely on a disconnected mode for as long as the situation warrants without compromising on the visibility of the records and data from the central location (head office). This feature has helped CHI ensure that records are not locked for the central control when the aircraft is offline. CHI now uses OFMS to record maintenance operations and track inventory from remote locations such as Papua New Guinea and the Amazon jungles of Peru among others. Commenting on the Go-live, Mr. Stan Wilson, President of Columbia Helicopters Inc., said “Having been on Ramco Aviation 3.X series, we were confident of the product capabilities and the support from the team. As our business needs grew, we decided to upgrade to the latest version. The implementation went on smoothly as the teams from Ramco and CHI worked as a single unit. We at CHI appreciate the strong domain knowledge and professionalism and partnership approach that Ramco’s team continues to show in working with CHI.” Mr. Virender Aggarwal, CEO, Ramco Systems, said “We have a decade-old association with CHI and are proud to have partnered with them in their growth journey. With this go-live, we have further reinforced our strength and capability to address the unique needs of the Aviation sector with a powerful web-based offering that brings mobility, usability and functionality into one integrated offering. With a unique Offline Field Maintenance system and a Kiosk based Time & Attendance tracking system, CHI now has a potent technology platform to address all its current and near future business needs.”
TURBOMECA SIGNS MOU WITH RAMCO SYSTEMS
DURING the February 2014 Heli Expo 2014, Ramco Systems announced signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Turbomeca to develop compatibility solutions between Turbomeca’s BOOST and
MAY/JUNE 2014 | AIRCRAFT IT MRO | NEWS | 11
Ramco’s M & E / MRO solution. The partnership aims at developing an interface to integrate both the solutions to help customers, Engine Service Centres and Heli-operators benefit from seamless data transfer. BOOST is Turbomeca’s future range of advanced engine and maintenance management services. With this unique, highly secure web-based application, customers will be able to electronically share data with Turbomeca, and facilitate operations and airworthiness tasks and limit human factors through its specific online features. Thanks to the electronic engine logbook integrated with the web-Interactive Electronic Technical Publication (IETP), customers will discover an innovative and fully reliable tool for managing engine configuration, which is the key for continuous airworthiness management. Speaking on the partnership, Mr. Virender Aggarwal, CEO, Ramco Systems, said “We have been strengthening our footprint to address the aviation software needs of heli-operators. Last year, we entered into a strategic partnership with Airbus Helicopters to offer a cloud based solution to reach small and mid-sized operators. Our engagement with Turbomeca on the other hand, will strengthen our position to address the Engine MRO Services segment. Ramco and Turbomeca can provide a proven, end-to-end MRO Solution with prebuilt Engine OEM data to customers. This helps customers maintain accurate, quality data in the system and reduce time cycle for system implementation.”
RAMCO AVIATION ON CLOUD ANNOUNCES THREE NEW OFFERINGS FOR THE HELI OPERATOR SEGMENT
ALSO at Heli Expo 2014, Ramco Systems announced the launch of three new features to enhance its offering for the heli-operator segment.
RAMCO MOBILITY SOLUTION
RAMCO’S Mobility Solution for Heli Mechanics simplifies log book entry and hence increases productivity. Mechanics will now be able to record all maintenance related data using the iPad App from Ramco. Supervisors / managers on the other hand can review work progress and manage their Bases efficiently. The solution is available across both iOS and Android devices.
RAMCO EFB
RAMCO’S Electronic Flight Bag (EFB) is now available on tablets. This brings about the paperless cockpit as it supports documentation, manuals and references, flight planning (with charts), weight & balance calculations, passenger manifest and flight billing. The EFB is fully integrated with the maintenance side of Ramco hence enabling seamless flow of due list, open discrepancies (MEL) and pushing the hours/cycles and other meters recorded during flight, the open pre-built integration interfaces will enable easy integration to M&E systems
RAMCO FLIGHT CONTRACT AND INVOICE
RAMCO’S Flight Contract and Invoice module enables the capturing of flight contracts including key billing information. This includes the ability to define rates for flying including slab rates, aircraft availability, crew time, travel, incidentals and more. This is fully integrated with the EFB, Journey Logs and Maintenance side within Ramco. Hence the billing for a flight is only a few clicks away. The key contractual data are created and maintained centrally, electronically. When the flight happens, the system knows the contract the aircraft is mapped to and generates the billing information as a flight sheet. This can be reviewed and sent for billing directly. The supporting documentation with flight details can be sent to the Customer of the Operator, significantly reducing the time to bill, increasing visibility across the board for receivables and improving cash flow. Mr. Virender Aggarwal, CEO, Ramco Systems Limited, said, “Having launched a full-suite M&E and Aviation MRO software on the Cloud, our focus is towards adding specific features addressing the unique pain points of the Aviation industry. The three new features are aimed at enabling the end user to improve his/her performance. Aviation is a highly complex industry and our aim is to offer solutions that can simplify the user experience and help the user perform the task, better. As one of the leading providers of M&E software for the rotor segment, we hope to set a new benchmark in Aviation IT.”
Air Seychelles go live with Envision
RUSADA announced in mid-April 2014 that Air Seychelles are now live with Envision. Technical and stores data was migrated to Envision and stock value reconciled allowing the company to benefit from changes to their existing processes. Prior to Envision, parts requisitioning had been hand written by the shop floor; then typed in by stores staff. With electronic requisitioning and automated pick lists, engineers find the parts waiting for them… not them waiting for parts. Envision enhances efficiency: eliminating manual processes, e-mail and telephone conversations to track lifecycle information. Further efficiencies were bought about by: Delivery of 3-way matching – dramatically improving purchase invoice payment times; Release and delivery document scanning and attachment to parts records; Component shops now integrated into the system for the management of work and production of certification; Traditional workpack creation cut from an average of 4 hours to less than 10 minutes; Integrated technical library functionality eliminating external database; Integrated delay recording and tracking – eliminating external system. Despite the project timeline suffering a setback beyond the control of Rusada or Air Seychelles, the full implementation was successfully completed within 11 months.
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12 | NEWS | AIRCRAFT IT MRO | MAY/JUNE 2014
Swiss-AS with AMOS wins two low-cost carriers’ MRO IT contracts
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CEBU PACIFIC TAKES OFF WITH AMOS
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THE Swiss-AS’ business year 2013 ended on a positive note with Cebu Pacific signing for AMOS, as announced in mid-February 2014. Cebu Pacific has selected AMOS to implement a proven tool that supports the maintenance management activities of their Technical department. The fact that AMOS is trusted by almost 130 customers and Swiss-AS has been represented in the Asia-Pacific region since April 2013 convinced Cebu Pacific to enter into a long term contract with Swiss-AS. “AMOS will support Cebu Pacific to streamline their maintenance related processes and offer the prerequisites for informed business decisions which will finally result in an efficient management of the maintenance costs,” says Ronald Schaeuffele, CEO of Swiss-AS. A swift implementation envisaged Cebu Pacific was the second airline from Asia to sign for AMOS in 2013, marking a big success for the AsiaPacific AMOS office. The implementation will mainly be steered and performed by the Singapore-based AMOS team. Initially, only the ATR fleet will be managed with AMOS since the maintenance requirements of the other aircraft-types of Cebu are currently handled by full technical management contracts. The strategy is to roll out AMOS at the Philippine LCC (low-cost carrier) in about six months engaging the customer in a very lean ‘as-is’ implementation, allowing for a quick return on investment (ROI). In addition to the Swiss-AS’ standard services provided during and after the project, Cebu Pacific has opted for the AMOS Operations Service (AOS) to obtain special support to source out the database and application management. “We are delighted to have selected Swiss-AS and the
AMOS product to deliver full Fleet Technical Management capability on our ATR fleet. The ATR fleet plays a vital role in our domestic network here in the Philippines and we are looking forward to the benefits that a world class product such as AMOS will deliver the organisation,” said Ian Wolfe, Senior Adviser, Engineering and Fleet Management, Cebu Pacific. “Combined with an aggressive implementation plan and a dedicated project team from both Swiss-AS and Cebu Pacific, the knowledge and experience that the Cebu Pacific team will gain, will lead us further to our vision of adopting world-class engineering services and process management. Partnering with Swiss-AS and using the AMOS tool represent a significant step in that journey.”
DOBROLET TAKES OFF WITH AMOS
SWISS-AS was pleased to announce in late February 2014 that Aeroflot`s newly established low-cost airline Dobrolet has selected AMOS as their major MRO software. The LCC will receive its first aircraft (B737-800) in April 2014 with first flights in May or June 2014. Dobrolet has strong growth plans for the next five years
MAY/JUNE 2014 | AIRCRAFT IT MRO | NEWS | 13
Volartec gets set for the future on all fronts ALKYM SELECTED BY VECA AIRLINES DURING START UP IN EL SALVADOR
IN April 2014, Volartec welcomed VECA Airlines as the first operator based in El Salvador to use Volartec solutions. Several months previous, during the startup process, VECA Airlines selected Alkym as the system to manage all of their technical operations. VECA Airlines has now completed the implementation Alkym® Management and Control System for Aircraft Maintenance. The prompt selection of a system allowed VECA to ensure the aircraft were imported directly into the system as they arrived into the fleet. It meant that the aircraft were under full control of Alkym from the earliest opportunity. Director of System and Infrastructure with VECA Airlines, José Giannattei announced the news stating that; “VECA Airlines analyzed the all the main control systems market. Alkym came with such strong references from current operators similar to us in addition to an excellent cost / benefit balance. As we have already finished with the implementation project, we can conclude that the professional technical level Volartec staff delivered exceeded our already high expectations.” Manuel Roche, Commercial Manager with Volartec, greeted the announcement with; “The selection of Alkym by VECA Airlines confirms that Alkym has continued to progress in the right direction. We competed with many vendors of alternative solutions and proved once again we have the balance of functionality and price where the industry needs us to be. Startup and expanding airlines understand they need the best technology to manage their assets but expect access to this at realistic pricing levels. This we deliver time after time.”
WORK SHOP MODULE ADDED TO ALKYM® (BY VOLARTEC)
WITH the release of Alkym Version 5.5, announced in early April 2014, Volartec have once more increased the modules available to choose from with the addition of the new Work Shop Module. As a completely integrated solution each customer can pick and choose which
modules best suit their needs. The main highlights of the new Workshop module include: • Quotations Management; • Invoice Management; • Customizable Workshop Tasks Structure (Work Scopes); • Labor Cost / Charge Management Recording; • Time Attendance Control; • Work Scope / Work Order Management; • Work Progress Dashboard. John Barry, SVP Business Development with Volartec made the announcement stating that, “the Alkym roadmap is based on customer feedback and the market trends. We listen to what the industry is saying reacting to it with a solution to address those needs. As we have proved over the past decade if you have a solution that gives operators what they need and can afford, success will follow. The feedback that we received highlighted a cost effective solution like ours was missing from the Workshop market. Ours can be used by airlines with their own internal workshops integrated to the rest of Alkym. Alternatively it is available to independent workshops seeking high end technical solutions to increase productivity and control.”
NEW HEAD OF SALES AND MARKETING
VOLARTEC recently restructured the Sales and Marketing activities within the company to ensure the continued success of the past decade. The new Head of Sales and Marketing for Volartec has been announced in early April 2014 as Mr. John Barry who has been with the company for four years. Mr Barry is located in the Shannon office and will continue to lead his global department from Ireland. The appointment comes at the end of an organizational development process lead by external consultants engaged by the Volartec Board. Christian Maggio, CEO with Volartec made the formal appointment last month and recently announced the change stating; ”We have been very lucky to have experienced strong growth over the past four to five years reaching the 50 customer mark last year. It became clear to us we needed to bolster the Sales and Marketing area to cater for further expansion. To have someone like John to lead this team gives us the best chance for success. His experience and proven track record were key to his selection. Joining the Executive Team / Board he brings fresh ideas but having worked with us for four years also understands our company”
CLICK HERE FOR FULL SOFTWARE DETAILS AND FOR A DEMO
14 | NEWS | AIRCRAFT IT MRO | MAY/JUNE 2014
Mxi Technologies strengthens its board, develops its products and gains new customers MXI TECHNOLOGIES ANNOUNCES APPOINTMENT OF JON SLANGERUP TO BOARD OF DIRECTORS
MXI® Technologies announced the appointment of Jon Slangerup to the company’s Board of Directors towards the end of March 2014. A seniorlevel executive with experience bridging both aviation and technology, Mr. Slangerup joins the board having previously held the position of President of FedEx Canada among other C-level postings within leading technology companies. Mr. Slangerup is an Executive Advisor to Moelis Capital Partners and for the past 20 years has served as a president, CEO and/or director of both public and private companies. With domain expertise in aviation, logistics and energy, Mr. Slangerup has built global businesses ranging from technology startups to a billion-dollar subsidiary of FedEx Corporation. His career began in military and commercial aviation, leading to a distinguished 20-year career with FedEx. Since FedEx, Mr. Slangerup has served as a CEO, director and/or investor of companies focused on bringing advanced energy and environmental technologies to market. In addition to his appointment to the Board of Mxi Technologies, Mr. Slangerup serves as Chairman of AgraSystems International and as a Trustee of his alma mater, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, where he graduated with honors in Aeronautics. Mr. Slangerup also holds an MBA from Kennedy-Western University. “Jon’s vast industry experience and passion for aviation will undoubtedly serve as a major asset to the Board by offering strategic advice that is both innovative and current across the commercial and military markets,” says Dave Seibel, Chairman and CEO, Mxi Technologies. “We are very pleased that he has accepted this appointment and welcome him to the Board.”
MXI TECHNOLOGIES ANNOUNCES NEW MAINTENIX MRO EDITION
THEN, in early April 2014, Mxi® Technologies announced the market availability of Maintenix® MRO Edition, a purpose-built product designed to support the delivery of service excellence for MRO Service Providers. Maintenix MRO Edition has been specifically designed to underpin the key business drivers of MRO service providers, supporting the ability to: • Confidently meet and manage turnaround time (TAT) commitments with incomparable visibility into project status, identification of potential impacts to the critical path, and in-process access provided to all project stakeholders. • Effectively bid, quote, and execute to the terms and conditions of customer contracts, eliminating work-at-risk through automated notification of contract exceedences and real-time client approval processes. • Deliver unparalleled production planning and control to eliminate nonproductive activities by incorporating automation into the process with electronic data capture and point-and-click work packaging. • Accurately oversee parts demand, fulfillment, inventory and warehouse management, purchasing, component repair, and warranty tracking through full supply-chain functionality. • Drive refinement into ongoing operations through a continuous feedback loop which integrates past-project performance into future-quoted work and key performance indicator (KPI) thresholds. Featuring comprehensive functionality, advanced architecture, and a bestpractice approach aligned with lean maintenance business processes, this latest offering from Mxi Technologies seamlessly scales to meet the maintenance
management requirements of organizations of all sizes and functional capabilities. Also announced at the same time wasthe news that Flightstar Aircraft Services, one of North America’s fastest growing MRO Service Providers at 1.8 million man-hours a year, has selected Mxi’s Maintenix MRO Edition to support heavy maintenance planning and resource management at their expanding Jacksonville, FL facilities. “Operators selecting the right MRO service partner value quality and consistency above all else,” says Jeff Cass, Chief Technology Officer, Mxi Technologies. “Mxi has created the Maintenix MRO Edition to reinforce these competitive differentiators and help our MRO customers deliver on their promise of service excellence.”
