Agile Procurement's Impact on Aviation Efficiency

Aerospace and Defense Review | Tuesday, November 14, 2023

By adopting Agile Procurement strategies, aviation companies are streamlining their procurement processes, enhancing access to vital resources, and elevating the adaptability of their MRO teams.

FREMONT, CA: Maintenance, repair, and operations (MRO) play a pivotal role in the aviation industry's operations. The sector relies on the meticulous and timely upkeep of its complex machinery to guarantee the safety and efficiency of flights. Nonetheless, achieving cost-effective MRO has proven to be a challenge. To overcome this, adopting agile and integrated procurement techniques emerges as a vital strategy.

In the past, the aviation industry has struggled with fragmented MRO procurement processes, restricted availability of spare parts, and a propensity to depend heavily on well-established supplier partnerships. While trust in suppliers remains a crucial element, this reliance has occasionally resulted in inefficiencies, escalated expenses, and a shortage of access to a wide variety of spare parts.

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Achieving Balance through Comprehensive Information

It is imperative for organisations to establish access to multiple channels providing real-time information regarding the availability of spare parts across various scenarios. This underscores the necessity for a centralised system that aggregates data from various sources. Such a system allows aviation MRO experts to efficiently assess the inventory status, condition, and pricing of replacement parts through a unified dashboard.

EasyJet, the airline, serves as an example of harnessing the power of AI technology. They integrated agility on top of their existing management and transactional systems, enabling them to analyse their data and make more informed and expedited maintenance decisions.

Easy Access for Enhanced Flexibility

There should be quick access to MRO procurement resources. Given the fast-paced nature of the sector, a streamlined procurement process is imperative. Agile procurement platforms with user-friendly interfaces, robust search capabilities, and seamless order processing enhance the adaptability of MRO teams. This results in faster response times, reduced lead times for procuring spare components and heightened overall operational agility. Quick and easy access translates to heightened efficiency in an industry where time is of the essence.

Avoid Overpayment

The aviation sector often nurtures enduring relationships with dependable suppliers. While preserving these partnerships holds significance, it's equally vital to conduct periodic assessments of suppliers' costs and quality. The ultimate insight underscores the potential for overpaying when exclusively relying on approved vendors.

Aviation MROs must periodically survey the market, conduct cost comparisons, and explore alternative suppliers. By promoting competition without compromising the standards and safety of aviation operations, substantial cost reductions can be achieved.

Cost-effective MROs have long posed challenges for the aviation industry. However, the adoption of agile and integrated procurement strategies presents solutions that can bolster MRO efficiency, realise substantial cost savings, and enhance overall competitiveness. Integrated procurement solutions facilitate swift, well-informed decision-making among aviation MRO professionals. Moreover, these platforms promote collaboration between teams and departments, expediting the entire MRO process while ensuring safer and more cost-effective aircraft operations.

 

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