Mobile RFID fully operational at TAP Maintenance & Engineering
26/01/2012TAP Maintenance & Engineering (TAP M&E) have introduced state of the art technology into daily Engine Overhaul operations. This is believed to be the first such fully integrated operational application of RFID to aircraft engine components within an MRO.
An innovative mobile solution harnessing RFID technology is being used to help trace engine components undergoing overhaul. The system allows for improved real time visibility within the process to trace components from disassembly to reassembly, (generating operational efficiencies and helping secure full traceability and greater assurance for customer engines. With this technology, savings over 2.5M€ per annum are expected.) This initiative was successfully delivered in collaboration with Megasis (a TAP group company), Airbus, Accenture and OAT systems.
The mobile solution in the Engine overhaul shop is called MEERA (Mobile Enabled Engine Repair Application). UHF passive RFID tags are encoded, printed and attached to engine components under overhaul. This helps TAP M&E operations identify each component in all subsequent processes of the overhaul.
The MEERA solution helps enable operational users on the shop-floor, in all workshop processes of engine inspection, specifically for instance:
- Inventory
- Mini Module 'Kitting'
- Search
And also provides improved management reporting.
TAP M&E provides full service MRO offering (including Aircraft, Engine and Components Maintenance) to customers. The MEERA innovation is expected to help optimize the engine turn-around time for overhaul, and additionally, provide traceability and visibility of engine components under overhaul.