FLIGHTSTAR AIRCRAFT SERVICES SELECTS MXI TECHNOLOGIES’ NEW MAINTENIX MRO EDITION FOR
FLIGHTSTAR Aircraft Services (Flightstar), a leading US-based MRO services provider, has selected the newly launched Maintenix® MRO Edition as its software platform of choice for managing the visit planning and resourcing functions at its 360,000 square foot Florida facility (see above for details). “As one of the fast growing MRO service providers in North America, we have never lost sight of what sets us apart in the market; unrivaled maintenance expertise and unparalleled customer service” says Tucker Morrison, Chief Operating Officer, Flightstar. “The in-visit visibility afforded by the Maintenix MRO Edition software, coupled with sophisticated process automation, provides us with even greater control over our committed deliverables ensuring that we continue to exceed customer expectations.” In identifying the right solution to support their growing operations, Flightstar required a system that could easily scale with their business while significantly reducing the time spent on non-core activities. With functions encompassing resource, slot, and production planning, Maintenix MRO Edition extends the accessibility of visit information to all stakeholders — including customers, assigned maintenance personnel, and management — and supports greater visibility into visit progress to enhance internal and external communications. Flightstar counts a number of national and international industry leaders among its blue-chip client list, including Delta, FedEx, and Southwest Airlines with whom they have worked to build long-term relationships founded on safety, reliability and continuous improvement. “Mxi has created a differentiated product that supports MRO service providers in maintaining a customer-centric focus and Flightstar is the perfect complement to this vision,” says Dave Seibel, Chairman and CEO, Mxi Technologies. “With maintenance outsourcing shifting to place a higher value on quality and consistency, the business benefits afforded by the Maintenix MRO Edition is enabling our customers to more confidently and profitably compete on a local and global scale.”
SAAB AND MXI TECHNOLOGIES SIGN TEAMING AGREEMENT FOR MILITARY FLEET MANAGEMENT
AT the April 10 2014 Defence Collaboration & Logistics Conference in Amsterdam, Saab, acting through its Business Area Support and Services, was pleased to announce the signing of a Teaming Agreement with Mxi® Technologies in the provision of Military Fleet Management to armed forces worldwide. This cooperation combines Saab´s experience in integrated technical and logistic support solutions for complex systems and Mxi Technologies state-of-the-art Maintenix software, to deliver a comprehensive Fleet Management offering.
When weighing the Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) for military systems, Saab´s support solutions deliver unparalleled customer value by optimizing system availability (in design) and in-service support investments from a life-cycle perspective. A key enabler is an integrated approach to information management to continuously update ‘As Designed’, ‘As Delivered’ and ‘As Maintained’ system configuration based on operational experience. Maintenix software enables Saab to secure the integrity of As Maintained in-service systems and feedback findings to influence design changes and new delivery configurations. Maintenix advanced configuration management supports planning, production and maintenance reporting (including airworthiness management) which combined with Saab operational experience, facilities and personnel, enables the delivery of turnkey Fleet Management solutions. “Teaming with Mxi Technologies is an important step for Saab in securing access to best-of-breed tools which support delivery of innovative support solutions to meet current and future customer requirements. A state-of-the-art Fleet Management capability for Air, Land and Naval domains is an essential part of Saab´s support solution portfolio,” says Lena Bergvin-Lundqvist, Vice President and Head of Business Unit Life Cycle Logistics at Saab. “Mxi is proud to be teaming with a world-class organization like Saab as they continue to enrich their support solution portfolio of offerings. Our collective commitment to help shape the future state of military fleet management creates great value for our customers and the market at large,” says Dave Seibel, Chairman and CEO, Mxi Technologies.
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16 | NEWS | AIRCRAFT IT MRO | MAY/JUNE 2014
manage/m: Customer Work Instruction available in Spring
CLICK HERE FOR FULL SOFTWARE DETAILS AND FOR A DEMO
Digital Aircraft Technical Records
FROM THIS…
Who’s in the news: Vendors 2MoRO SOLUTIONS
2MoRO Solutions is an Aerospace software development company operating in over 17 countries and across multiple Airlines or Operators with their own MRO center. The firm is also a SAP® Partner for Airlines, Aircraft Operators, MRO centers and OEMs.
ADSOFTWARE
ADSoftware is an IT company specializing in solutions dedicated to the aviation industry, with 53 clients worldwide. ADSoftware products are Microsoft Windows® ready, web-enabled, and multilingual. The company provides 24/7 online technical support.
ADT AND WINGS SOFTWARE
ADT (Applied Database Tech) specializes in maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) software solutions for more than 50 organizations, and growing, which operate or maintain aircraft. WINGS is a web-based MRO software solution.
AERDATA
AerData B.V. provides lease management software, CMS, engine fleet planning software EFPAC, records scanning software STREAM, fleet and valuations data ATLAS and technical and backoffice services for aircraft and engine operators, lessors and MROs.
…TO THIS.
AV-BASE SYSTEMS INC.
AS of April 2014, a new function within the manage/m® Technical Operations WebSuite will offer customers the ability to generate their own individual Customer Work Instructions (CWI), while Lufthansa Technik’s MRO IT automatically monitors and schedules the specific maintenance action. The manage/m® module ‘m/jobcard’ creates job and task cards for scheduled and non-scheduled maintenance events specific to an individual aircraft and its configuration. A new function within m/jobcard allows customers to generate individually required job cards (Customer Work Instructions) themselves fast and easily with only a few clicks. This becomes important when a customer has specific needs, which are not handled by or included in his contract with Lufthansa Technik and which therefore have to be performed by a third party provider. Instead of adding a word document to the work packages generated by m/jobcard, customers can use the newly created Customer Work Instruction (CWI), which has been integrated in the application m/jobcard. Here, customers can generate their own work instructions according to aviation authority requirements. The usage is kept as simple and intuitive as possible, since the template looks exactly like a finished job card. This way the customer already has a vision of the final layout when typing in his information. When filling in the form, all required fields are marked while an auto completion and correction function makes sure all entered data are correct. In addition, customers can transfer the data to the manage/m® scheduling tool, which is responsible for calculating, monitoring and tracking due times of maintenance events. Thereby, the newly entered data of the customer event is automatically taken into account, informing the customer when his required task has to be performed. Thus, the new Customer Work Instruction is a valuable asset as it enables customers to act independently from the engineering provider, to follow their own tasks within the system, and inform third parties to handle these tasks in time.
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AV-BASE Systems, Inc. develops and supports WinAir structurally integrated maintenance and inventory control software system. WinAir’s scope and capability benefit from frequent improvements and new features in response to feedback from customers.
AviIT
AviIT provides the aviation sector with a range of software solutions to specific issues based on the latest thin client, web based and mobile software technologies.
THE BOEING EDGE
Boeing offers a portfolio of commercial aviation services, collectively known as the Boeing Edge, delivered by Boeing Digital Aviation. Boeing provides a competitive edge by creating intelligent information solutions across the aviation ecosystem.
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-today help desk and maintenance support.
DAC INTERNATIONAL
DAC International offers a range of avionics upgrade solutions for regional and major airlines, military and general and corporate aircraft and MROs and OEMs worldwide.
EMC CORPORATION
EMC accelerates the journey to cloud computing, helping IT departments to store, manage, protect and analyze their most valuable asset — information — in a more agile, trusted and cost-efficient way.
FLATIRONS SOLUTIONS
Flatirons Solutions, Inc. provides information management consulting services and solutions. Its TechSight/X suite of products dedicated to the aerospace community is used by many of the world’s largest original equipment manufacturers and airline operators.
MAY/JUNE 2014 | AIRCRAFT IT MRO | NEWS | 17
GREENWICH AEROGROUP
Greenwich AeroGroup, Inc., owns and operates providers of general, commercial, government and military aviation services.
IFRSKEYES
IFRSKEYES, an AIRBUS company, is a full-service IT provider specialized in aviation software managing aircraft maintenance and flight operations with more than 80 customers worldwide.
Who’s in the news: Airlines, Operators, OEMs and MROs AEROLYS
DOBROLET
Aeroflot’s low-cost carrier Dobrolet will operate Boeing 737-800NG jets featuring a single-class layout.
ENGINEERING - THE AVIATION MAINTENANCE HOLDING
Engineering Holding is the largest independent MRO provider in Russia and the CIS delivering maintenance services for the Western and Russian-built aircraft.
LUFTHANSA TECHNIK
French CAMO (Continuing Airworthiness Management Organisation).
Mxi TECHNOLOGIES
Air Canada is Canada’s largest domestic and international airline serving more than 180 destinations on five continents including 60 Canadian cities, 49 destinations in the United States and 72 cities across the world.
Flightstar is a leading provider of heavy maintenance and repair services to the commercial aviation industry for heavy maintenance and Passenger-to-Freighter conversions.
AIR ET COMPAGNIE
INFLITE, services include modifications, avionic and cabin upgrades, conversions, line and heavy maintenance, AOG support and storage programs on Bae 146/RJ, Bae ATP, B737 Classic series and the Embraer 135-146.
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. Mxi Technologies provides software, support, and services for aviation maintenance to commercial airlines, MROs, OEM aftermarket service providers, and defense operators.
RAMCO SYSTEMS
Ramco Systems provides enterprise solutions built on the firm’s proprietary platform—Ramco VirtualWorks®. All products are cloud architected by design and address the entire business cycle from transaction to analytics.
RUSADA
Rusada is a provider of MRO, CAMO and Operational software to the aviation industry with a global presence in all aviation markets from civil to military, corporate to cargo and is appreciated by clients for fast implementation strategies and flexibility of solutions.
SWISS AVIATIONSOFTWARE AND AMOS
Swiss-AS boasts more almost 120 customers worldwide. AMOS is a comprehensive, fully-integrated software package that manages the maintenance, engineering and logistics requirements of modern airlines and MRO providers.
VOLARTEC
Specialized in the development and implementation of world class software systems Volartec has more than 10 years of experience in the aviation industry with a successful combination of professionalism and experience.
AIR CANADA
Air et Compagnie, an aircraft and helicopter flying school founded in France in 2004.
AIR KBZ
Air Kbz is a privately owned domestic Burmese airline based in Yangon. The airline operates four ATR 72-500 and two ATR 72-600 aircraft serving 15 destinations.
CEBU PACIFIC
Cebu Air Inc. is the largest air transport carrier in the Philippines, offering low-cost services to more destinations and routes with higher flight frequency within the Philippines than any other airline.
COLUMBIA HELICOPTERS
FLIGHTSTAR
INFLITE THE JET CENTRE LTD
MONARCH AIRCRAFT ENGINEERING LIMITED
Monarch Aircraft Engineering Ltd (MAEL) is a division of The Monarch Group, a leading UK-based travel Group which also comprises Monarch Airlines and tour operators.
SAAB
Saab serves the global market with products, services and solutions ranging from military defense to civil security and has operations and employees on all continents.
SMBC
SMBC Aviation Capital is the world’s third largest aircraft lessor, with a modern fleet of over 340 owned and managed aircraft, valued at more than $10bnand with 92 airline customers.
SOFT AVIATION
JETGO AUSTRALIA
Soft Aviation is a German company with decades of experience in software development and network infrastructure & security, providing IT solutions for the aviation sector.
LAO AIRLINES
Turbomeca is a French manufacturer of low- and medium-power gas turbine turboshaft engines for helicopters. The company also produces gas turbine engines for aircraft and missiles, as well as turbines for land, industrial and marine applications.
JetGo Australia is a new provider of Air Charter & Fly In Fly Out services for Australian Industry, providing solutions for the unique conditions prevalent in the Australian market. Lao Airlines is the national air carrier of Laos. The company operates domestic and international flights to 20 destinations with a fleet of 13 aircraft (Airbus A320, ATR-72 and Xian MA60 models).
MCAP
Columbia Helicopters is the only operator of the commercial models of the CH-47 Chinook and CH-46 Sea Knight helicopters for lifting services to industries such as forestry, construction, petroleum exploration, government support, disaster relief and fire-fighting.
MC Aviation Partners (MCAP) group is the aircraft leasing and trading arm of Mitsubishi Corporation with over 100 owned and managed aircraft in the portfolio.
CROATIA AIRLINES
Minsheng Financial Leasing Co., Ltd. (MSFL) was one of the first five Chinese financial leasing companies with a banking background to be approved by the China Banking Regulatory Commission (CBRC).
Croatia Airlines is the Croatian flag carrier with a modern fleet comprising 12 aircraft: two A320, four A319 and six Dash 8-Q400.
MODERN LOGISTICS
Modern Logistics will begin operations for the end of the first half of 2014 with 737- 400 Special Freighter airplanes to launch the air solution of its integrated distribution platform.
MINSHENG FINACIAL LEASING
TURBOMECA
WAYPOINT LEASING
Waypoint Leasing is a global helicopter leasing company providing operating lease and financing solutions to helicopter operators worldwide in a range of sectors including oil and gas, emergency medical service, search and rescue, firefighting and governmental support.
VECA AIRLINES
VECA Airlines is a low cost operator in El Salvador. Its main base is El Salvador International Airport, operating regional aircraft Airbus A319.
CLICK HERE FOR FULL SOFTWARE DETAILS AND FOR A DEMO
18 | CASE STUDY: RAMCO | AIRCRAFT IT MRO | MAY/JUNE 2014
T
Facing up to the IT challenge of offshore helicopter operations It was important, says Brian P. McDonald Director Asian Aviation Services (AAR); Management Consultant, SFS Aviation Co., Ltd., to select an MRO solution that could address all of the business’s needs.
