Navigating Supply Chain Challenges and Maintenance Shortages in the Aviation Industry
The post-COVID landscape has brought about a myriad of challenges, especially in the aviation industry. From supply chain disruptions to maintenance...
An eSignature is an acceptable method of compliance not only for the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), but for all branches of the United States Federal Government and regulatory bodies around the world. The acceptance of the eSignature coupled with the operational adoption of technology and web-based applications has seen a surge in opportunities for a more streamlined and efficient workflow.
This approach to workflow completion and compliance allows many organizations to utilize it in such a way that increases accountability and oversite, while at the same time decreases the intrusion into a technician’s time. The primary way that this occurs is through the reduction of data redundancy. When you do not have to duplicate your work efforts time and time again, you save time not only on the data entry but also measures that allow for data correction.
As mentioned, duplicating work efforts comes with it’s set of challenges. Here are the two most common types of errors are transcription and transposition.
Two of the most straightforward ways to reduce Error Introduction is to reduce data redundancy and to incorporate Operational Automation.
In most operations, there are many positions where data redundancy is a way of life. People must fill out the same paperwork multiple times, entering and re-entering the same data at different times in multiple places repeatedly. Every time you re-enter data into a new place, you introduce the opportunity for error. Many operations have incorporated templates to reduce the amount of typing, which reduces the number of opportunities for error introduction. The templates help, however when you type the same thing over and over, you now must remember everywhere you entered that data and in the case an error was introduced, you now must find each entry and verify the accuracy. What if you miss one? What if you messed up in a different way on each entry? Utilizing copy and paste helps, but that doesn’t always work depending on the software you are using and what if you copy and paste the error over and over?
Use systems and services that reduce data entry redundancy, streamline your operations, allow you to enter the data in one place and disseminate across multiple usages. This singular location for data entry provides the following benefits:
The easiest answer is because you can! The FAA, EASA, Transport Canada, along with a host of other regulatory authorities allow it and have issued documentation on how to implement and utilize in your operations. The regulatory bodies along with service providers have worked to come up with systems and processes that are not only effective in the authentication of the user, but also streamline the work flow.
A requirement of an effective eSignature implementation is the ability to preserve the “paper” trail in a digital world. To implement the eSignature and be compliant there must be a trail, a historical record of what was done, who signed it, and in what manner. Every time something is signed off, the record must stand in that same state, errors and all. You must have the paper trail. With eSignature, you have the historical data and the paper trail. However, this time you don’t have to redo every piece of paper to correct an error. Depending on your provider, you should be able to error correct an entry within 10 minutes or less, saving you time, money, headache, and reducing the chances of introducing new errors through redundant work.
The best way is to find a partner who has the technology and has already developed the tools. Ensuring that the tools not only meet the regulatory requirements but also are in step with the latest technological advances and standards for eSignature deployment.
Think about using the eSignature for your logbook entries, checklists, work orders – anything in your operations where it is important to know who did the work and is confirming it was done correctly. Use the eSignature for internal compliance, for program compliance such as your SMS programs, maybe ISBAO, ARGUS. Think about where could you utilize this tool to streamline your operations and effectively document your workflow.
The possibilities for implementation are endless, and the value-added to your workday by streamlining the paperwork associated with an effective aviation operation, is priceless.
For more information on eSignature, watch this on-demand webinar!
ATP is the leading provider of aviation software and information services.
Our innovative product lines, including Flightdocs, Aviation Hub, ChronicX, and SpotLight, reduce operating costs, improve aircraft reliability, and support technical knowledge sharing and collaboration in all aviation and aerospace industry sectors.
The products and services of ATP support more than 75,000 aircraft maintenance professionals worldwide. As a global company, ATP has more than 7,500 customers in 137 countries and partnerships with over 90 OEMs.
The post-COVID landscape has brought about a myriad of challenges, especially in the aviation industry. From supply chain disruptions to maintenance...
If it’s not the classic 80s movie Planes, Trains, and Automobiles that has us forever terrified of just how awful holiday travel can be, it’s last...
Aviation software is completely revolutionizing the industry and propelling it toward a safer, more efficient, and more sustainable future. With a...