Flight Path to Profitability: Leveraging Airline MRO Software for Competitive Advantage

MRO is the backbone of successful aviation operations – ensuring that aircraft are maintained to the highest standards guarantees passenger safety, extends the life of the fleet, and minimises disruptions. But that’s not all. 

Efficient MRO operations translates into greater efficiency. This means providing the same value as competitors at a lower cost – or higher value at competing prices. And what’s the key to efficiency? MRO software. Read on to find out why.  

How Does MRO Efficiency Bring Competitive Advantage? 

The MRO landscape is intricate, laden with strict regulations, complex operations, and the need for meticulous record-keeping. It can be challenging to maintain efficiency when dealing with such complexity, but it’s essential to do so if you want to gain competitive advantage. 

After all, improving the cost of maintenance operations while maintaining the same level of service allows MRO operators to offer their services at attractive prices while maintaining profit margins. 

With the rising cost of fuel and materials, it’s more important than ever to review the efficiency of operations. Climate change is also expected to cause an increase in MRO costs. For example, turbulence and airframe inspection costs in Europe totalled USD 115.53 million in 2017 and are forecast to reach USD 231.05 million by 2035. 

The Benefits of Comprehensive, Integrated Systems

Unfortunately, many companies still rely on outdated methods to get the job done. For example, they use separate software systems to manage different aspects of their operations i.e., separate platforms for inventory management, maintenance planning, invoicing, analytics, and so on. 

This in itself adds so much overhead in terms of admin and data transfer, and brings risks of inaccuracy due to the use of separate databases. 

Using an integrated system that brings true value in terms of efficiency lowers the cost of maintenance overall. Other benefits of improving efficiency through airline MRO software include: 

• Lower overhead costs – for example, less staff may be required in finance departments due to the automation of invoicing and related processes. 
• Faster implementation of improvement measures. This is thanks to the real-time availability of comprehensive data. 
• Better reputation among potential customers. Airlines seeking MRO providers will favour those that are using robust, world class software that is proven to drive efficiency. 

Modern Challenges Demand Modern Solutions

Legacy systems and manual processes are no longer adequate in today’s digital age. Airlines must manage vast amounts of data, track intricate workflows, and adhere to a myriad of international regulations. 

To do all of the above successfully requires technology that’s designed to manage large volumes of data with ease. The best airline MRO software is cloud based, which enables the following: 

• A holistic view of the fleet’s health
• Access to real-time data
• Integration with other systems
• Easy adjustment of storage and processing capabilities based on operational needs.
• Data management without investing in on-premises infrastructure.
• Access to data and systems from anywhere, facilitating coordination between ground teams, flight crews, and central offices.
• Automatic updates and backups
• Maximal uptime
• A single source of truth – no siloed data sources. 

In fact, research by McKinsey has shown that 60% of companies note easier IT operations and management due to migrating to the cloud.  

How Does Airline MRO Software Improve Efficiency? 

MRO software streamlines workflows, automates repetitive tasks, reduces paperwork, and ensures that teams have the information they need at their fingertips. From tracking inventory levels to scheduling maintenance tasks, all workflows become more efficient. A few examples of how the OASES streamlines operations are below.  

Maintenance Planning 

OASES makes life much easier for planning teams. It tracks airworthiness directives and service bulletins, and requisite actions are automatically included in a work order along with any necessary documentation. It also integrates forecast maintenance, modification and defect limitation tasks into work orders and automatically generates work package documentation. 

Commercial Management 

This module provides a comprehensive overview of the entire business. It provides a single source of truth for all financial information, including margin analysis, accrued income, cost of sales, information on invoicing, and so on. All in all, it’s a unified platform for any admin involved with invoicing, cross-charging, forecasting and reporting. It also facilitates real-time analysis for agile finance-related decision-making.

Enhanced Compliance Management

With the aviation industry governed by strict regulatory bodies, compliance cannot be an afterthought. Our software simplifies the audit process by maintaining comprehensive, searchable records. It also ensures that all maintenance activities adhere to the latest regulations, reducing the risk of penalties.

Improved Communication

One of the core strengths of our cloud based airline MRO software is its ability to foster communication between teams. Whether it’s the on-ground technician or the procurement manager, everyone accesses the same updated data, and this seamless flow of information eliminates ambiguities and reduces errors.

Live Task Tracking

The OASES Production module offers live tracking of task progression. Automated reports deliver insights into KPIs, including the comparison of budgeted to actual labour costs, identified issues, and the distribution or retrieval of materials. This comprehensive knowledge equips teams to improve resource allocation, from the broader hangar perspective to specific tasks.

How Does Airline MRO Software Reduce Costs? 

As well as improving overall efficiency, airline MRO software has features designed to manage and reduce the costs incurred by maintenance operations.  

Data-Driven Insights for More Efficient Maintenance

Modern MRO solutions provide powerful analytics and reporting tools. For example, predictive analytics enables preventive maintenance, mitigating the need for expensive last-minute repairs. Forecasting future maintenance needs also allows for better resource allocation, and helps airlines make informed decisions about fleet upgrades or replacements. 

Materials Management 

The Material Management module enhances the cost-effectiveness of your inventory management, ensuring parts are available precisely when needed, eliminating delays and potential revenue loss. 

The module also offers an RFID Tool Control feature for complete tool kits or individual tools. This ensures consistent tracking of inventory needs and material requests from start to finish, always keeping you updated on any shortages and ensuring financial transactions are reconciled with the main accounting framework.

With our Mobile Material application, inventory checks and parts issuance become seamless, even on the go. The system allows for instantaneous logging of parts, generating quote requests, placing orders, and facilitating payments through the accounting department.

Warranty Management 

The Warranty Management feature in OASES helps you maximise the benefits of warranties applicable to aircraft and inventory parts. It offers clear evidence of vendor efficiency, and you can generate reports with ease to pinpoint vendors or repair centres that may fall short in addressing warranty claims. All in all, it heightens your chances of successful claims.

From the moment components are marked as unserviceable, the system automatically monitors the claim’s progress. All warranty details can then be viewed on a customisable dashboard, tailored to your specific vendors or fleet. This consolidation of information allows you to focus on performance enhancement, cutting down on administrative tasks.

Choosing the Right MRO Software

Selecting the perfect MRO solution is crucial to really elevate efficiency. As well as using a cloud based system as discussed, here are a few more important points to consider: 

• Integration capabilities: The software should easily integrate with other enterprise systems, ensuring a unified data ecosystem.
• Mobile accessibility: Systems like OASES Mobile are accessible via mobile devices for easy collaboration from any location. 
• Real-time data: Access to real time data is a must, enabling make timely decisions.
• Support and training: Opt for providers that offer comprehensive training and ongoing support to make the most of the software.
• Scalability: As organisations grow, their software should keep up. Choose a solution that’s scalable, catering to both current and future needs. Again, this is much easier with a cloud based system. 
• Customisability: Every company is unique, and so are its MRO needs. Opt for software that’s flexible enough to tailor to your specific requirements.  

In Closing

Efficient MRO operations hold the key to gaining a competitive edge. As organisations grapple with intricate regulatory frameworks, large volumes of data, and all-round complexity, using robust MRO software becomes not just beneficial, but essential. 

An all-encompassing software solution such as OASES streamlines workflows, reduces costs, enhances collaboration, ensures strict compliance – and so much more. To envision how your organisation could drive efficiency and beat the competition, contact us today and book a demo.