HAI HELICOPTER BUSINESS, SFS Aviation, founded in 1990, now employs 150 staff, including 48 pilots, 52 engineers and 50 in support and administration. And we use the latest generation aircraft to operate in support of offshore oil and gas customers’ installations. The fleet comprises four AW139 Helicopters, three S-76C+ Helicopters and two BK117. Corporately, the business is part of a $350 million group with interests in fuel, lubricants, chemicals, real estate, marine logistics and Aviation. In short, SFS Aviation has strong ownership which, in turn, supports a company commitment to quality and safety. That quality and safety focus is evidenced from the fact that we work to highly developed quality and safety manuals and systems that are compliant with EASA standards and we utilize a safety management system (SMS) philosophy. SFS Aviation also utilizes QSMS (quality safety management system) right across the management of business in line with the company’s commitment to best practice in aviation across the board. All aspects of the business are managed and operated by a process model using an integrated ERP system which achieves our objectives by installing controls and barriers to manage human error. SFS Aviation, in line with offshore helicopter operators worldwide, is embracing SMS and process driven management tools. We are also looking to the airline lesson wherein all aspects of a flight are carried out in the same manner with checklists, a process, a stabilized approach, clearly defined criteria and parameters for all personnel to follow. Some examples of this include… • Restricting the issue of purchase orders to ‘approved vendors’ only – a QMS (quality management system) requirement. • Setting minimum/maximum inventory levels with an automatic purchase order being issued when stock levels on certain items reach minimum agreed levels. • An alert notification when critical components or maintenance checks are approaching, with thresholds set at company determined levels based on current utilization, etc. • Assistance in the management of training schedules and personnel rosters through integration with the HR module, i.e. alerts are triggered when CRMSimulator slots are becoming due. • Analysis of data through input of information such as HUMS (health and usage monitoring system), HOMP (helicopter operations monitoring program) and flight data information allows management to track performance and reliability of aircraft, personnel, parts etc. We also work to a number of general standards and deploy systems and equipment applicable to the type of operations in which we are engaged. • Minimum OGP (oil & gas producers) standards. • Aircraft meet the latest FAR (Federal Aviation
MAY/JUNE 2014 | AIRCRAFT IT MRO | CASE STUDY: RAMCO | 19
“All aspects of the business are managed and operated by a process model using an integrated ERP system which achieves our objectives by installing controls and barriers to manage human error.” Regulations) with enhanced handling, and glass cockpit avionics and displays. • Our pilots are subject to full flight simulator training and have access to cockpit resource management. • QA (quality assurance) and SMS systems are applicable throughout operations. • We use an aircraft and engine HUMS. • HOMP, FOQA (flight operations quality assurance) and FDM (flight data monitoring) all offer full downloads and analysis. • We operate aircraft with Performance Class 1/2e having the full ability to climb with full payload from a Heli-Deck in the event of one engine failure. • We also deploy EGPWS (enhanced ground proximity warning system) and TCAS (traffic alert and collision avoidance system).
CRITICAL IT CHALLENGES
Helicopter operators face a number of critical IT challenges some of which are specific to the sector while others would be recognized across aviation operations and MRO. Because of the nature of our work as well
as the environments and locations in which we have to operate, we need to consider staying connected during remote operations. Like all operators and modern businesses, we also need to weed out data silos across the organization and to manage seamless integration with multiple systems. Our MRO functions and backbone functions (finance, HR, procurement…) have to work together and we need to work to reduce resource training duration. So how do we plan to address and tackle these critical IT challenges?
THE SOLUTIONS THAT WE HAVE IMPLEMENTED
To stay connected while remotely operating we use an offline field maintenance solution (OFMS). We also promote simplicity of operation and reduced resource training duration using role-based WorkSpaces (see figure 1). To ensure global parts visibility and to achieve seamless integration with other systems, we employ real-time stock visibility (see figure 2) globally (see figure 3). We also share data across the organization using RSPRINT+, a seamless implementation methodology, while MRO functions and backbone functions such as finance, HR and procurement work together through one system that connects them all: an aviation solution capable of replacing existing multiple systems.
With Workspaces, one screen does it all. There is a parallel in everyday life: we all like to arrange our favorite phone apps on one screen for easy access. WorkSpaces offers the same convenience with software features. User interfaces are only provided with necessary information based on a context determined by the user’s role and function; but, as with simply scrolling your phone screen to access further apps, the rest of the information in WorkSpaces is only a click away. So an aircraft technician will be able to CLICK HERE FOR FULL SOFTWARE DETAILS AND FOR A DEMO
20 | CASE STUDY: RAMCO | AIRCRAFT IT MRO | MAY/JUNE 2014
“Helicopter operators face a number of critical IT challenges some of which are specific to the sector while others would be recognized across aviation operations and MRO.” RAMCO
run through his job card for the day, his licenses, training calendar, etc. all on one single screen, while his manager can view all the approvals, also on a single screen. This concept of ‘cutting through the clutter’ has huge potential in cutting resource training time from a few weeks to just a few days.
In the example illustrated in figure 3, the pins in red indicate places with low stock level of a particular part while green shows places where the parts are available and ready for dispatch. Blue shows that the parts will be ready in the next 24 hours and are in the last day of the refurbishment process.
FLEXIBILITY AND MOBILITY
Our IT solution supports both Apple and Android devices and helps us manage and supervise operations anywhere at any time which is especially useful during remote operations in the middle of the ocean. Having more WorkSpaces on tablets means that users at the right authority level can remove or authorize MRO operations anywhere anytime. Also the risk component of any delays through miscommunication or pre-agreed upon matters is weeded out.
A SOLUTION MATCHED TO OUR NEEDS
The solution we chose answers all of our critical IT challenges and several others at a click of a button. It’s also easy to check stock levels, overhaul status etc.
There was an entire gamut of solutions available from which we have tailor-made our system by selecting relevant modules for immediate use while retaining the option to add more should the need arise in the future. This is the solution that addresses the last of the critical IT challenges we discussed earlier, seamless integration with existing systems and key functions such as HR, procurement etc. The aviation solution we chose is also able to take over our entire business and offer an end to end business solution, including human capital management, and finance and accounting. The term ‘remote operations’ has always suggested several unmanageable variables for our projects and operations. I see these three (connectivity, global visibility, and training and usage) as the key IT challenges that we face while remotely operating. The solutions that we have selected are capable of making these problems obsolete. n
Ramco Aviation Suite manages the entire business of aircraft maintenance covering engineering support, inventory and procurement, maintenance, sales and MRO contract management, compliance, quality, and operations. The company also offers an Off-Line Field Maintenance module targeted at organizations having remote aircraft operations with no internet connectivity. Ramco Aviation Suite is modular and specific functions such as Reliability Management can also be deployed as a standalone best of breed solution alongside existing systems.
BRIAN P. MCDONALD
DIRECTOR ASIAN AVIATION SERVICES (AAR); MANAGEMENT CONSULTANT, SFS AVIATION CO., LTD. Brian has 48 years general aviation experience and extensive helicopter maintenance experience in senior roles with various helicopter companies in Australasia. He holds private pilot licenses for both fixed and rotary wing aircraft. Having lived and worked in Asia for 30 years, Brian has extensive Asian experience, including General Manager, Hawker Pacific SEA and CEO of Helicopters (NZ) Ltd. He also has extensive contacts with operators and helicopter OEM’s and offers consultancy services to the general aviation sector in Asia.
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Vendor Job Card
MAY/JUNE 2014 | AIRCRAFT IT MRO | VENDOR JOB CARD | 21
The development path and technology innovations that have brought AV-BASE Systems to its present success
Inc Bert Vergeer, Vice President, Sales and Marketing at AV-BASE Systems,founded the company in 1982. His
when he and his wife, Helen, Bert Vergeer’s career with AV-BASE Systems began over 30 years ago y thrive and grow. Reaching clients globally, Bert continues to manage compan the skills and experience as an Aircraft Lead Engineer helped writers, rs, system consultants, system implementation specialists, technical the company with a team of software developers, software enginee Based in London, Canada, AV-BASE has become its own local success technical support specialists, technical trainers and sales consultants. story, becoming a leader in aviation software management.
AIRCRAFT IT: Your name, your job title and the name of the business? BERT VERGEER: Bert Vergeer, Vice President, Sales and Marketing, AV-BASE Systems, Inc.
makes for a great environment in which every member of the team feels they have contributed to the making of a world-class aircraft maintenance management system.
by existing structures. Our development infrastructure is constantly undergoing improvements to ensure that we deliver timely application enhancements in keeping with customer requests.
AIRCRAFT IT: How did AV-BASE get started? BV: AV-BASE Systems Inc. has been designing, developing and implementing aviation management software for over 30 years. Our first application, the DOS based AV-BASE Systems, was a true pioneer. It afforded one of the first means of digital record-keeping and live inventory management in the aviation industry. With the arrival of Microsoft Windows®, AV-BASE evolved into the popular WinAir program. The apparent simplicity of WinAir belies the real complexities of the industry, while its scope and capabilities satisfy users at all levels.
AIRCRAFT IT: What has been AV-BASE’s greatest IT achievement to date, and why? BV: Keeping current with today’s ever changing trends and technology is important to us. Our greatest achievement has been building an application with strict adherence to data validation to ensure only clean data is captured and stored. This makes WinAir a top pick for operators concerned with reliability and compliance.
AIRCRAFT IT: In a sentence, how would you summarize what AVBASE does for aviation customers? BV: WinAir is an affordable and intuitive software solution that provides customers with the ability to manage their maintenance and inventory control functions in an integrated system that focuses on regulatory compliance.
AIRCRAFT IT: What is the attraction of aircraft related IT? BV: Customers want a reliable system that will keep track of their data, increase operational efficiency, and improve departmental coordination. WinAir exceeds these requirements and provides support including 24/7 technical support, top-tier Help systems and documentation, and professional training and implementation options.
AIRCRAFT IT: What has been AV-BASE’s greatest business achievement to date, and why? BV: Our greatest achievement is building a robust, all-encompassing application while also offering one of the industry’s only true aircrafttype maintenance template integration solutions. This combination of offerings saves our clients hundreds of implementation hours while providing continued monitoring and promoting best practice conformity.
AIRCRAFT IT: What is the guiding business principle that drives AV-BASE? BV: We owe our success to our clients. We have worked for years treating our clients as an extension of our own team. This relationship
AIRCRAFT IT: What have been AV-BASE’s disappointments and what have you learned from them? BV: Not managing our business development at the speed of thought: our plans for moving forward are occasionally hindered
With the arrival of Microsoft Windows®, AV-BASE evolved into the popular WinAir program. The apparent simplicity of WinAir belies the real complexities of the industry
AIRCRAFT IT: What is new on AV-BASE’s development horizon? BV: WinAir Version 6.1 is the latest browser based application that has been installed and implemented in dozens of client sites worldwide. This application delivers superior management of aircraft maintenance with seamless integration in areas such as inventory, purchasing, stock control, and job costing. AIRCRAFT IT: What will be the next big thing in Aviation IT? BV: GPS based aircraft tracking will be mandated by the end of this decade. With the loss of Malaysia Airline’s Boeing 777 on everyone’s minds, eventually this will become a global standard. AIRCRAFT IT: What do you want your customers to say about AVBASE? BV: We would like customers to say WinAir enabled them to expand their operations and processes alike, while harmonizing their workforces. We would also like to hear that, due to its reliable storage and retrieval of vital information, WinAir allows operational decisions to be made with confidence. AIRCRAFT IT: Bert Vergeer, thank you for your time.
22 | WEBINARS | AIRCRAFT IT MRO | MAY/JUNE 2014
Upcoming Live Software Demonstration Webinars at www.aircraftit.com/MRO/Webinars.aspx this May. This May will bring a great opportunity for readers to attend a program covering one of the leading MRO software solutions on the Market today. If you need to know more about the power of paperless and mobile technical publications, how they can improve your MRO business process and add value to your workflow, 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 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.
Live Paperless and Mobile M&E / MRO TechPubs Management [inc. iPad Demo, Remote Access, Offline] Software Demonstration Webinar n SESSION 1: 8th May 2014 06:30 GMT/UTC n SESSION 2: 8th May 2014 14:30 GMT/UTC n DURATION: 1 hour plus Q&A.
n DESCRIPTION
Register to attend this Webinar and join AviIT for this excellent live Paperless and Mobile M&E Technical Publications (TechPubs) Management Software Demonstration and Masterclass Webinar. Via a live demo of the popular eMan software solution and following processes already used by MROs, business jet and helicopter operators and airlines such as airberlin technik, Monarch Aircraft Engineering, Virgin Atlantic, Greenwich Aero Group and Blue Hawaiian Helicopters, this Webinar will walk you through how to maintain an effective centralized electronic technical library, highlight how to reduce heavy IT client support and ensure that all the maintenance engineers can easily access key updated technical documents and publications at any time and at
any location (inc. Offline) on mobile devices such as iPads and Laptops. During the Webinar you will see how a sophisticated software solution can assist you to overcome the challenges in the management of an effective system for the distribution of technical documents / publications. You will see how to maintain accurate, updated technical documentation; make sure that engineering teams have access to, and are working with the most current version of maintenance documentation (no matter where they are based); and ensure safety and regulatory compliance. All of which leads to improved productivity and reduced costs for Librarians, IT departments and the aircraft maintenance engineers, ultimately resulting in less aircraft down time. The key issues this Webinar will cover include: • The benefits of a centralized electronic library for management and distribution of Technical Publications
• How to have remote access to documents (PDF, Word, Excel, etc) and Vendor/OEM provided applications through a single interface. • Tablet access for increased portability and mobility. You will see a live iPad demonstration of how engineers can access their key documents and publications at their point of work. • How to stay connected in remote and offline locations via a unique laptop based syncing tool. Further Webinar Preview & the Challenges of managing a technical documents / publications library: There are many challenges in the management of an effective system for the distribution of technical documents. Such systems must accommodate documents from a variety of vendors, regulatory authorities, customers and the organisation’s internal departments such as Operations and Engineering. The information is provided in an equally wide range of formats from relatively straightforward standards such as PDF and Word through to that which is provided in within the wrapper of a proprietary application. The librarian must ensure that the processes and systems provide a means to smoothly accommodate the constant updating of this significant body of information and ensure that this is available to all operational hands as quickly as possible. This may involve distribution across a wide geographical base in a consistent manner, ideally with a suitable degree of tracking of system use. There are a number of ways to achieve this but the increasing requirement of often overstretched IT resources to ensure minimum impact is favouring the use of cloud based solutions. As you will see in the Webinar eMan has been designed to address these challenges while minimizing demands upon IT. Available for on-premise deployment or as a
cloud-based hosted offering. This Webinar will examine the principle challenges in maintaining an effective technical library, highlight through a live demonstration how eMan addresses these as well as encompassing the latest in portable technologies, such as the iPad, to provide a more effective operational environment for maintenance and repair.
n AGENDA
• An introduction to AviIT and eMan • The challenges of maintaining an effective Technical Documentation / Publication Library • The benefits of centrally managing one Technical Library • How to ensure all users are accessing the most current version of maintenance documentation • How to gain remote access to documents (PDF, Word, Excel, etc) and Vendor provided applications through a single interface • Live iPad Demonstration for Mobility and point of work solutions and electronic Read & Sign • Data in a disconnected environment. How to stay connected even in remote / offline locations • Questions and Answers
n HOW TO SIGN UP FOR THE WEBINAR
Click on the live link below and then on ‘Regsiter for Webinar’ select your preferred Webinar Session and enter your details. Full instructions on how to access the Webinar will be emailed to you. If you can’t attend the live Webinar Sessions, sign up anyway and you will receive immediate access to the Webinar recording as soon as it is loaded to the Aircraft IT Website.
