The digital transformation wave is hitting various legacy industries, and aviation maintenance is no exception. The market for this industry is growing, with digital aviation in the Asia Pacific region projected to have the highest CAGR during the forecast period, and MRO being the fastest-growing segment worldwide.

Landscape of Digital Solutions in Aviation Maintenance

Maintaining aircraft, engines, the thousands of parts, and records in between, is a long complex process, involving many tasks and roles. This diversity was also translated into the types of digital aviation out there. While certainly far from exhaustive, here are a handful of major digital solutions categories that are available:

• Electronic records management – Electronic record-keeping helps human errors and enhances efficiency, compared to paper-based systems. Some platforms like CloudCards also use OCR, AI, and ML on metadata for character recognition, refining search capabilities.

• Maintenance software for data centralization – Maintenance software like Alkym consolidates all data to tackle data fragmentation issues in maintenance to allow for better planning and analysis and facilitate seamless information exchange.

• Predictive Maintenance Analytics – Predictive maintenance can help reduce downtime and strategize cost better by leveraging data analytics and ML to identify trends, predict part failures, and anticipate issues before they occur.

• IoT to support Condition-Based Maintenance – IoT devices and sensors embedded in aircraft systems monitor the performance and condition of components, and help identify and mitigate potential issues (Example: Rolls-Royce's Intelligent Health Monitoring System)

• Digital twin – Digital twins create virtual replicas of physical objects or systems, in this case, the aircraft, thus enabling engineers to study, understand, and predict behaviors of components under various conditions.

• Electronic Tech Logs – Tech logs cover crucial aircraft information. Traditional systems though reliable are tougher to manage, and digital tech logs can help improve searchability and tracking.

• RFID for tracking tools and spare parts – With the supply chain crisis, effective tools and inventory management are critical. RFID provides better visibility and real-time tracking, enhancing inventory management and parts replenishment programs.

These are only a handful of examples, with others including digital signatures for document approval, virtual reality for training, and Electronic Flight Bags to name a few.

The Reality of Applying Digital Solutions - Why & Why Not

Though promising, the shift toward digitalization is met with both support and resistance. 

Even if companies overcome these barriers, there are still pitfalls during implementation. Addressing these pitfalls is essential; otherwise, we risk replacing old problems with new ones instead of solving them. Let's review the case study below to illustrate some key questions on each stage of implementation:

Case Study: Questions to Ask When Implementing Maintenance Software

1. Project Planning

   When planning a project, it's crucial to start with an understanding of your organization's current context and a clear plan.

   What to ask:

   • What does the current business practice look like? Who is involved, and what roles do they play?

   • On the project itself, what will our transformation program entail? Who will be responsible for what, and who should be engaged in the process?

2. Switching

   This stage involves aligning software and procedures to ensure a smooth transition.

   What to ask:

   • What data will be migrated, and what will not?

   • Are there any data or procedures that the system cannot accommodate? How do we plan to mitigate that?

   • What does role segmentation look like? What can each role do or not do?

3. Data preparation, Cleaning and Migration

   Migrating data involves more than just importing and exporting; it requires verification, matching formats between legacy and new systems, and resolving gaps to ensure data integrity.

   What to ask:

   • What adjustments are needed to the data from legacy systems?

   • What data are we missing? Which data do we need to clarify further?

     
     

4. Server & Software Set up

   The next step involves setting up the necessary IT infrastructure and software, both of which need to align with the organization's needs and capacity.

   What to ask:

   • What type of server will be used, on-premise or using cloud?

   • If on-premise, what specifications are needed for the server?

   • If opting for cloud, what solutions provider should we choose?

5. Training and Personnel Onboarding

   Digital transformation is as much a human resource project as it is a technology initiative. Effective training is crucial and should be led by someone who fully understands the system and the different training specific roles/users need.

   What to ask:

   • Who will be trained, and when? How many training sessions are needed?

   • How will role and access level differences impact user training?

6. Actually making the software work for your company

   Setting up the software and preparing the data is only half the journey. Users must be convinced that the software supports rather than hinders their regular tasks.

   What to ask:

   • What feedback mechanisms will be in place?

   • What customizations can the platform offer to accommodate specific roles and needs? For example, Alkym provides over 20 modules and applications catering to functions such as engineering, reliability, planning, and purchasing, along with compatibility with in-house and third-party systems.

   • How will we process requests for accommodation, and how will we coordinate with ERP providers if additional adjustments are needed?

Conclusion

This overview is far from complete, and in reality, many other complications can be expected, especially when transitioning from legacy systems. Digital transformation -whether we like it or not would play considerable roles in the future of aviation maintenance. Whichever digital solutions you choose to implement, having dedicated project management roles and solution specialists is strongly advised. Whether it is an in-house team trained for these projects or engaging with external experts like TBM Aviation to work alongside your internal technical team, proper support can smooth the transition process. 

Let’s Talk

If you are considering taking the next step, working with the right technical partner can help you transition smoothly and get the most out of your system. TBM Aviation is experienced in supporting companies with their ERP implementation, making sure you get the support you need to implement a system that actually makes your team’s life easier and brings real value to your operations. Reach out to info@tbmaviation.com to start a conversation about your implementation needs.