Some aircraft maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) companies still rely on paper-based processes across their operations — which translates to large piles of documents in hangars, bulky maintenance manuals, and easily misplaced paperwork. Paper-based MRO allows inaccurate keying of information and manual population of maintenance information systems, as well as lost task cards, part tags and inefficient information search and retrieval. As such, more time is spent on data entry and non-routine printing, and this slows down customer approvals. These, in turn, provide the shop level with no real-time task completion data and no standardized aircraft workflows. More importantly, it offers the management no real-time visibility into the real status of aircraft maintenance projects, which may cause poor decision-making due to lack of data. It’s no wonder why modern MRO companies wanting to avoid disruption choose to start walking down the digital path through cloud-driven transformation. As the aircraft MRO market, valued at 49.8 billion dollars in 2020, is expected to grow at a CAGR of 4.04% from 2020 to 2028, digital transformation is central to this growth, which makes it an important driver of success for aircraft MROs, particularly post-COVID 19. Cloud-driven digital transformation streamlines the flow of data across different levels in the MRO organization chain and the communication between stakeholders, and it also helps in risk reduction, such as profit loss, and overall operational efficiency. Cloud-Powered Digitalization Various factors drive MROs’ shift to the cloud, including workflow efficiency enhancement, aircraft downtime reduction, growing Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) adoption, increasing AR/VR implementation, aviation management information system improvement, and repair and maintenance operations optimization. Transitioning to paperless operations can significantly reduce inefficiencies and improve turnaround time. Automating manual and repetitive tasks, for instance, results in faster throughput in cycle time. Moreover, integrating with hybrid models and ecosystems leads to better interoperability and interdependence. However, for some MROs, budget constraints and the high cost of buying an integrated MRO software suite are obstructing MROs’ flight to digital — but the long-term benefits outweigh the costs. ICF International, Inc estimates that the aircraft MRO industry can save more than 5 billion dollars a year with digitalization, particularly in health monitoring and predictive maintenance ($3B), fuel cost ($1.7B), and delay reduction ($0.8B) The good news is you can circumvent budget constraints and fast-track time-to-value by using a proven modular cloud-based approach to digital transformation. A modular cloud-based approach allows you to slowly “lift and shift” and “move and improve”, rather than “rip and replace” your entire legacy infrastructure — which can be more expensive, more complex, take a much longer time and riskier. A cloud-driven digital transformation approach is less complex than a full IT transformation strategy. It offers benefits such as seamlessness, faster time to value, and lower costs. It enables you to: Upgrade one system — or a part of that system — at a time Deliver digital services in weeks and gradually scale to meet other needs Take advantage of “plug-and-play” digital solutions that allow you to utilize existing core services while reducing costs Move to the Cloud with EMX By partnering with an industry expert like EMX, you will get not only a technology solution, but also a deeper and wider industry perspective necessary to understand cloud trends. Buying a technology solution from industry experts is a competitive advantage because they have worked with companies similar to yours. As such, you can tailor solutions based on industry trends, and customize solutions based on your unique needs. Invest in cloud solutions that can help you dive away from the COVID-19 pandemic tailwind, slowly but surely. EmpowerMX provides you with proven cloud solutions and industry expertise to help you “move to the cloud” seamlessly. Based in Frisco, TX, EmpowerMX is a leading cloud-based software platform that is designed to accelerate digital adoption in the Airline, MRO, and Defense establishments. Our product suite helps engineering and compliance, heavy and line maintenance, and shop and materials management. For more information, contact EmpowerMX.