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MAY/JUNE 2014 | AIRCRAFT IT MRO | FEATURE | 23
Aircraft IT MRO eJournal: Subscribe for FREE 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.
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24 | WHITE PAPER: FLATIRONS | AIRCRAFT IT MRO | MAY/JUNE 2014
Mobility deep dive Mobility is the big thing today but, asks Paul Saunders, Global Product Manager at Flatirons Solutions, where will it go next: what is the current and future state of mobility in aerospace and what about wearable technology?
MAY/JUNE 2014 | AIRCRAFT IT MRO | WHITE PAPER: FLATIRONS | 25
T
HE OTHER DAY my five year old daughter asked me ‘what shape is the Internet: what does it look like?’ I thought for a minute then turned the question back to ask her what shape did she think it is? She felt it would probably be a rectangle (after all, screens are rectangular). It was a good answer but I want to demonstrate in this article that it’s not rectangular but is rather the shape of an engine or an ECU; or it might be an IFE screen or a wrist-worn activity tracker or a watch. Whatever it is, we need to look outside of the rectangle, beyond what we already know, to mobility and where mobility is going for us.
BRENDA
Let’s start with an example that is well outside of what we do. My mother in law, Brenda, is the grandmother of my children and the worst technophobe. She’s also a writer who has written books which she sells on Amazon plus she does talks… and she decided she needed a website. Instinct suggests that if a family member asks you to build a website, run a mile: it must be like the worst client ever. But actually this turned out to be interesting because Brenda had a really good understanding of what she needed. When we sat down to work out what she needed, she said that it should be a responsive website. I thought that was incredible; a woman who’s a technophobe asking about responsive websites. But she’d thought about it; she understood her audience. Her readers were buying her books and reading them on a Kindle, so her website had to be designed first to work on a Kindle before laptop or tablet formats. But I found it instructive that a grandmother can make IT decisions based on what her users need?
WEBSITE PAGES
It got me thinking that there are a lot of airlines who, over the last couple
“…we’ve got a completely different set of expectations about how information is managed, we expect it to be delivered anytime, anywhere on any device and we expect to do it cheaper, faster and better.” of years have done a really good job providing their passengers with what they need in terms of mobility. Most airlines will have a mobile site and will probably have an app that does a good job catering to their consumers from that point of view; but how many have the tools — their portal, their infrastructure, their intranets — where their own internal consumers, their workers who are also mobile, have the same access to a responsive site?
WHAT’S CHANGED?
In the past couple of years, a lot has changed with technology: we’ve now got a completely different paradigm. With Kindles and iPads, they say that when you go on a train or a plane, whereas people used to talk with each other, they’re now buried in their content. I don’t think that’s completely true as this has always been the case; but the media for content has changed from paper to screen. CLICK HERE FOR FULL SOFTWARE DETAILS AND FOR A DEMO
26 | WHITE PAPER: FLATIRONS | AIRCRAFT IT MRO | MAY/JUNE 2014
CREATE, DELIVER, CONSUME
THE FUTURE
Back in the day, we had paper systems to create, deliver and consume content; and the aim was to deliver the right information at the right time to the right people. Whether it’s about producing manuals, getting them to the pilots by whatever means of delivery was used, getting them to hubs, engineers or getting training material; it’s always been about creating the right content and delivering it to the right people to consume in the way they want to. In today’s mobile age, the consumer age, we’ve got a completely different set of expectations about how information is managed, we expect it to be delivered anytime, anywhere on any device and we expect to do it cheaper, faster and better. That’s how the paradigm shift has manifested.
A look at the future of mobility shows trends and mega trends which, for the purposes of this article, are what I say are mega trends?
MEGA TREND #1
HARDWARE
Let’s look at what’s going on with hardware. Remember the mantra! ‘If you want it bad: iPad. If you’re happy to wait: Windows 8.’ I first wrote this about two years ago (see Aircraft IT volume 1, issue 6 September 2012) and it was the case then that the iPad had the software; the likes of Jeppesen and Lido were early adopters and there was a whole pile of other applications coming out for iPad at the time. On the horizon we had Windows 8, seen as the silver bullet that would allow us to do everything, everywhere on every device… everything that we had always wanted. Well, the situation still is, I believe, ‘If you want it bad: iPad. If you’re happy to wait: Windows 8.’ We’ve got a lot of choice with iPad and not quite so much choice with Windows 8 but there have been announcements from the likes of Delta and some other airlines that they’re looking at Windows 8. It seems that, if you’re running a project or you’re a pilot or an engineer, and you’re leading that project, you’ll probably go for the sexy consumer product, the iPad. If you’re in IT and you’re used to dealing with legacy enterprise systems like Active Directory, Citrix and all the stuff that users hate, you’ll probably choose Windows. Whatever you want to do and however you want to do it, it’s all about the use case. People ask whether they should have Windows or iPad or Android and it’s never an easy answer because it’s always about the use case. There’s a lot of interesting technology on the market now. Samsung with Android have every kind of form factor from under 2” for the Smart Gear watch through 7 inch and 10 inch tablets, right up to 20” monster devices. In Europe, Panasonic have done really well in the last year or so with a couple of big airline sales where people have chosen the 10” or 7” Toughpad but while I can see the appeal of these expensive ruggedized devices, I’m not sure of the need for them. The data on attrition rates, even for iPads, are really low because if you give employees something they enjoy using and allow them to put personal content on as well as company stuff, they’re going to take good care of it.
“The data on attrition rates, even for iPads, are really low because if you give employees something they enjoy using and allow them to put personal content on as well as company stuff, they’re going to take good care of it.” THE iPAD IS A MACGUFFIN
As well as being all about the use case, it doesn’t matter what device you have because introducing the iPad changed this small sector of aerospace IT in a way nobody would have expected five years ago. This new device wasn’t what the sector was about but it was a plot device, a way to allow us to embrace consumerism, to embrace sexy user experiences and user interfaces and to embrace mobility with all those good things that users want. It wasn’t about going to the Apple Store and buying an iPad, because we could have gone and got a
Microsoft Surface for next to nothing from Microsoft if that was what we wanted or we could have got a nice cheap Galaxy Tablet from Samsung. But because the iPad had shown us the way in terms of what consumer technology could do within our industry, it allowed us to do these things which software vendors were forced to embrace as well and provide sexy user experiences, fantastic mobility and things like that. In the world of cinema, they’d call such a plot device a MacGuffin. Everybody needs to be prepared to deliver anything, anywhere on any device.
TECHNOLOGY DRIVEN NETWORKS AND THE INTERNET OF THINGS The first one is really two trends linked together: technology driven networks and the Internet of things. Traditionally the Internet is built up of data entered by humans, i.e. if you flew a sector, you’d write a techlog, sign it off and it would get faxed back to base. Now we have eTechlogs; again manually driven but there’s also engine condition monitoring and other automated functions. Remember what I said earlier, the Internet is no longer ‘rectangular’ but it’s the shape of components. Technology driven networks are the opposite of bureaucratic hierarchies. Whereas we used to pick up paper documents to find out where we were and where to go, we now simply tap into one of many technology driven networks to find hotels, restaurants, places to go… anything: going beyond where we would normally have gone to find information. This is going to be big in our industry. Even today, if a programmer wants to find out about a particular line of code, they Google it: they don’t read the manual. This is how things work today; this is how the Internet works: everybody Googles stuff. We don’t do that in our industry if something goes wrong with our aircraft we go and phone technical services and, if they don’t know, they’ll read the manual; and if that doesn’t know they’ll phone the OEM and two days later you might get an answer back while, all the time, the aircraft’s been grounded. But people are starting to work around that; Skyping colleagues and so on. We’re going to embrace mobility and the Internet of things and use technology driven networks to help us do that. I don’t know what it will finally look like but that’s what’s going to happen.
MEGA TREND #2
IDENTITY Identity is a big issue, and there are two things to consider… Identity is a really precious commodity and people don’t take very good care of other people’s identity on the Internet, e.g. NSA, GCHQ. But we’re going to start taking seriously what happens to our own identity on line so we need to think about how identity is used for employees and the implications of that because in the same way that advertisers can target you on the Internet and can have cookies saved that help them target you in advertising and things like that, we’re going to want to do the same with employees in terms of things like time booking, rostering, pairing. The other thing we’re going to see a lot more of is
MAY/JUNE 2014 | AIRCRAFT IT MRO | WHITE PAPER: FLATIRONS | 27
where an electronic signature is used. There’s a whole slew of ways an electronic signature can be included and the whole integrity behind that. Our industry’s built on integrity… high quality, high integrity very knowledgeable people. And as we try to build a leaner industry, conserve costs and resources there’s effort to deskill elements of our business and this whole identity thing is becoming a greater concern because we don’t want to be the guy who signs off on the aircraft that falls out of the sky somewhere. Identity will be a big thing. Again, I don’t know what it’s going to look like but we need to see it coming. Technology OEMs are doing a lot of work in terms of capturing identity through biometrics. The latest generation iPhone has a finger print scanner: we can see a lot of wearable technology as well, designed to help identify things (see below).
MEGA TREND #3
MACHINE LEARNING The last mega trend is associated with Machine Learning. A couple of years ago this might have been described as artificial intelligence but that term implies something that isn’t there. However, there’s a lot of research and development going on with machine learning in organizations like ours (Flatirons Solutions) and such as Boeing and Airbus where systems are being a lot more pre-emptive about what’s going on,
“…if a programmer wants to find out about a particular line of code, they Google it: they don’t read the manual. This is how things work today; this is how the Internet works: everybody Googles stuff.” about what people need. At the moment if you’re going through an IPC (illustrated parts catalog) and you type in a part number, you might have to select ‘I’m searching for a part number’ or similar. In the future, MRO systems will behave a lot more like Google; you’ll just type something in and the system will recognise it as being a part number rather than, say, a serial number. There’s a lot of work being done on machine learning which will impact on mobility in a big way.
PREDICTIONS THAT ARE NOT THE FUTURE
WEARABLE TECHNOLOGY Wearable technology, like Google Glass, seems to be technology for the sake of it plus, in our industry, raises security and privacy issues. It might be interesting to track where your employees are, what they’re doing, capturing time and attendance automatically but we’re not embracing that kind of stuff right now using
cheaper technology like RFID. Wearable technology is probably a few years off — Forrester says 2024 for the business sector. It might be quite big from a consumer point of view in next couple of years but it’s hard to see a viable use case in our industry. In closing, I’m reminded that we always need an acronym, so here is mine to help you remember the key things to do with mobility. I’ve called it ‘Be like Brenda’ Be like Brenda and think about a… Responsive design; Embrace the internet of things — all the stuff delivering data to you; and say… No to google glass, there’s no need for it; Don’t underestimate identity; and, finally, we need to think about mobility for… Any device, any platform — delivering anything, anywhere.
Wearable Technology
MAYBE it’s because the genre is a derivative of the Bluetooth headset, a fashion accessory, it seems, reserved for the worst kind of loudmouth sales trolls, or because I’m just getting old and cantankerous, but I simply don’t get wearable technology. If the adoption of mobility in the work place has taught us anything it is that investing in a new technology without any real understanding of how it should be used is a waste of time and effort. There are some appealing examples of very niche use cases, such as with assisting medical surgery or with helping those with disabilities, but I’m struggling to understand the wider consumer or business appeal for this kind of technology. Virgin Atlantic recently announced that they were experimenting with how Google Glass could enhance passenger experience, presumably in order to more efficiently access company CRM systems. This kind of forced innovation doesn’t represent a leap forward in customer experience, it just creeps me out at the thought of the overbearing invasion of privacy. Sure, we would all like for flight attendants to know our drinks preference, but whatever happened to just talking to customers? Also, the idea of tracking employees and assets via RFID tags and other near field communication methods is not a new one. What activity trackers offer is an active device which can log in detail movements and activities whilst automatically synching with management software. This kind of device can offer much more scope than a passive RFID tag and could be used for more detailed activity and location tracking. It has implications for time booking, identity and location use cases. However personnel tracking can be a divisive subject for the work force and unions alike. I’m all for improving efficiencies of tracking resources, but as the cheaper RFID technology has not been widely adopted I don’t hold any hope for wearable activity trackers in the very near future.
Part of the problem with the current crop of wearable technology devices is platform fragmentation. At present there is no single go-to platform for wearable device manufacturers and developers. Google are addressing this with the recent announcement of an Android software development kit for wearable devices, there are even rumours of Apple expanding their ecosystem in iOS8 to include health related apps which would suggest the embracing of wearable technology. This will see improved interconnectivity between devices and use case innovation. Forrester claim in a recent report that wearable technology is scheduled to become pervasive in the business world by 2024. But with current privacy concerns, security implications and a near to non-existent eco-system there will need to be some major re-imagination of wearable technology in the next few years in order to convince me of a viable future in the business.
FLATIRONS SOLUTIONS
Flatirons Solutions provides information management consulting services and solutions for Fortune 500 and other companies in the aviation and aerospace, enterprise, government, high-tech, and publishing and media industries — helping customers deliver the right information, at the right time, to the right people. The TechSight/X suite of products is an independent solution for technical information management developed specifically for the aerospace industry to create, manage, and deliver large volumes technical information in support of the production, operation, and maintenance of aircraft throughout their lifecycle.
PAUL SAUNDERS
GLOBAL PRODUCT MANAGER, FLATIRON SOLUTIONS Paul is a trusted technology specialist who has been working for and advising MROs, airline operators, OEMs, and software vendors since 1998. He has unparalleled expertise in aviation software design and mobility, having worked on apps used by pilots and engineers all over the world. Often called upon for speaking and writing engagements, Paul is a regular contributor to AircraftIT Operations eJournal, Aviation Week, and other publications. When it comes to the adoption of emerging technology in aerospace, particularly with regards to mobility, Paul is a heavy weight visionary and geek. Paul joined the TechSight/X team in September 2013 and serves as a global product manager spearheading flight operations, training and mobile solutions. He is currently based in the UK.
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28 | WHITE PAPER: RUSADA | AIRCRAFT IT MRO | MAY/JUNE 2014
Lost in translation? Tim Alden, Commercial Director for Rusada explains the application of data warehousing and the practical translation of business data for greater cross platform efficiency.
