Introduction
In 2018, EBIS, a leading Ground Support Equipment (GSE) software company, collaborated with a major aviation service provider facing critical challenges in their maintenance operations. The challenges included conducting re-active maintenance, low work order on-time performance, a high percentage of unscheduled work orders, and a lack of supply chain integration.
Challenges
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Re-active Maintenance: The client struggled with a predominantly re-active maintenance approach, leading to increased downtime and operational inefficiencies.
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Low Work Order On-Time Performance: The on-time performance for work orders in 2018 was alarmingly low, hovering around 42%, indicating significant delays in completing maintenance tasks.
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Unscheduled Work Orders: Approximately 70% of all work orders were unscheduled, exacerbating resource allocation challenges and impacting overall operational efficiency.
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No Supply Chain Integration: The absence of supply chain integration further complicated the maintenance process, causing delays in parts procurement and hindering overall workflow.
Approach
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Targeted Improvement: EBIS, in collaboration with the client, targeted the worst-performing city within their network, combining industry best practices with tailored recommendations from EBIS experts.
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Data Cleanup and User Adoption: An extensive data cleanup initiative was undertaken to ensure the accuracy and reliability of the data within the EBIS system. Additionally, efforts were made to enhance user adoption through training and system optimization.
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Asset Performance Analysis: The top 5 underperforming assets were identified, and preventive maintenance (PM) schedules were revised. Quality control (QC) checks were implemented to ensure the effectiveness of the new maintenance protocols.
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Performance Improvement Measures: A concerted effort was made to improve Planned Maintenance Index (PMI) performance by introducing efficiency measures and refining maintenance processes.
Results
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Pro-active Maintenance: The implementation of EBIS recommendations and industry best practices transformed the maintenance strategy from re-active to pro-active, significantly reducing unplanned downtime.
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Work Order On-Time Performance Improvement: The on-time performance for work orders showed a remarkable improvement, soaring from 44% in 2018 to an impressive 79% in 2023.
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PMI Efficiency Ratio Reduction: The PMI efficiency ratio, which stood at 3.83 in 2018, was substantially reduced to 1.42 in 2023. This reduction showcased the effectiveness of the new preventive maintenance schedules and quality control checks.
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Streamlined Parts Purchasing: The integration of supply chain management into the EBIS software streamlined the parts purchasing process, reducing delays and ensuring the timely availability of critical components.
Conclusion
The collaboration between the aviation service provider and EBIS exemplifies the transformative power of strategic software implementation and industry best practices. The results not only address the immediate challenges faced by the client but also pave the way for sustained operational excellence in the field of Ground Support Equipment maintenance. The success story of this partnership highlights the significant positive impact that well-implemented software solutions can have on maintenance operations within the aviation industry.
