15 Aug 2017
Solutions for ensuring the integrity of the maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) supply chain are wide and varied, and smart management of that chain is key.
Whether you're an airline maintenance department or independent third-party MRO provider, keeping an optimum inventory level to enable just-in time maintenance is demanding. The solution is to ensure smart management of the supply chain.
Supply chain challenges
At AJW Group, chief strategy officer Boris Wolstenholme noted that supply chain challenges range "from the accurate forecasting of operations and maintenance, to the availability of parts, the challenge of storing stock in the right location to varying AOG requirements.
"The availability of accurate data on stock levels is also critically important, providing the intelligence that can inform future purchasing decisions," he observed. "Finally, there is the complexity of modern airlines having a range of procurement options to choose from – from ownership, to leasing, pooling and exchange.
"The good news is that through effective planning and efficient maintenance practices, there is much that can be done to reduce the amount of capital tied up in stock and AOG parts. We operate several inventory pools in support of operations: station inventory (located at the Main Base Kit), regional inventory located to optimise logistic solutions in region (main inventory held at HQ in Slinfold, UK) and work in progress or repair (WIP) inventory.
"Optimising the model and understanding the impact on service levels and logistics whilst maintaining an efficient WIP is something that we constantly strive for," said Wolstenholme. "We combine this with an extensive vendor network of OEMs and MROs, which, together with our supply chain management and efficient maintenance service, ensures our customers have the optimal level of stock, ultimately helping towards the on-time performance of their aircraft."