MAY/JUNE 2014 | AIRCRAFT IT MRO | WHITE PAPER: RUSADA | 29
USEFUL REPORTS
“…why can’t you use a copy of the data and manipulate it the way you want to. Indeed, why isn’t there a ‘warehouse’ of data created just for that purpose?” DATA: WHEN YOU WANT IT WHERE YOU NEED IT
Y
OU’RE IN AVIATION; ask yourself, why do we have warehouses? It’s a simple question and to be honest, it’s a simple answer. Warehouses act as a repository or store of ‘stuff’ on hand for when it is needed. For centuries, central warehouses of goods have served to minimise the peaks and troughs of supply and demand by matching the needs of both supplier and user. It’s a well proven concept in use throughout the world. Unless you are a manufacturer or you have very specific needs for very specific widgets you don’t stand at the end of the production line for your widget and then rush off to fit it – it’s just not an efficient way of doing business. You’re in aviation; your IT systems are large and complex. Just like a manufacturing plant they create masses of data stored in lots of tables ready for someone to associate ‘a’ with ‘b’ and decide ‘c’. Like a manufacturing machine, systems are configured to receive and use data in a way fashioned by the designers to serve up functions requested by the customers. In order to do this in an efficient manner manufacturing processes are preconfigured with manufacturing rules. However, users are creative and want to combine ‘a’ with ‘e’, compare it with ‘f’ and monitor the result as ‘g’. Using the manufacturing system will then be slower because it was never initially designed to do this. So, why can’t you use a copy of the data and manipulate it the way you want to? Indeed, why isn’t there a ‘warehouse’ of data created just for that purpose? While we are at it, why can’t this warehouse be a simplified representation of the data? You’re in aviation and you need data warehousing.
BIG DATA CREATES BIG MANAGEMENT CHALLENGES
Consider modern systems, as alluded to above, they are complex beasts borne out of the minds of developers in response to functions demanded by an industry with equally complex rules and regulations. Some systems focus entirely on one area of operations, be that flight operations or stock management. Other systems have wider scopes and cater for the entire needs of an MRO or CAMO and yet others are capable of catering for all needs. Typically companies have one, two or more of these systems that have been acquired at different times in the IT buying history of the company and perhaps its previous partners. So now the analogy becomes not of a single manufacturer’s warehouse but more of a distribution system of a major supermarket chain. The ideal is to have one location being ‘fed’ with the products of the individual producers for consumption by the customers of the organisation.
So, you have probably seen the phrase ‘big data’ numerous times in the trade press with lots of discussion about the ideals but, let’s face it, it is boring stuff to read at times. Suffice to say that the supermarket distribution warehouse is a useful comparison.
SOURCE EVERYWHERE, READ ANYWHERE
But, here’s the next problem; storing all this data is nice but let’s go back to our supermarket analogy again and consider the suppliers. The last time you walked down the aisles there were goods from all over the world. Each of those suppliers has a different native language – but in order to communicate effectively with their consumers they need a common language. As such, each supplier needs to translate their product details into a language recognised by the consumers. The consumers can then choose what to fill their baskets with because they understand what the products are. This process is the other role of the data warehouse. Each business application will have its own ‘language’ this language is a combination of different operating systems and different system designs. What is called ‘partnumber’ in one system could equally be called ‘mpn’ in another. It is a task of the translation service within the warehouse to create a common definition of the same information. This definition can then be used by analytical business reports rather than the original source data. Moreover, adopting this methodology solves one of the biggest problems of all – version compatibility. The various data system suppliers are free to continue independent development without fear of degrading the viability of the reporting service.
Now, of course, we need to consider the output, why go to all this bother in the first place? Surely the IT systems already have business reports? Well yes, let’s assume they do but then consider that you have parallel systems. It is highly unlikely that they have been designed in the same manner with exactly the same structure and yet, as a business, both systems hold useful data that is even more useful if compared dynamically. Consider the usage of parts compared to the cost of returned parts for particular vendors. It is more than likely that the account information is in one system and the usage information is in another. Put that data together somewhere where it can be translated and compared in a report and now we become more efficient. Is yours a typical office? If yes then you live with reports, but here’s the other thing about data warehousing. Much like goods, data is relevant to the time it was extracted, moreover there’s nothing more useless than an old report…right? Furthermore, do you find yourself spending all the time producing the reports but virtually no time physically using them to drive change? Ask yourself, what is a report actually for? after all, most of them are static data. If it’s for a statement of fact at a specific moment in time such as a stock report or an airworthiness report then these make sense to have as printed documents. Some of these reports can be highly complex gathering data from all corners of an application. Calling on these reports creates a load on the system and often the net result is a reduction in speed. Frequently run reports should be optimised for best performance but a more efficient way is to store the business data in the warehouse and run the reports from there. An even more efficient process is to think about why we have the report in the first place. If a report is being run often, it’s usually because the person is trying to review changing results – it makes sense right? So, why not use the warehouse and its time-relevant data to recognise the change itself and then only highlight conditions that change? Sounds like trend analysis doesn’t it? We’ve been doing it for years on engines – why can’t the same principles hold true for the business. Why have a static report where 95% of the data says you are doing great but the 5% that’s bad is hidden in amongst the lines? Fixing the 5% is much more important than sitting back on the 95% success. How often do you hear in the news that ‘Fancy-Clothes PLC’ announced a 5% drop in profits this year’ and it’s treated as bad news? The company didn’t lose money, but it didn’t maximise its potential by focusing on what was changing.
“Consider the usage of parts compared to the cost of returned parts for particular vendors. It is more than likely that the account information is in one system and the usage information is in another. Put that data together somewhere where it can be translated and compared in a report and now we become more efficient.”
30 | WHITE PAPER: RUSADA | AIRCRAFT IT MRO | MAY/JUNE 2014
WAYS OF SEEING INFORMATION
Now if you are still thinking about printed reports then stop. Why? If you are reading this in a magazine you are more than likely not more than one metre from a device capable of displaying data. If you are reading this online then you are even closer and already using a browser. With modern databases and deployment services, data can be pushed in almost any direction. We are used to booking flights and then receiving a reminder text that the flight is due – or worse, delayed. There’s no real magic in that – just some company that has created a function to alert you when the condition of a piece of data has changed from one state to another. By using these
Let’s get practical; what do you need for a data warehouse?
1. A need to consolidate your data – I think we have established why. 2. A company that understands the benefits of such a warehouse and is willing, and capable of working with multiple vendors and data platforms. 3. A company that has a track record of delivering such projects. 4. A company that is embracing technology that can maximise the availability of data – such as the deployment to intranet, internet and mobile devices. 5. Physically, you need:a. A server to locate your new database on and the ability to transfer data if this new server is physically separate from your business systems. b. A reporting deployment solution such as SQL Server Reporting Services (other products are available). c. Should you wish to use automated texting, then access to your providers SMS gateway. d. A report building solution, and that’s it… e. Oh, and, of course, help and guidance – but most of all, self-sufficiency training.
industry standard functions and coupling them with the power of this warehouse of data we can now become more efficient, concentrate on the matters that need our attention as and when those matters arise in next to real time. You now have the ability to take information from multiple sources, compare and analyse this information and then push the results out in almost any format you choose – to a mobile solution (app), to a web page, as a dashboard, a text, the options are only limited by your imagination.
CONCLUSION
TIM ALDEN
I have been at pains to exclude technical jargon and explanations of servers, reporting servers, OLAP cubes (make lousy gravy) etc. but if anyone wants a more in-depth explanation I can arrange for them to speak with ‘the clever people’ that we keep under the stairs. n
RUSADA
Rusada is an aviation software provider, consultancy to the aviation industry and system integrator. It’s a global company headquartered in Switzerland, with operations in the Middle East, Asia, Europe and the Americas. Currently serving 50 major customers worldwide, Rusada software manages over 1500 aircraft in 20 countries. The flagship product Envision is CAMO compliant, providing key management information and operational process control for operators, original equipment manufacturers (OEMs), maintenance and repair organisations (MRO’s) and service organisations on every continent.
COMMERCIAL DIRECTOR, RUSADA After leaving the RAF, Tim joined a leading airline, trained to work on the Boeing 747 and became more involved with technical authorship and planning, and putting practical engineering knowledge into the execution of technical work. He then became Planning Services manager for a cargo airline and MRO facility, expanding his airframe experience to all Boeing types and regional Airbus aircraft. Moving to consult on end of lease hand-backs, VIP aircraft management and business transformations with a specialisation in realising the potential of IT systems, led him to Rusada where he has managed projects, regional operations, bid campaigns and the pre-sale and marketing roles.
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MAY/JUNE 2014 | AIRCRAFT IT MRO | WHITE PAPER: 2MoRO | 31
How I see IT
In the age of Netflix and GoGo, why isn’t aircraft data real? Michael Denis
For the first time since 200 1, I missed Aviation Week’s #MROAM event: it was to attend the Abu Dhabi Global Aerospace Sum mit #ADG14; definitely the right choice. The Summit is an invitation only, biannual forum bringing together international senior executives from across the aerospace, aviation and spa ce sectors for four days of thought leadership and future growth strategies. Abu Dhabi has squ arely established itself as the ‘Davos of aviation’, along with Seattle and Toulouse, where CxOs com e to set the vision and agend a for the future. Common the mes repetitively highlighted on the open panels included manu facturing technology innova tions such as additive 3D printing , advancements in air traffi c control, leaning and synchronizing manufacturing and MRO net works, and partnerships for collaboratio n.
AIMING FOR THE MOON
“Real time’ data communications isn’t a technology challenge; it isn’t a cost issue, although some airlines may argue it should be.” INTERACTIVE: GET INVOLVED!
Why not get involved with the debate? Send your comments or questions to Michael by clicking here.
LESSONS FROM DISASTER In the hallways, there were also considerable discussio ns about Malaysia MH370; what happen ed, would we ever find the aircraft, and what the ramifications for the industry will be, ma inl y around ‘real time’ aircraft performance data communic ations and combining the lessons learned and recommendati ons from Air France AF447. Mary Schreivo, ex FAA Inspec tor General turned CNN commentator recently said, “The importance of accidents to regulations in the United Sta tes [is significant]. We call the FAA the tombstone agency … bec ause they [regulate] by counti ng tombstones. And that’s not… being flippant because, in fac t, they have to do a cost-benefit an alysis before they put forth an y regulation.” Some believe the loss of MH370 is a seminal eve nt that will change the industry.
THE MEANING OF ‘REAL’ A highlight of the Summit tha t everyone was talking about Real time’ data communicati ons isn’t a technology challe was Dr. Buzz Aldrin’s impassioned nge; it isn’t a cost issue, although keynote presentation of the som e airlines may argue it should Apo llo space program as the benchm be. Preventing another AF447 or ark of what can be accompli MH370 is simply a matter of she d will. when government and indust Synonyms for ‘real’ are ‘genu ry partner and set definitiv ine’, ‘authentic’, ‘factual’, ‘va e go lid als ’ and ‘true’. Because of airworthine with specific timelines. Durin ss, we expect aircraft data to g Dr. Aldrin’s speech, I couldn be ’t real – just not necessarily rea help but think about the cha l time, real interoperable, or sm between conquering puttin real sta g nd a ard . Dat a, inf ormation, content, and know man on the moon in a decad led ge e, over four decades ago, ver are the oils that lubricate the system of sus systems that ensures airworth our industry’s current inabil ine ss, ity for two airlines with dif as well as improves product ferent lifecycles, supply networks, IT systems to simply exchan aircraft ge a visit package, task car dispatch rates and asset uti ds, lization; ultimately improvin maintenance records, or rea g the passenger experience and cos l-time performance data eve t. n aft er decades of industry standard Which returns me to my ope ization efforts. ning question; ‘In the age of Netflix Information technology and on-demand video and GoGo the role of #AeroIT in ena in fli ght WiF i, wh y isn ’t bli air ng craft data real time and real sea lean manufacturing, service mlessly interoperable?’ parts optimization, labor pro ductivity, Maybe by mobility, etc… was the least the next Global Aerospace Sum directly discussed topic by mit in 2016, aircraft data far. will be real. At least that’s how I’d like to see IT.
32 | WEBINARS | AIRCRAFT IT MRO | MAY/JUNE 2014
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34 | WHITE PAPER: AIR WORKS | AIRCRAFT IT MRO | MAY/JUNE 2014
To understand Air Works IT, its important to know its journey with Aircrafts … 1951: Incorporated by the Menon family
1996: Became Authorized service facility (ASF) for
2011/12: Became ASF for
2007/08: Became ASF for
2012: Only EASA certified facility in India
2010: 89% acquisition of Air Livery ... Expansion into Europe & Aircraft Painting Services
2012: 74% acquisition of Empire Aviation Group ... Expansion into Middle East & Aircraft management services
2013: 100% acquisition of ATE (Aircraft painting services)
51% JV with Scandinavian Avionics
Figure 1 … and increasing global footprint and ambitions New Delhi Jaipur
UK
Ahmedabad
Bhopal
Baroda
Slovak Republic Mumbai
France
Pune
India Goa
Manchester
Dubai, UAE South East Asia
Norwich Birmingham
Hyderabad
Bangalore Hosur Chennai
Calicut Coimbatore Cochin
Trichy Madurai Trivandrum
Cambridge
Kolkata
Nagpur
India
London
Existing MRO Hangar Existing Line Maintenance Facility Existing Paint Hangar Existing Aircraft Management Services (AMS) Facility Future Location
Chateauroux
United Kingdom Bordeaux
Toulouse
France
Figure 2
Also a business process IT, explains Ravinder Pal Singh (Ravi), CTO and CIO at Air Works, should be part of the fabric of the organization and subject to the same improvement initiatives. THE BUSINESS OF AIR WORKS
B
EFORE DIVING INTO how Air Works uses technology and why I believe that it has to be much more than an appendage to or support for the business’s processes, it would be useful to set the scene, to explain a little about the business. Air Works is a group of likeminded entrepreneurs who each run specialist businesses within the group but whom, while they are individually experts in their respective domains, share core values. The group has grown with the addition of
capabilities to a strong core business (see figure 1). It is that integration of capabilities for our customers and of values for our own business that is both our biggest asset and, at the same time, a significant challenge. In this context, technology is our strategic glue; it is what we use to connect things, people and processes within the hanger, across functions and across our constituent companies in multiple countries. It enables us to have a global reach and ambitions as diverse as our capabilities (see figure 2).
We believe and practice the philosophy of ‘Small Giants’, businesses that are value focused and who aspire to be great rather than merely large: in that sense, we aspire to deliver the highest quality and to be the world’s best in every task that we do and, from that perspective, we utilize technological innovation as an engine driving our business and as the enabling glue that maintains the overall continuity and integrity of that business. We find that bringing together the leadership of likeminded partners to attain a common goal and vision is far easier than integrating individual companies into a common fabric while still retaining their individuality. Information technology is the medium that we apply to make integration happen in processes and practices while still retaining the qualities and characteristics of each individual brand. This realization of ambitions as meaningful business outcomes generates expectations of the technology and of its practitioners; people like me. Our foundations for the future are built on Air Works globalization and our use of technology developments… • Cloud; • Digitization; • App. Market. … along with a culture of co-creation and collaboration to ensure optimum accessibility and operational capability for the largest number of users on whatever platforms they are using.
MAY/JUNE 2014 | AIRCRAFT IT MRO | WHITE PAPER: AIR WORKS | 35
DEVELOPING VALUE BEYOND THE TECHNOLOGY
This is the state-of-the-art architecture and infrastructure of our recently developed facility — arguably India’s largest hanger in Air Works domain.
