Boeing

In a move to further expand its digital services, The Boeing Company has entered into an alliance with Ramco Systems Ltd. to complete a new software offering called Enterprise One^TM, a comprehensive maintenance management system for airlines.

Under terms of the agreement, Ramco will supply key software modules to Boeing. Several of the modules are designed specifically to support the work of airline engineering staffs. Other modules cover logistics functions, including spares procurement and inventory transactions.

Another component of the new enterprise system supports maintenance planning and scheduling. This module, known as MaintStream^TM, is already in service with selected airlines and was developed by Boeing subsidiary AeroInfo Systems of Richmond, British Columbia, Canada. Boeing acquired AeroInfo last year as part of an ongoing program to expand offerings in the aviation services market.

Ramco Systems, based in Chennai, India, has 15 offices worldwide. The firm provides software and systems development expertise to a highly diversified customer base that includes companies in the manufacturing, telecommunications, transportation and finance sectors.

"The teaming of Boeing, Ramco and AeroInfo creates a synergy that delivers a total maintenance solution to the airline industry," said Rich Higgins, Boeing vice president of Maintenance Engineering & Publications. "It reflects Boeing as a global business - we conducted an international search to find the right software technology and combined that with Boeing expertise in system integration, innovative design and customer service."

Higgins said the Enterprise One system will help airlines increase airplane utilization, decrease costs and improve overall business processes.

All of the modules of the system are designed to integrate seamlessly together, forming a robust platform. At the same time, the modular design makes it easy for airlines to tailor the system to meet the specific needs of their fleets.

With the engineering modules, airline engineers can keep track of airworthiness directives and service bulletins, and create, edit, track and distribute engineering orders and authorizations as well as fleet directives.

The logistics modules provide comprehensive software tools to support spare parts procurement and inventory transactions. An advanced management function allows users to closely monitor the service histories of high-cost components.

Using the maintenance module, airlines can streamline regulatory compliance reporting and tailor maintenance programs for each airplane. Among other features, this module helps organize maintenance task cards, optimizes maintenance schedules, generates work packages and even supports bidding of contract work over the Internet.

Enterprise One is the latest addition to a family of Boeing Digital^TM products and services supporting airline operations. Other offerings include advanced software to aid mechanics in troubleshooting aircraft. In addition, Boeing fleet operators can access MyBoeingFleet.com, a convenient Web site providing up-to-date technical information.