Heavy maintenance, line maintenance, aircraft completions, interiors, paint, component repairs, part-out, deconstruction, and recycling are all performed in the global MRO marketplace, which is an ecosystem of interrelated supply chains and repair stations. MRO is the backbone of the aviation industry’s smooth functioning in all three sectors: general, commercial, and defense. The MRO business is no stranger to digital change; in fact, IT has a long history of providing crucial support over the years.

In creating operating methods, such as effective supply chains and turnaround time, digital transformation has aided the industry in surviving and thriving in this fast-changing and competitive environment.

Technology at hand to facilitate production work in aeronautical workshops. Here are some of how an aeronautical management tool with a production app makes it easier to close the job, provides more accurate data, and reduces administration costs:

• Mobile applications for MRO.

The adoption of apps on mobile devices such as tablets and cell phones can boost productivity on the aircraft shop floor through their ability to provide instant analytics, accuracy, collaboration, and access from anywhere. With the use of an app, mechanics can view their work plan on their tablet or cell phone and consult digital documentation (such as aircraft manuals) right on the job site without traveling to another location to review paper documentation.

The integration of the apps with the multimedia capabilities of the devices (camera, video, microphone, etc.) also makes it possible to leave evidence with photos and videos of inspections and repairs.

We take this opportunity to share a tutorial video of  where we demonstrated the Soma App for Production: https://youtu.be/osiXG8pqYK8

In the MRO industry, mobile applications are leading the charge toward digital transformation. With proper installation and training, it decreases cycle time, boosts income, and lowers costs. Let’s take a look at the types of mobile applications that are sweeping the MRO industry:

• Customer Service Apps

Customer service employees can now use apps to better assist their clients by resolving their issues from wherever they are. These apps provide information like pricing checking, availability of parts or repair services, placing orders, and checking the status of awaiting deliveries available on the go, so reps don’t have to stay in front of the computer all day to receive it.

• Supply Chain Apps

Supply chain applications have made supply chain specialists’ lives much easier and more liberated than previously. The salespeople can use these apps to look around the store and look for material for important repairs. They can use capabilities like ILS to search for suppliers and place orders in the event of unavailability. Supply chain software can also assist in receiving stock and updating the stocking bin. These programs can also be used to conduct inventory cycle counts on a regular basis, ensuring that inventory levels are accurate and dependable.

• WIP accounting and labor collecting

These applications are beneficial to independent MROs because they are utilized to keep correct WIP accounting. Mechanics may now record the time they spend working or performing activities, which can be used by businesses to optimize and identify precise costs, resulting in increased efficiency and profit.

In terms of technology adoption, the MRO industry is still nearly entirely reliant on human labor, and it is roughly a decade behind sectors like pharmaceuticals and banking.

Visit https://www.coppermobile.com/blog/rise-of-augmented-reality/ to learn more about the rise of augmented reality and remote help in the MRO industry.

These MRO technologies have the ability to totally transform the way the industry operates, resulting in a shift away from the human touch and toward human-led operations. Take a look at this:

• Improved visualization and follow-up of the work plan.

A management tool leveraged with a production app enables organized work plan assignment and tracking, which increases engagement and adoption among the workforce.

Aircraft mechanics working in organizations with mobile apps for production can visualize their activities and responsibilities in an organized way on their cell phones or tablets.

The use of the internet as a resource for transmitting information allows mechanics to capture, record, and send the results of inspections and repairs in real-time. Other areas involved can also visualize the progress of tasks in real-time.

Our customer Searca in Colombia is a success story in the implementation of an app for production; see below the comments of their employees: https://youtu.be/EVNXCK4xAqU

• More accurate data

An airline or workshop that works in a structured way the service according to the maintenance program and adequately records the results in its management platform will have the necessary analytics to take timely actions that affect business performance and be up to date with quality or legal inspections.

Don’t miss out on the opportunity for your production force in the aerospace workshop to move more freely and have more flexibility in their work. Approach enterprise mobility with a scalable solution that adapts to your business. Remember that any improvement in your processes will translate into higher quality of service, customer loyalty, and ultimately, more sales.

• Robotics

Robotics is one of the fastest-growing MRO technologies, and while it isn’t used very much right now, it has a lot of potential in the future. In the current environment, when trained labor is in limited supply and labor costs are rising, robotics is gaining appeal. Robots are typically employed to inspect components that are difficult for humans to access.

• Manufacturing with additives

Additive manufacturing is already gaining popularity in the MRO sector. AM refers to computer-aided-design (CAD) software or 3D object scanner to create 3D printed goods. Additive manufacturing enables the industry to print substantial, durable, and lightweight replacement parts that are quick and affordable and reduce the cost for maintenance providers.

• Machine Learning, Analytics, and Artificial Intelligence

Data analytics, AI, and machine learning technologies are very popular in the MRO industry. With optimal data availability from sensors and data routers, the MRO industry has a huge opportunity to improve operations. As a result, there is a significant demand and need to filter and utilise this data for relevant insights. This is where these new technologies can help.

Visit https://www.coppermobile.com/blog/future-of-mro-category-management/ to learn more about the future of MRO Category Management.

Given how the MRO industry addresses difficulties, adapts to a changing world, and seizes new technology, the potential for the MRO sector are vast. The coming year appears to be critical for getting a head start and implementing technology and procedures that can generate data-driven efficiencies and, as a result, lead the industry to success.