THE TECHNOLOGY ROAD AHEAD
From an information point of view, aviation as a domain is still catching up with other domains, such as financial and retail services, in the adoption of technology which is currently readily available in the consumer space – mobility, social and wearable technology – and in the enterprise space – the Cloud, integration and intelligence. The information technology trends on which I’m betting for the medium and long terms are… 1. The internet of things; 2. 3D printing; 3. Gamification. There is only one challenge that I see for the sector, again from the information technology perspective, and that’s an open secret. It is to convert the desire for data standardization in aviation to a firm intent and practice, or else we will only see isolated sparks of innovation while the overall industry will still be behind more forward looking domains… such as those cited in my opening statement. There are great examples in other sectors (retail, banking, insurance, information technology, etc.) of how data standardization has helped to improve their overall health in spite of fierce competition and rivalry amongst the organizations within each sector.
Taking all of the above into account, my view on trends in aviation technology, again from a medium to long term perspective, is for the development of… 1. Unmanned platforms; 2. Cognitive avionics; 3. Natural language search. We are continuously building our technology portfolio to reflect the trends. I’m personally involved in building multi-cultural communities within Air Works which contribute to the generation of ideas and innovation with direct visibility to the leadership of the business. Our innovation culture is more akin to a startup mentality, i.e. informal and fearless but community oriented, like a global corporate which is structured and goal driven. As Air Works’ innovation leader, it is my task to convert each idea generated to a 90-day project. If it’s successful, it becomes part of the fabric of the organization and is scaled up to be applied wherever appropriate: otherwise there is no funding and that means there is no second guessing or second chance. Hence, just talking has no value and noise is modulated very quickly. Innovation in problem solving is also not confined within the boundaries of individual parts of the business… for instance in a recent case, young colleagues from CAMO, Planning and Engineering came together to help the supply-chain team in solving a complex problem. We have identified technology and innovation champions across Air Works as part of a community that works together and encourages others to participate in solving simple and complex problems… and in the creation of future ideas. Hence my designation of CIO encompasses not only ‘information officer’ but also ‘innovation officer’. Similarly, as CTO, my responsibility is not only to undertake a traditional evaluation of technology but also to ensure that capabilities are transformational: hence, like my CIO responsibilities, my role as a CTO also has dual meanings and thus responsibilities.
36 | WHITE PAPER: AIR WORKS | AIRCRAFT IT MRO | MAY/JUNE 2014
HARNESSING THE POWER OF PARTNERSHIP AND COMMUNITY
automation is capable of achieving. It is surprising that, while everyone looks to IT for automation, very few CIOs do the introspection to make IT itself lean (in a true way) and simple (to be effective). Inspiring leadership and automation can do wonders for the discipline of IT in any organization; Air Works is a good example of that in practice. As I said above, IT success today is all about the power of communities and co-creation; my portfolio is not restricted to traditional IT but welcomes a ‘new world and definition of CIO’ wherein everyone who is the smartest consumer of technology becomes part of the IT community. This is the only successful mantra to bring change and make it effective and sustainable.
In the last year and a half we have built a foundation for the future including design and technology (network readiness, performance and information hooks). Through this we have connected the business outcomes of Air Works to digitization, the Cloud and the App market via the culture of co-creation and collaboration. One thing I have learnt is not to bet too much on methodology or underestimate the culture of social communities; community is a very powerful engine of change. We welcome folks who want to co-create with us, i.e. partners not vendors (past experiences have taught us good lessons).
… so that innovation gets deep rooted in its DNA …
Air Works – the business
• The largest and only EASA certified business aviation MRO in India. • India’s first EASA certified airline MRO. • Undertakes avionic retrofits and upgrades in India (Scandinavian Avionics JV). • Undertakes aircraft painting and refinishing in Europe and India (Air Livery and ATE). • Offers aircraft management services in Middle East and India (Empire Aviation) Air Works – the system and the numbers • 40 plus locations. • Multifold (more than 2000%) increase in usage of IT over the past 18 months • An average of over 1000 calls and/or tickets in a month handled by a IT of 7 … story of IT automation • 700%+ increase in BW (bandwidth) across 20 locations • 7 new facilities provisioned in past 18 months and several line stations • We have introduced Cloud capabilities with IaaS (Infrastructure as a Service) and PaaS (Platform as a Service) and seamlessly moved the existing app portfolio; also provide automated backup on Cloud. • Server and services infrastructure uptime in excess of 98%. • Network now 20 or more times faster than it was 18 months ago. • More than 200 business alerts, reports and tools developed. • 500 minutes or less UI [user interface] response time … our new performance standard will be 300 ms response time • Resurrected an expensive legacy system which was brooding in Air Works since 2006 in less than 9 months … More than 800 product defects closed • More than 50,000 configuration data points. • More than 450 users 1st training and 2nd training to understand the usage of digitization and its successful adoption; created user champions. • Zero downtime (since July 2012, with no involvement of any external player). • Passed 300,000+ logins in last 200 days. • Community of more than 50 comes together every week to improve, sustain and co-create so they are used to it now • No extra budget implication: we aim to do more with less.
LESSONS LEARNED FROM EXPERIENCE
Air Works’ IT and its ERP vendor collaborated in 2006 to implement a new product but, unfortunately, the project seemed to have failed and was abandoned. In early 2013 we decided not to buy the next version of the same ERP but, instead, created a virtual team from across the business
Figure 3
A young colleague at a hanger in India once asked me; “Ravi, what will be your legacy in Air Works?” I was immediately able to answer, “Design”. If there is one thing of which I’m proud and still working on it tirelessly, so that it can become permanent Air Works culture, it is the importance and virtue of design. When I joined Air Works I found people not using technology; either they feared it or were avoiding using it out of frustration. Both conditions pointed to poor design and usability of IT. Hence by virtue of creating a unique (under patent) app market framework we have brought app definition and design to the user rather than the developer or IT dictating what could be done.
… and quick results are achieved thru co-creation which successfully implemented the previously abandoned system. Since then we have trained over 450 users at least twice to ensure that their skills improve continuously. We learned a lot from this exercise which can be boiled down to: • The importance of clarity of thought and its communication. • The value of collaboration across organizations, it’s not only an IT program. • The importance of hardcore ground-level execution… it can’t be done in silos at HO or in one location, or in one hanger. Unless I can automate IT and demonstrate it to others, why would anyone trust me to automate other processes? Most importantly our five key IT stakeholders are normal IT people: they are all very young and none has a degree in computers or aviation. But they are learners and extremely dedicated to their craft. With help and a shoe-string budget they have accomplished enormous achievements on their own. These five young people manage the whole IT function for Air Works: this is what
Partners and Vendors
Figure 4
MAY/JUNE 2014 | AIRCRAFT IT MRO | WHITE PAPER: AIR WORKS | 37
CLICK HERE FOR FULL SOFTWARE DETAILS AND FOR A DEMO
Air Works Values
These guiding beliefs bind us on a foundation of unyielding integrity. • Customer focus and customer care with profitability – without profitability, customer care is of no use to our business. • We grow when our people grow. • Only results and delivery count – we will measure ourselves by what we deliver and close, not by the effort we make or by the number of emails we send.
INTEGRITY BY DESIGN
Shareholders and stakeholders are impatient in today’s volatile world, so quick results are the key for successful IT funding; hence my theory of 90 days projects as mentioned above. One thing that I have learned is that it’s better to work with partners or with no-one at all. Working with vendors who are not aligned with your vision, especially if it aims for a rapid transformation and simultaneously rapid growth, will result in wastage of time and material. In Air Works, IT provides the literacy, i.e. the definition of the work and its architecture and the breadth or scope of the project, while we engage partners for world class execution.
AIR WORKS
Air Works is an independent provider of aviation maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) services in India and aircraft paint and refinishing in the UK. Founded in 1951, Air Works has successfully transformed itself from a family run business focused on providing maintenance services to business aircraft into a professionally managed organization providing a full suite of services to customers across aircraft management services, aircraft painting and refinishing, avionics, business and general aviation MRO, commercial aviation MRO and parts distribution.
RAVINDER PAL SINGH (RAVI)
Figure 5
Figure 5 above is an example of design wherein, just as a retail bank consumer can view his bank statement, our customers can view the status of their aircraft and related inventory throughout its end-to-end lifecycle via our ‘customer info app’ which is multi-platform and multi-device… in other words, available anytime, anywhere through whatever technology the user has to hand. Also notice that we have combined transparency of information to our (Air Works’) core values so that integrity of information also reflects our integrity: can there be any better example of IT being a true fabric of an organization? n
CTO AND CIO, AIR WORKS Ravi (Ravinder Pal Singh) is the Global Chief Information Officer at Air Works - India’s largest independent aviation MRO and India’s first EASA certified MRO. Ravi is strategizing and leading Business Digitization & Automation; IT Transformation; Culture change to create future business technology avatar aligned to Air Work’s Vision and its various business goals including non-linear growth. Ravi has lived and worked in 3 continents and his global experience covers broad disciplines ranging from strategy to execution. In recent past he has been associated with a leader in technology and a big 4 management consulting firm to help their Fortune 100 customers and government institutions in IT transformation.
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38 | AIRLINE & AEROSPACE MRO AND OPERATOINS IT CONFERENCE | AIRCRAFT IT MRO | MAY/JUNE 2014
VENDORS EXHIBITING THEIR SOLUTIONS AT LONDON HEATHROW THIS YEAR INCLUDE
EVENT PREVIEW: Airline & Aerospace MRO and Operations IT Conference
LONDON, HEATHROW: 25th-26th JUNE 2014
PARK INN HOTEL, LONDON HEATHROW AIRPORT, UK
The world’s leading aviation IT conference for MRO/M&E and flight operations solutions returns to London Heathrow in 2014 bigger and better!
A
IRCRAFT IT WOULD like to invite you to attend the World’s leading aviation IT conference dedicated to MRO/M&E and Flight Operations IT Solutions: the Airline & Aerospace MRO & Operations IT Conference — EMEA
THIS 2014 CONFERENCE FEATURES
• New EFB & MRO/M&E IT Vendors Showcases • Over 45 Vendors exhibiting their latest software and hardware solutions • Dedicated Flight Operations and Maintenance IT tracks in the agenda inc: case studies and workshop sessions. Key topics: Tablet Strategy for Flight Deck, Hangar and Line Maintenance, Big Data, Aircraft Connectivity, iPad vs Windows EFB, ETL, Paperless Maintenance inc. e-signatures, MRO Data Migration, Software Implementation best practice plus lots more.
WHY ATTEND AS A DELEGATE
“You cannot afford to miss this type of conference otherwise you will miss out on learning about the latest advances in technology” Kuwait Airways
The Airline & Aerospace MRO and Operations IT Conference - EMEA, returns to London Heathrow for 2014 bigger and better than before with: 45+ of the world’s leading IT & hardware Vendors exhibiting their solutions; also - Listen to keynote presentations and case studies; take part in interactive workshop sessions; and attend the new Vendor showcase sessions.
“Excellent opportunity to see Vendors and network in one location” KLM (UK) Engineering It is the only event in the world that provides airlines, aircraft operators, MROs and OEMs with a one-stop shop to be able to review and demo the latest cutting edge technology, designed to streamline and increase aircraft maintenance and flight operations efficiency, as well as reduce costs dramatically. From the latest iPad/ Tablet solutions for the Flight Deck or Hangar to a complex maintenance management system.
THE CONFERENCE PROVIDES A NUMBER OF SUPERB OPPORTUNITIES
• A large exhibition area allows airlines, aircraft operators, OEMs and MROs the opportunity to try out the major software and hardware IT systems from 45+ the world’s leading vendors. See over the page for a full list of vendors exhibiting their solutions and learn more about the software and hardware you will see.
MAY/JUNE 2014 | AIRCRAFT IT MRO | AIRLINE & AEROSPACE MRO AND OPERATOINS IT CONFERENCE | 39
CLICK HERE FOR FULL SOFTWARE DETAILS AND FOR A DEMO
“A great forum to get new experiences, find partners and new ideas. A great opportunity to find or share your IT needs” CSA Czech Airlines • A two day agenda of presentations, case studies and interactive workshops given by industry experts and the airline/MRO IT users themselves, discuss the latest trends and innovations in this rapidly developing sector of the industry. EFB, Fuel Efficiency and MRO/M&E Software Vendor Showcasess. • Network with your peers from other airlines and MROs from across the EMEA region. Learn from their experiences, recommendations and exchange ideas. 400+ delegates will be in attendance..
LIVE SOFTWARE DEMONSTRATIONS
One of the key benefits of this event is that it allows airlines, aircraft operators, MROs and OEMs with an excellent chance to review and demo all the major software and hardware solutions in one place, in 2 days. Extended refreshment breaks during the presentation programme allows lots of time to browse the exhibition area, and: • Try out all the major MRO/M&E and Flight Operations Software and Hardware solutions from the world’s leading vendors and see how they can benefit your company. • Discuss with the vendors best practice and how to overcome any problems you may be having with your current systems. • Try out all the latest upgrades and add-ons to compliment your current systems.
MRO /M&E SOFTWARE YOU WILL BE ABLE TO DEMO INCLUDES
• Fully Integrated End-to-End MRO/M&E Solutions. • Supply Chain Solutions Software. • Digital Documentation Management Solutions/CMS. • MRO Solutions Linked to Enterprise Wide Software (ERP etc.). • Paperless Maintenance Solutions, inc: e-Signatures. • iPad/Tablet Solutions for the Hangar and Line Maintenance.
FLIGHT OPERATIONS SOFTWARE AND HARDWARE SOLUTIONS AVAILABLE TO DEMO INCLUDE
• iPad / Win 8/ Tablet solutions for the Flight Deck. • EFB (Electronic Flight Bag). • Flight Planning Solutions. • Fuel Saving Solutions. • ETL (Electronic Technical Log). • Operations Cost Management. • Optimising Weight & Balance Software.
FOR EVENT INFORMATION
AND REGISTER YOUR DELEGATE PLACE
CLICK HERE OR CALL +44 1403 230888 Email: stephen@aircraft-commerce.com
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A well-managed improvement
V3.1 • MARCH/APRIL 2014
Predictions for 2014 - Identity as a Mega Trend. Paul Saunders
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VENDOR FLIGHT LOG:
Application Modernization Better flying with better connections
From pio to future proofing
FLEET INTELLIGENCE MUST IT BE NEW?
ance Turning Big Data into better perform
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achievements s News: The latest developments and nexperts Case Study: Thomas Cook Airline Latest Vacancies ry, Directo White Papers: IBM & Airbus and aviatio re Softwa ions Operat ars, n: Paul Saunders PLUS: Webin Vendor Flight Log: ETS Aviation Ltd Colum
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The World according to IT & Me!
