In the dynamic landscape of aviation technology, Ramco Systems stands out as a pioneering force, driving innovation and efficiency through its comprehensive suite of aviation, ERP, and logistics software solutions. With a keen focus on meeting the evolving needs of airlines, MRO providers, and aviation businesses, Ramco’s software offerings integrate cutting-edge technologies such as AI, machine learning, and blockchain to deliver unparalleled value and streamline critical operations. In this exclusive interview, we delve into Ramco Systems’ visionary approach, core functionalities, strategic vision for the future, and commitment to customer satisfaction. MRO Business Today in conversation with Saravanan Rajarajan S (SARAN) Director -Solution Consulting Ramco Systems. Read On…
Q – How does Ramco’s aviation software cater to the specific needs of airlines, MRO providers, and aviation businesses in terms of fleet management, maintenance, and compliance?
Ans – Ramco Aviation Solution is a fully web-centric application developed from the ground up specifically for the aviation industry. The solution offers an integrated platform for the Airline, 3rd party MRO, Defense, and Heli customers to manage their functions like Maintenance and Engineering, Supply Chain, Safety, Tecbhical records, Planning, and Financial Control
Fig : Ramco Aviation Software Modules
Q – Ramco Systems is known for its ERP software solutions. What are the core functionalities and advantages of Ramco’s ERP software?
Ans – Ramco Aviation Solution’s Core function is Managing Continuous Airworthiness and work execution from Lines, Hangars, and Shops, Inventory and procurement, Customer Services, and quality control.
Ramco’s MRO solution helps digitally transform complex MRO processes. The integrated solution helps in a wide range of functions, from Workscope induction to customer delivery and invoicing. Advanced capabilities, such as Digital task cards, Kitting and due parts tracking, mobility-based work execution, Critical path, and turnaround time (TAT) management, help eliminate paper and inefficiencies.
Key advantages or Ramco ERP software apart from the Integrated nature is through
Digitalization of OEM documents: Ramco’s MRO software can process the PDF-based, XML/SGML-based technical documents. Also, with its Direct EDI capabilities, it can access the OEM’s technical documentation library from the place of work through secure logins and API interfaces. This increases the operational efficiencies, by reducing the time and effort required to process the technical contents.
Smart automation: Aviation maintenance processes generate wealth of data pertaining to the aircraft engine defects, parts consumed, labor hours, elapsed time to carry out the repair and overhaul procedure. Accumulated over time, this data can become a goldmine of information to gain insights. Ramco, with its AI/ML capabilities, derives the insights in all key processes such as work scope planning & estimation, Production planning & scheduling, and other supply chain aspects and automate the core operations and help customers gain an edge over the competition.
Mobility-enabled shop floor work execution:
Ramco’s mechanic anywhere mobile app helps the mechanics to book time, report findings and record measurements, request parts and tools, and access the technical documents from the place of work. With the required regulatory approvals that are easily acquired through mobile apps, task and work compliance can be complied with digital e-signoff.
Ecosystem Integration:
The seamless flow of data between the ecosystem partners such as suppliers, Customers , shipping partners, banking system is essential for augmenting operational efficiency. Ramco’s MRO solution enables a robust customer ecosystem through customer portal , Bots and EDI connectivity thus providing the dual advantage of boosting efficiency and improving the delivery of value to the customers.
Fig : Collaboration with Customer through Portal
Real-time KPI monitoring & Analytics:
Our integrated data analytics provides KPIs related to TAT, quality, cost, resource utilization, and warranties and are computed dynamically without any need for manual consolidation and preparation. This makes way for a transparent and timely availability of insights for better decision-making.
Q – How does Ramco’s ERP software integrate with other systems and streamline business processes for organizations.
Ans – For any MRO software to function effectively, the data from the 3rd party systems has to be seamlessly integrated.Ramco has the prebuilt APIs to connect with the Flight operations systems , Human resource systems and vendor and customer systems .
For example, enabling collaboration and data sharing with supplier systems extends stock visibility outside organizations. Ramco has the SPEC 2000 adapters for Procurement and Repairs, which digitally exchange the entire process of ordering and repairing parts.
Fig : Digital enablement & collaboration with Suppliers
Digital collaboration can be extended to other partners like airlines for exchanging the Maintenance work scope, OEMs for receiving Maintenance Manual and service bulletins, and parts suppliers for receiving stock availability,
Fig : Digital enablement & collaboration with MRO eco systems partners
Q – How does Ramco’s logistics software optimize supply chain operations, improve inventory management, and enable real-time tracking and visibility?
