operate an MRO station there may be no very good idea to get at least one year the director of maintenance can turn on/off
need for the software to have component of support when purchasing a new specific program screens and features to
maintenance tracking. Likewise, if you system. This will give you a complete certain users.
are a Part 135 fleet operator, you will annual business cycle to make sure all Security can also be configured by
probably not need an invoicing module accounting and seasonal issues can be the network administrator to allow
for customer’s aircraft work orders. resolved. The best software vendors users to have access to the folder(s)
However, if you are a ‘little of both’, and will re-evaluate your support habits and and databases used by the software
need to have a fully integrated application adjust their rates up or down depending application. Having access restricted at
to handle component maintenance and on your usage history. Web-based the server level is always the first line of
different customer aircraft work orders, applications are almost always priced defense to keep unwanted users out.
be sure the new software can handle it. by the user and may require lengthy
Also, it is a big plus if the software vendor subscription contracts that go on Back-Up
can customize the system to present ‘forever’. Again, make sure you are not This point is the most important of all,
your information formatted how you paying for modules and features that you and surprisingly the most overlooked.
want to see it, and be able to change don’t need. Confirm that your selected If you have a good, dedicated network
these formats, if so needed in the future. vendor is willing to customize screens server administrator, they will make
In short, be sure your software vendor and printed forms to your requirements sure this is done correctly and reliably.
is flexible enough to give you the exact and needs. For everyone else, it is a good idea to
configuration of features and functionality personally oversee the running and
to meet your organizations specific Printed Forms rotating of the backups on a daily basis.
business needs. The ease-of-use aspect of Most Windows based software prints on However, just running and rotating
any software program is purely subjective. 8.5 x 11 inch cut-sheet forms by default. backups is not sufficient. Be sure you
It is in your best interest to preview or If you are using odd-sized forms on verify the backups that are being
obtain a trial version of the software to dot-matrix printers, you might consider produced. Most backup software will
‘test drive’ the various data entry screens changing the design or prepare to pay have an option or utility to ‘verify’ the
and display/report options. Remember, a hefty price to keep them going in backup. Learn this function or make
you will have to use these screens and the future. Barcode labels will need to sure someone you really trust does it
reports over and over throughout your be either on the standard 8.5 x 11 inch because if your system crashes and you
work day, as well as show other users how default form size or, formatted for roll have to go back to the backup, it better
to navigate thru them. labels that print on inexpensive label work! It is wise to test the backup system
printers such as DymoLabel. periodically by creating a test file, run
Cost Considerations Make sure the various forms such the backup, delete the file, and try to
It is a little known secret that many as work orders and task cards have retrieve it from the backup media.
software vendors will ‘target’ price their forms revision management. The FAA, There is an ocean of software
software to the size of the organization. ISO Certification and some companies alternatives out there to choose from.
They will charge more for larger require you to keep forms revision Using the above tips, and identifying
companies than smaller companies for histories and print the revision numbers your own company needs will enable
software with the same capabilities. and dates on the forms themselves, you to narrow down your choices with a
Some software vendors charge based whenever they are printed. Check to see decision that you will not regret making
on the number of users (or seats), even if the software has a utility for the user to for your business.
AM
though there is no difference in the maintain all of the current form revision
program code itself. However in other numbers and dates.
Gerry Merar, president of Decision Software
cases, the ‘per user’ charge is a result
Systems, AviationPro Software, advises on how
maintenance engineers should handle the task
of the underlying database engine. Users & Security
of software selection.
Software that uses some popular All good software will have restricted
database engines (such as MS-SQL or and layered access to approved users.
AM
Oracle) is licensed and priced by the Make sure the software has utilities
number of concurrent users. Look for to manage users’ rights easily. Some
software that has powerful multi-user applications allow the users to setup
database capability, such as Visual sophisticated ‘user profiles’ with many
FoxPro or MYSQL. These databases options to manage and configure. For most
are very fast and usually not priced by organizations it is easier and more effective
the user. Another cost consideration is for the director of maintenance to manage
on-going support, training, and program the users and access levels for their staff. A
updates. Some companies require you well designed software package will have
to keep an annual subscription or the basic user security built-in, and the ability
software will ‘shut-off’. Support should for the software vendor to make specific
be optional, but in either case it is a adjustments to user access as needed so
Aviation Maintenance | avmain-mag.com | December 2009/January 2010 33
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