Stuart Deathridge, Manager, Engineering Projects, Thomas Cook Airlines
Marc Borkowsky, Business Analyst and Benjamin Walther, joint CEO, aviationexperts
PGRADE ETL U neering
PLUS…
Tim W. Anstey, Associate Technical Fellow, BCA Airplane Information Systems
Smarter fleet powered by intelligence Nishant Balakrishnan Senior Managing Consultant – Travel &Transportation, IBM Global Business Services and Nico Metzger Marketing Manager, Airbus Services and Customer Support
David Carlisle explains what it is that has made ETS Aviation, what the business stands for and how it aims to improve IT for customers and add value to their operation
…AND…
The Aircraft IT Tender upload functionality
MAY/JUNE 2014 | AIRCRAFT IT MRO | TENDERS | 41
TARGETED OPPORTUNITIES
…your next step
Aircraft IT MRO ‘Vacancies’ on the website highlights real opportunities with great businesses looking for the best professionals
AERDATA
Considering your next career move? At Aircraft IT MRO ‘Vacancies’ 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
AERDATA
Job title: STREAM Support Manager Location: Crawley UK BRIEF JOB DESCRIPTION Provide product support to customers and colleagues. CLICK HERE FOR MORE DETAILS
CAREER OPPORTUNITIES CURRENTLY ON THE WEBSITE INCLUDE THE FOLLOWING SO SIGN UP NOW BY CLICKING HERE
Job title: Java Software Engineer Location: India
Job title: Information Technology Manager Location: Albuquerque, New Mexico, USA
AERDATA
BRIEF JOB DESCRIPTION
BRIEF JOB DESCRIPTION
To develop and enhance customers, by providing an excellent standard of care and to protect and grow revenue.
To support the customers using EFPAC on a day to day basis, being airlines/ MRO’s and engine manufacturers.
BRIEF JOB DESCRIPTION Design, implement, test, maintain and document Java-based n-tier applications used in aviation, transit and facilities maintenance and logistics operations.
CLICK HERE FOR MORE DETAILS
AERDATA
To manage and perform technical audits based on the aircraft inspection on behalf of an aircraft owner/lessor. CLICK HERE FOR MORE DETAILS
Job title: First Line Support Analyst Location: Crawley UK BRIEF JOB DESCRIPTION To be part of a team providing the primary point of contact to customers using AerData products and to ensure all customer issues are managed in a timely and efficient manner. CLICK HERE FOR MORE DETAILS
BRIEF JOB DESCRIPTION Manage the Information Technology Department, systems infrastructure Databases and Database management systems while maintaining ISO standards. CLICK HERE FOR MORE DETAILS
ULTRAMAIN
ULTRAMAIN
Job title: iOS Software Engineer Location: India
Job title: Project Manager Location: Albuquerque, New Mexico, USA
BRIEF JOB DESCRIPTION Architect, design, implement, test, maintain, and document iOS-based onboard and ground based aviation applications. CLICK HERE FOR MORE DETAILS
ULTRAMAIN
BRIEF JOB DESCRIPTION
CLICK HERE FOR MORE DETAILS
ULTRAMAIN
Job title: Snr Technical Consultant (EFPAC software) Location: Schiphol, The Netherlands
Job title: Technical Consultant (aircraft audits) Location: Schiphol, The Netherlands
BRIEF JOB DESCRIPTION Develop, test, maintain, and document Java-based n-tier applications used in aviation, transit and facilities maintenance and logistics operations.
ULTRAMAIN
Job title: Customer Account Manager Location: Dublin, ROI
AERDATA
Job title: Java Software Engineer - Intern Location: Albuquerque, New Mexico, USA
As well as listing current career opportunities, Aircraft IT MRO ‘Vacancies’ also lets you sign up for ‘Job Alerts’, to receive email alerts, making you among the first to learn about the latest opportunities and in pole position to put yourself forward.
CLICK HERE FOR MORE DETAILS
CLICK HERE FOR MORE DETAILS
ULTRAMAIN
Job title: C# Engineer Location: India BRIEF JOB DESCRIPTION Architect, design, implement, test, maintain, and document C#-based onboard and ground based aviation applications. CLICK HERE FOR MORE DETAILS
BRIEF JOB DESCRIPTION To participate in development and implementation of a series of software applications for the aviation industry. CLICK HERE FOR MORE DETAILS
ULTRAMAIN Job title: Java Software Engineer Location: Hong Kong BRIEF JOB DESCRIPTION Design, implement, test, maintain and document Java-based n-tier applications used in aviation, transit and facilities maintenance and logistics operations. CLICK HERE FOR MORE DETAILS
42 | TENDERS | AIRCRAFT IT MRO | MAY/JUNE 2014
What’s in your next issue of Aircraft IT MRO?
Big data and mobility seem to be subjects on which everybody likes to focus, probably because they have the power to change processes and the way we work in ways we can only yet imagine. But just because new ideas come along and as important as they are, there remain traditional business priorities which require continuing focus in a healthy business that wishes to stay healthy. Systems realignment and CMS are both important to every business at times of change and compliance with standards with strong security will always be obligatory.
THE LATEST MRO IT NEWS White Paper: Using big data
How both Flight Operations and Maintenance can drive huge increases in efficiency.
Case Study: Mobile MROs
What device should engineers use in the hangar and for line maintenance?
White Paper: Systems realignment The challenges of selecting and operating digital content and the value of CMS.
White Paper: Compliance with standards and digital security
Insist your MRO software is compliant plus the importance of digital security.
Aircraft IT MRO, Volume 3 Issue 3 Due out: July 2014 Aircraft IT MRO – bringing knowledge to your desktop.
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MRO Software Tender Upload Aircraft IT website MRO Software Tender Upload function puts your requirements in front of all the leading MRO IT Vendors.
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.
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:
MAY/JUNE 2014 | AIRCRAFT IT MRO | SOFTWARE DIRECTORY | 43
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 and 2 offer a complete endto-end MRO solution for airlines, MROs and aircraft operators and meet most business system requirements for MRO facilities and airlines of any size seeking a new MRO software solution or looking to replace or renew an existing one. Pure-play systems are designed specifically for the aviation MRO industry and typically offer a complete solution to fit with the highly regulated nature of the industry. ERP MRO Solutions are part of a complete end-to-end enterprise wide software package and allow for extended capability with other systems such as Finance and Human Resources. Specialist Point solutions are MRO systems that are particularly strong in certain niche areas and usually complement the pure-play solutions. For ease of reference the directory below is divided into two sections: Pure-play and ERP MRO Solutions; and Specialist Point Solutions
Pureplay, BoB and ERP MRO Solutions
2MORO SOLUTIONS
W: www.2moro.com T: +33 (0)559 013 005 (EMEA & Asia) T: +001 514 861 8686 (Americas) E: 2moro@2moro.com
Company formed: 2004, Office Location: France (HQ) and Canada
NAME OF PRODUCT MARKETED
• Aero One®, Aero-Webb®, BFly® Number of Modules...........6
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
KEY BUSINESS/SOFTWARE AREAS
• AIRTIME - Fleet management & CAMO • AIRSTOCK - Inventory control & Logistic • AIRDOC - Documentation management • AIRSTAT - Reliability and statistic reports • AIRWORK - Time Tracking Software
Created in 2004, 2MoRO Solutions is an innovative company dedicated to software development for the Aerospace & Defense market (operational and R&D needs). We are located in America and in Europe. Our solutions are operated in 17 countries. We provide three high value products: Aero-One®, Aero-Webb®, BFly®. We have partnership with the world best of class ERP and PLM software providers, SAP® and PTC®. Our products are fully integrated with ERP offering cross functionalities: Accounting, Financials, Sales, Purchasing , Operations, Inventory & Distribution. We offer specific A&D functionalities: Fleet Management, Technical Referential Mgt, Maintenance Forecasting, Maintenance Execution, Inspection & Sentencing, Configuration Control, CRM & CSM.
ADSoftware has developed an integrated fleet management system and logistic package called AIRPACK. This 6 modules system replies to the needs of aircraft and helicopters operators, as well as MRO and CAMO centres. It meets all requirements in terms of functionality, traceability, performance, aviation legislation and regulations. Today, ADSoftware counts more than 45 clients worldwide. The strength of ADSoftware is the simplicity of its products; they are Microsoft Windows® ready, Web-enabled, available in various languages and a complete training can be done in just five days. The company also provides a 24/7 online technical support and extremely competitive pricing conditions.
• Fleet Management • Technical Referential Management • Maintenance Forecasting • Inspection, Sentencing, Workbench • Configuration Control
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 FULL SOFTWARE DETAILS AND FOR A DEMO
AMOS
A Story of Success “Swiss-AS was highly committed to this implementation project and did its utmost to make this project a success”, says Finnair. Read more about the world-class M&E software system at SWISS-AS.COM
44 | SOFTWARE DIRECTORY | AIRCRAFT IT MRO | MAY/JUNE 2014
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.
W: www.aerosoftsys.com T: +1 905.678.9564 E: sales@aerosoftsys.com
Company formed: 1997, Office Location: Mississauga,Ontario, Canada; Miami,FL,USA; Austria
NAME OF PRODUCT MARKETED
• DigiMAINT, DigiDOC, WebPMI/DJM Number of Modules...........5
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
AV BASE SYSTEMS
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
NAME OF PRODUCT MARKETED
• WinAir Essentials; WinAir Express; WinAir Pro-SQL; and WinAir Enterprise Number of Modules...........5
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
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MAY/JUNE 2014 | AIRCRAFT IT MRO | SOFTWARE DIRECTORY | 45
AVIATION INTERTEC SERVICES
W: www.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
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
LUFTHANSA TECHNIK AG
W: www.commsoft.aero T: +44 (0) 1621 817 425 E: nsg@commsoft.aero
W: www.lufthansa-technik.com/manage-m T: +49 69 696 91628 E: info@manage-m.com
Company formed: 1971, Office Location: Tiptree, Derby, Norwich, Gatwick, UK; Brisbane, Australia; Coimbatore, India
NAME OF PRODUCT MARKETED
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)
• OASES Number of Modules...........10
• 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
KEY BUSINESS/SOFTWARE AREAS
Lufthansa Technik’s unique Technical Operations WebSuite manage/m® allows commercial aircraft operators to manage all core functions of their fleet’s technical operations as an entirely web-based system online – anytime and anywhere. manage/m® is provided at no extra costs to every customer holding a MRO contract with Lufthansa Technik. Rounding out Lufthansa Technik’s all-encompassing portfolio of maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) services, the modules of manage/m® comprise a complete range of airline-proven support functions that permit operators to live up to their responsibilities towards the aviation authorities. Reflecting Lufthansa Technik’s MRO competence in all of its facets, manage/m® provides you with the necessary information to live up to your responsibilities as an operator in full. Quality monitoring, reliability trends, status reports, documentation and tracking of shop events in real-time are just a few of the available WebServices.
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MXI TECHNOLOGIES
W: www.mxi.com T: +1 613-747-4698 E: info@mxi.com
Company formed: 1996, Office Location: Ottawa, Amsterdam,Detroit, Seattle, Washington, Sydney, Tampa, Saudi Arabia
NAME OF PRODUCT MARKETED
• Maintenix, Maintenix CE Number of Modules...........5
KEY BUSINESS/SOFTWARE AREAS
• Maintenance Engineering & Information Management • Maintenance Planning • Maintenance Execution • Material management • Business Support & Analytics With solutions designed specifically for aviation maintenance, Mxi Technologies provides integrated and intelligent software, support, and services to commercial airlines, MROs, OEM aftermarket service providers, and defense operators. Mxi Technologies’ Maintenix® software uses a modern architecture and provides advanced capabilities such as a role-based Web browser interface, long range and automated line planning, automated workflow, electronic signatures, support for portable wireless devices, and a comprehensive range of integration APIs. Our customers range from emerging, small- to mid-sized organizations to the largest global enterprises. For more information and to find out how you can join the evolution of aviation maintenance, visit www.mxi.com today.
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RAMCO SYSTEMS
W: www.ramcoaviation.com T: +91 89 3986 3986 E: Amrith.g@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.
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46 | SOFTWARE DIRECTORY | AIRCRAFT IT MRO | MAY/JUNE 2014
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RUSADA SA
W: www.rusada.com T: 03333 440730 E: sales@rusada.com
Company formed: 1987, Office Location: Europe, Middle East, Asia, Far East
NAME OF PRODUCT MARKETED
Company formed: 2004 (project AMOS started in 1989), Office Location: Basel, Switzerland; Miami, FL, USA
KEY BUSINESS/SOFTWARE AREAS
• AMOS Number of Modules...........10
• Envision Number of Modules...........10 (Single database) • Technical records and Asset Management • Asset and Stock Management • Operations • Engineering & Maintenance • Quality, Safety and Analytics Rusada is a global leader in the development of complex asset management software for the aerospace industry. With over 20 year’s heritage, Rusada, provides a range of tools and integrated IT solutions to enable the complete management of fleets of aircraft and the optimisation of the service provision around them. Headquartered in Switzerland with operations in the Far East, Middle East, Asia and Europe, Rusada serves over 60 major customers worldwide, spanning clients that include Operators, MROs and OEMs. Rusada’s Envision toolkit is an industry benchmark within aviation, managing over 1500 aircraft in 20 countries. Latest innovations include the development of an Analytical Manager for live KPI analysis and monitoring against thresholds via a web based dashboard, and a new Safety Management Module designed to assist with a company’s Safety Management Procedures.
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SHEOREY DIGITAL SYSTEMS LTD.
W: www.sds.co.in T: (+91-22) 2281 9198/ 2281 1086 E: rohit.jha@sds.co.in E: vicky.sheorey@sds.co.in
Company formed: 1993, Office Location: Mumbai, Bangalore, Singapore
NAME OF PRODUCT MARKETED
• ARMS®: Airline Resource Management System, InfoPrompt®: Integrated Document Management System Number of Modules...........4
KEY BUSINESS/SOFTWARE AREAS
Click here to view Annual Sponsorship Packages AircraftIT: All about Solutions for Airlines and Aircraft
SWISS AVIATIONSOFTWARE LTD.
W: www.swiss-as.com T: +41 61 582 72 94 E: marketing@swiss-as.com
• Engineering & Maintenance Sub-System (ARMS® - EMSS) • Heavy MRO Sub-System (ARMS® HMRO)* • Logistics & Inventory Management Sub-System (ARMS® LIMSS) • InfoPrompt®: Integrated Document Management System * Under development Sheorey Digital Systems Ltd., (SDS), is an established, fast growing, ISO 9001:2008 Certified Software Company, focused on providing Software Solutions to the Aviation Industry. ARMS®: ‘Airline Resource Management System’ is an internet rich, current-generation, state-of-the-art Information Technology System that effectively addresses the extremely critical and cost sensitive nature of Airlines/Commercial Air Transport operations. ARMS® is one of the few cost-effective, fully integrated software solutions that seamlessly addresses – Flight Operations, Maintenance and Logistics functions of an air transport operator - designed and developed to control costs which is so very critical for Air Operators today! ARMS® is readily and easily ‘customizable’ to specific business & operational requirements.
