Aircraft maintenance providers are constantly focused on maintaining the aircraft in their care – it is, in fact, what they do. However, once in a while it is beneficial to turn the focus to the maintenance and improvement of the facility and the assets themselves. Hangar expansions, new tools and equipment, facility upgrades; these capital expenditures enable a business aircraft maintenance team do their job better, faster, safer. Is it time for an upgrade?
Aircraft Maintenance Technology spoke to two suppliers of such tools and equipment, Adrian Little, president, JETechnology Solutions, Inc., and Scott Steward, business development manager, Aerospace/Aviation, Snap-On. If a maintenance provider is going to expand, they should consider the following:
1. Return on Investment (ROI)
A good return on investment is key to expanding a facility, improving the existing space, or obtaining new equipment and tools. “Build a detailed business plan that shows the ROI numbers and the period of time to recoup the capex investment,” explains Steward. “It provides a much better chance of obtaining approval from your company’s leadership.”
2. Goals
Make sure you prioritize your goals, both for the short term and the long term. “Lean, safety, productivity, among others,” Steward suggests.
3. Maintenance
Buying new equipment, tools, or machinery can be exciting, with big plans to do great things. However, you must account for long-term costs down the road. “Be sure to include any costs to maintain machinery/equipment, for example, extended warranties, etc., you are planning to purchase,” says Steward. Little echoes the statement: “Additional funds for support equipment may be needed that were not budgeted in order to ensure that the new equipment use is maximized in the new environment.”
4. Workforce
Expanding means new, top-notch, high-tech goods, but it also could mean new employees. Be sure to plan for additional headcount, cost for recruiting, hiring and training.
5. Technology
High-tech tools are exciting with so many possibilities and so many options – but those choices come at a cost. And, sometimes, the technology changes so fast that the money spent may not be worth it in the end. Be smart about your technology-driven purchases. “Make sure you invest in technology that meets your goals and will not become obsolete in the near future,” mentions Steward.
6. Vendors & Suppliers
In order to be successful, businesses must always have the right support system. “Select the right partner suppliers that understand your expansion plans and can fully support you,” explains Steward.
7. Equipment Needs
Companies should perform their research to learn about the latest features that today's equipment offers. “They should pay attention to ergonomics and really think about how comfortable employees will be while performing their tasks with the new equipment,” says Little.
8. Additional Safety Equipment
When planning an expansion or possible improvements, companies should consider safety and Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) compliance. “The maintenance provider wants expansion, but it should be a safe expansion,”mentions Little. “Providing safety equipment and processes also affect capital expenditures.”
9. Additional IT Equipment
How does this new equipment interact? Is the equipment able to communicate via a company network? Can it be accessed off-site? Is additional IT equipment required to utilize the equipment at its fullest capabilities. “These are very common questions that a company should ask prior to purchasing the equipment,” notes Little.
10. Cost
Always budget for more than you think you need. Things always come up that you don’t anticipate and you don’t want to be overextended in the end. Be sure to account for some unexpected costs.