Ans – One of the more pressing issues in Aviation is insufficient supply to cater to the rising demand from OEM and after-sales. Ramco Aviation software leverages data and analytics to enable real-time visibility of supply chain status.
Data on Parts across the organization, e.g., from the supply position in the warehouse, in transit, under, due from the supplier, Unserviceable pending for Repairs, and from the demand position Pending Demand from ongoing work orders, forecasts are updated on a real-time basis and presented to users in a user-friendly manner for decision-making.
Fig : Real time Visibility of Supply Chain
Q – In what ways does Ramco Systems incorporate emerging technologies such as AI, machine learning, and blockchain into its software solutions to drive efficiency and value for customers?
Ans – MRO Maintenance process typically generate wealth of data pertaining to the defects, Parts consumed, Labor hours, elapse time etc . Accumulated over the time this data can be converted into a competitive advantage by leveraging AI/ML tools.
RAMCO’s Machine Learning capabilities leverages data and advanced algorithms to derive insights .For Example, While mechanics report the defect , by leveraging the historical records pertaining to the type of aircraft and ATA system suggest similar defects and based on the mechanic’s decision, the systems prompt the the resolution options, Reference manuals, and parts and tools required to fix the defect. Final determination of accepting the recommendations still lies with the mechanics, we have seen a 30% reduction Turn Around Time especially in Line maintenance functions .
Fig : Decision Assist for mechanics by leveraging Machine Learning
we are working on the proof of concept to demonstrate the use of blockchain to digitally track and record the movements and maintenance history of parts across airlines, lessors, original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) such as engine producers, logistics suppliers, and maintenance providers.
For blockchain to yield tangible benefits, it needs the network effect for information sharing. Currently, there are challenges with siloed blockchain networks, which limit the potential. Another limiting factor is whether the chain includes all the supply chain players, including the MROs, Tier 2 & 3 Suppliers, etc. Arriving at the standards for the industry to adopt is a challenge.
Q – How does Ramco Systems ensure customer satisfaction and ongoing support to maximize the value derived from its software implementations?
Ans – We have a multi-layered customer engagement process, from tactical software support requirements to strategic periodic business reviews. Customer inputs are taken during the Project Blueprinting, Support Tickets classified as New Requirements, Surveys, and Usage audits; these are evaluated and prioritized for the product roadmap.
We also work with our customers on a Co-Creation model for specific business needs leveraging next-generation technologies and for early adoption of new capabilities.
Periodic assessment audits were carried out on usage, and recommendations were provided to improve utilization. We continuously work with our customers to upgrade and train them on the new versions to maximize the value delivered.
Q – What are Ramco Systems’ plans and strategies for future growth and expansion, both in terms of product development and market reach?
Ans – We have released of our latest version, 5.9.6 (Refer to Press release
https://www.ramco.com/press-release/ramco-systems-announces-launch-of-aviation-suite-v-5-9-6 the software can cater to the complex Engine MRO business. Our latest order reinforces this win with Korean Air (Refer Press release )
https://www.ramco.com/press-release/korean-air-selects-ramco-aviation
With the MRO sector grappling with an Overloaded supply chain and labor shortages , having an innovative solution is no longer an option but a necessity if it is to avoid scaling back on growth. Our Product focus will be balanced between focussing on future growth engines like MRO and EVTOLS and still agument our existing customer bases which include Heli , Airline and defense
Q – How does Ramco envision the role of technology evolving in the coming years, and how does the company plan to stay ahead of industry trends?
Ans – The value delivered by software increases as it adopts new technologies, thereby providing operational efficiencies to end customers. We continuously invest in and leverage new technologies like ML, Digital OCR, Bots, Mobility, and Business Analytics into our product.
We work with our customers continuously to identify the pain points and apply appropriate technologies to solve the problem. We believe the process is continuous as the business landscape changes, the challenges, and the opportunity for software evolve to deliver value.
Fig : Leveraging new Generation technologies
We are currently exploring the possibilities of applying Generative AI, which has advanced rapidly, to our product. Gen AI has a potential future as the MRO industry relies on different data sources, both internal and external, which is nonstandard. Gen AI could allow mechanics to have a meaningful and trustworthy conversation with their data . Leveraging our MRO Lab in Singapore, we are actively working with our customers on specific use cases.