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NAME OF PRODUCT MARKETED KEY BUSINESS/SOFTWARE AREAS
• Material Management • Engineering • Planning • Production • Maintenance Control
Swiss AviationSoftware unites over 20 years of IT experience with profound MRO expertise and offers its customers the functionally unsurpassed and technologically state-of-the art maintenance system AMOS. AMOS is a comprehensive, fully-integrated software package that successfully manages the maintenance, engineering and logistics requirements of modern airlines and MRO providers by fulfilling demanding airworthiness standards. Today, almost 100 customers worldwide steer their maintenance activities with AMOS, which makes AMOS the industry-leading MRO software in Europe and one of the best-selling solutions globally.
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TRAX USA CORP.
W: www.trax.aero T: +1 305.662.7400 E: sales@trax.aero
Company formed: 1997, Office Location: Miami, Fl, USA; Horsham, West Sussex, UK
NAME OF PRODUCT MARKETED
• TRAX Maintenance & Engineering Software Number of Modules...........23
KEY BUSINESS/SOFTWARE AREAS
• Engineering & Planning • Production & Shop • Technical Records & Reliability • TRAXDoc Document Control • Supply Chain Management
TRAX is the global leader in the aviation 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.
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MAY/JUNE 2014 | AIRCRAFT IT MRO | SOFTWARE DIRECTORY | 47
ULTRAMAIN
W: www.ultramain.com T: +1.505.828.9000 E: sales@ultramain.com
Company formed: 1980, Office Location: Albuquerque, New Mexico, USA
NAME OF PRODUCT MARKETED
ULTRAMAIN® M&E / MRO • ULTRAMAIN Mobile Mechanics™ • ULTRAMAIN Mobile Inventory™ • efbTechLogs™ • eCabin™ • ULTRAMAIN for M&E / MRO: 28 Modules • ULTRAMAIN Onboard Systems Software: 5 Modules
KEY BUSINESS/SOFTWARE AREAS
• Maintenance & Engineering • MRO • Maintenance Planning & Scheduling • Paperless Customer Care on Tablets • Electronic Aircraft Logbook Ultramain Systems, Inc. develops M&E / MRO and EFB software for the aviation industry and is the only aviation software provider with customers running full, end-to-end paperless operations from the cockpit to the ground. ULTRAMAIN® v9™, featuring Mobile Mechanic™ and Mobile Inventory™, enables real-time paperless data collection for the full maintenance and inventory process. Combine ULTRAMAIN v9 with efbTechLogs™, the easy-to-use electronic logbook, and the entire maintenance process becomes paperless. Contact us to learn what you need to equip your organization with consumer mobile devices and see why elite aviation customers around the world are choosing ULTRAMAIN to reduce costs and increase aircraft up time.
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VOLARTEC
Specialist Point Solutions
AERDATA
W: www.aerdata.com T: +44 (0)1293 817 685 E: sharon.heaton@aerdata.com
Company formed: 2002, Office Location: Amsterdam, Crawley, Dublin, Americas
NAME OF PRODUCT MARKETED
• CMS, Financials, EFPAC, STREAM, AtlasData Number of Modules...........5
KEY BUSINESS/SOFTWARE AREAS
• • • • •
CMS: Lease and Asset Management Software Financials: Ledger and Financial Software EFPAC: Engine Fleet Planning and Costing Software STREAM: Digital Records Scanning Software AtlasData: Global Fleet Database Tool
AerData provides integrated software solutions for lease management, engine fleet planning, records scanning as well as technical and backoffice services for aircraft and engine operators, lessors and MROs. With a strong customer focus AerData delivers reliable and secure services to its clients using latest technologies and state of the art IT infrastructure. AerData has an experienced team of 125 professionals across four offices in The Netherlands, UK, Ireland and the USA. Within AerData, software developers and aviation experts work together seamlessly in order to deliver exceptional software, product support and reliable back office services to the aviation industry.
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AEROXCHANGE
W: www.volartec.aero T: +353 617 49010 E: marketing@volartec.aero
W: www.aeroexhange.com T: 1 (972) 556-8548 E: sales@aeroexhange.com
NAME OF PRODUCT MARKETED
NAME OF PRODUCT MARKETED
Company formed: 2004, Office Location: Ireland; Argentina • 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 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.
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Company formed: 200, Office Location: Irving, Texas • AeroBuy, AeroRepair, AeroComponent, AeroAOG, Smart Source, and Strategic Tendering Solutions Number of Modules...........6
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.
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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
KEY BUSINESS/SOFTWARE AREAS
KEY BUSINESS/SOFTWARE AREAS
• • • • •
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.
• • • •
Purchase and Repair Order Management AOG Recovery and Loan/Borrow/Exchange Management Supporting Process Management of Component Contracts Constructing Comprehensive Supporting Events
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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
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48 | SOFTWARE DIRECTORY | AIRCRAFT IT MRO | MAY/JUNE 2014
AVIIT
W: www.aviit.com T: +44 (0) 1383 620922 E: info@aviit.com
Company formed: 2004, Office Location: Fife, Scotland
NAME OF PRODUCT MARKETED
• eMan & Archimedes Number of Modules...........2
KEY BUSINESS/SOFTWARE AREAS
• • • • •
Technical publications Distribution - eMan Document Acknowledment - eMan Read & Sign ACARS data management - Archimedes ACARS Technical Consultancy IT systems management & support
AviiT is exclusively focused on the provision of software solutions to the aviation sector. eMan provides an efficient capability for the distribution of technical publications across the maintenance and repair estate. Used by aircraft operators and 3rd party MROs alike, eMan unlocks the benefits of smooth and efficient distribution of engineering and process documentation. eMan is available as an on-premise or hosted offering for complete deployment flexibility. Drawing upon data sources such as ACARS, Archimedes provides a powerful capability to capture, analyse and present valuable, real time data in a clear and flexible format to Operation and Engineering teams.
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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.
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EMPOWERMX
W: www.empowermx.com T: +1 866-498-3702 E: info@empowermx.com
Company formed: 1999, Office Location: Frisco TX, USA
NAME OF PRODUCT MARKETED
• FleetCycle® Execution Suite – MRO Manager (FCXM) Number of Modules...........9
KEY BUSINESS/SOFTWARE AREAS
• FleetCycle® Execution Suite: Production Manger (FXPM), MRO Manager (FCXM) and Line Manager (FCXL) • Maintenance Program Manager (FCMPM), Planning Manager (FCPM), Reliability Manager (FCRM), Material Manager (FCMM), and Maintenance Intelligence (FCMI), Electronic LogBook (FCELB) • Coming Soon: FleetCycle® Executive Suite – Shop Manager (FCXS)) EmpowerMX if an aviation industry-recognized software development/consulting-services business. We are purely focused on empowering our customers with the ability to decrease its costs of making air travel safer by equipping their decision makers with reliable, real-time/globally available intelligence for minimizing maintenance turn times/OpEx while maximizing airworthiness/profits. FCXM allows MROs, airlines, and lessors to effectively control the entire maintenance lifecycle or only the portions for which they are responsible. Airlines can jointly manage their outsourced and insourced activites like engineering reliability, QA and maintenance programs at the line, heavy and shop levels with an expected reduction in cycle times and increase in labor productivity on the magnitude of 16-30 percent. Third-party MROs can run their entire operation fro bidding through contracting to invoicing.
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ENIGMA
W: www.enigma.com T: +1 781-273-3600 E: infous@enigma.com
Company formed: 1992, Office Location: Burlington, MA USA; Singapore; London, UK; Tokyo, Japan; Hertzlia, Israel; Stockholm, Sweden,
NAME OF PRODUCT MARKETED
• InService MRO, InService Job Card Generator, InService Revision Manager, Enigma 3C Number of Modules...........n/a
KEY BUSINESS/SOFTWARE AREAS
• MRO Technical Documentation Delivery • Revision Management/Control • Job/Task Card Automation • Illustrated Parts Catalogs • Service and Parts Documentation Enigma solutions help airlines and MRO facilities reduce costs and improve service efficiency and consistency by providing maintenance technicians with the latest maintenance manuals, spare parts and service information, filtered by tail number. Enigma takes data from enterprise applications – such as MRO Planning and Engineering, ERP, etc. – and creates an interactive maintenance solution that delivers the latest service, parts, and diagnostic information. By offering dynamic, integrated parts and service information, and links to inventory, order management and other systems, Enigma enables engineers to quickly update and distribute technical publications, and technicians to swiftly perform maintenance and repairs.
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FLATIRONS SOLUTIONS
(Formerly InfoTrust Group) W: www.flatironssolutions.com, www.techsightx.com T: +1.303.627.6535 E: Julie.Fouque@flatironssolutions.com Company formed: 1994, Office Locations: Irvine, CA, Boulder, CO, Superior, CO, Phoenix, AZ, Austin, TX, Arlington, VA, Shanghai, China, London, UK
NAME OF PRODUCT MARKETED
TechSight/X® Suite of Products Number of Modules...........10+
KEY BUSINESS/SOFTWARE AREAS
• Content Management System (CMS) • Interactive Electronic Technical Publisher (IETP) • Maintenance & Engineering • Flight Operations • Tablet Solutions & Mobility
Flatirons Solutions provides information management consulting services and solutions, including transformational outsourcing services for technical and training information for Fortune 500 and other companies in the aviation and aerospace, enterprise, government, high-tech, and publishing and media industries — helping our customers deliver the right information, at the right time, to the right people. The TechSight/X suite of products is the leading independent solution for technical information management developed specifically for the aerospace industry. For more than 25 years, the world’s largest airlines and aerospace manufacturers have relied on the TechSight/X suite of products to create, manage, and deliver large volumes of technical information in support of the production, operation, and maintenance of aircraft throughout their lifecycle. .
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GEN2 SYSTEMS LIMITED
W: www.gen2systems.net T: +44 (0) 121 351 6563 E: adrian.ryan@gen2systems.net
Company formed: 2007, Office Location: Birmingham UK, London UK
NAME OF PRODUCT MARKETED
• FLYdocs Number of Modules...........9
KEY BUSINESS/SOFTWARE AREAS
• Aircraft Management • Engine Centre • Repair Centre • Search • Current Status / EoL Centre
FLYdocs is a highly efficient system used for electronic Document Storage, Aircraft Returns, Engine Management, Repair Management, Landing Gear Management, APU Management, Thrust Reverser Management, instant online Searching and Lease Company Management….plus much more… The system is incredibly flexible and easy to use and provides clients with integrated options to connect to internal Maintenance Planning systems to create a closed loop for record keeping. FLYdocs uses a highly advanced and exceptionally intelligent platform to perform manual tasks with ease, vastly reducing the time it takes to manage documentation as well as providing major cost savings and value for money.
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MAY/JUNE 2014 | AIRCRAFT IT MRO | SOFTWARE DIRECTORY | 49
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’s MRO practice leverages industry specific tools and services to fulfill its customers’ need for efficient migration to newer M&E Systems, implementing industry specific Data Warehouses and Analytics and Independent Application Testing Suites. HMro Suite of Offerings include: HMro Analytics including more than 50+ Industry specific KPIs with prebuilt Dashboards and Reports HMro Data Migration Suite to ease your challenges in migrating to newer systems with specific Accelerators for ETL and mapping; HMro Test Suite for functional Testing of your M & E Applications; and HMro BPO Services for Technical Records Digitisation and Management.
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.
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NVABLE LTD
HOLOCENTRIC
W: www.nvable.com T: +44 141 280 0050 E: contact@nvable.com
Company formed: 2003. Office Location: Sydney, Canberra, Hong Kong
• Appixo, Appixo ETL Number of Modules...........4
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W: www.holocentric.com T: +1 612 9957 3169 E: info@holocentric.com 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.
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Company formed: 2005. Office Location: Glasgow, UK
NAME OF PRODUCT MARKETED KEY BUSINESS/SOFTWARE AREAS
• • • •
Electronic Technical Log Alternative Training & Qualification Programme (ATQP) Station Operational Compliance (SOC) Management Dashboards & Analysis
NVable (pronounced “enviable”) was founded as a specialist software development consultancy creating bespoke solutions that allow customers to exploit the full value of their operational data. NVable now also offers its own software products. NVable recently launched Appixo – a platform that combines large scale data handling with a framework to support multiple mobile data acquisition applications. The Appixo ETL is one such application, first launched in May 2012 with BA CityFlyer. NVable is now expanding its suite of aviation focussed applications. The growing list now includes ATQP and SOC Management. The data gathered from each application is fed into the Appixo analysis platform to feed the Management Dashboard & Analytics. This allows for real-time analysis of aircraft status, fuel burn/ uplift, defects, Out of Phase Maintenance etc.
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OMEGA AIRINE SOFTWARE, INC.
W: www.omegaair.com T: +1-972-775-3693 E: info@omegaair.com
Company formed: 1991. Office Location: Midlothian, TX
NAME OF PRODUCT MARKETED
• Ames Advanced Planning and Scheduling System Number of Modules...........5
KEY BUSINESS/SOFTWARE AREAS
• • • • •
Optimized long range planning Short-term scheduling Line/RON scheduling Engine and component scheduling Business intellegence
Omega Airline Software has been supplying the aviation industry with Ames, the industry standard Advanced Planning and Scheduling software tool, since 1991. Ames currently enables the optimized planning of maintenance on over 4000 aircraft at 21 customer sites around the world. Unique in the industry, no other tool provides the planning power or information creation of Ames. Companies enjoying the benefits of Ames include mainline commercial operators, regional airlines, fractional ownership companies and MRO operations. Amesfive, the current release, combines the power of Ames with the versatility and access of the Web.
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PSIPENTA SOFTWARE SYSTEMS GMBH.
W: www.psipenta.com T: +49 (0)800 377 4968 E: info@psipenta.com
Company formed: 1997. Office Location: Germany (Berlin, Stuttgart, München, Essen)
NAME OF PRODUCT MARKETED
• PSIpenta Project Management; PSIpenta Materials Management; PSIpenta Maintenance, PSIpenta Purchasing, PSIpenta Order Management, Psipenta Sequencing, PSIpenta Warehouse Management, PSIpenta Adaptive Planning, PSIpenta Mobile Processes, PSIpenta Data Collection, PSIpenta Control System, PSIpenta Finite Capacity Scheduling, PSIpenta Cost Accounting Number of Modules...........15
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.
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Delays cost the airline industry $5 billion annually. Does your mobile solution improve dispatch rates? TechSight/X mobile solutions for Android, iPad, and Windows tablets improve labor productivity, helping you return aircraft to active revenuegenerating service dependably. Contact Flatirons Solutions to discover more.
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