Fast 5: Ramco Systems Advances India’s MRO Digitization

As MRO becomes more complex and digitally driven, the need for localized, intelligent and seamlessly integrated MRO software has increased. Saravanan Rajarajan, Ramco Systems’ associate vice president and head of consulting for aviation, aerospace and defense, spoke with Aviation Week Network about how the software specialist is developing advanced technologies such as generative artificial intelligence (AI) and predictive analytics. He also spoke about driving the indigenization of aviation software to meet India’s unique needs.

India’s MRO and aerospace software usage has been outsourced for years to overseas companies. What is the benefit of establishing more indigenous software capability in India?

With a greater push for ‘Make in India’ from the government, indigenized MRO software will be another step forward in advancing India's Atmanirbhar Bharat vision. Indigenized MRO will also be best suited for addressing challenges specific to the Indian MRO industry rather than a globalized and generic framework for all, and it will adhere to local regulations out of the box.

How are generative AI, predictive analytics and advanced technology improving MRO software?

Future workflows will combine technologies, including digital optical character recognition to automate data inputs, robotic process automation to replace manual tasks, machine learning models to interpret the data and agentic AI to make decisions and execute tasks. Some use cases that leverage advanced technologies include:

1. Optimizing the task sequencing within work orders to optimize manpower and hangar space.
2. Conversational chatbots for engineers, which accept input queries in plain text and generate insights in an easily explained and interpreted way, [including] what-if scenarios and troubleshooting maintenance issues 
3. Autonomous decisions on select transactions, such as the selection of suppliers within the approved list and automating the repair order transactions.
4. Anomaly detection and tracking of spurious parts based on paperwork and web search.

However, it is crucial to keep regulatory implications in mind when creating workflows between software and engineers.

Why are some MROs still reluctant to adopt the latest digital technology, relying instead on the continued use of paperwork?

Task card closure and task signoffs are some of the areas that remain paper based, especially if the MRO’s customer insists on the paper documentation as part of the contract.

However, we are seeing a higher pace of digital adoption in booking, touchless check-ins, airport operations and customer relationship management systems. But we see that MROs are accelerating their adoption, especially in India. MROs are in various stages of their digital transformation journey to scale and be competitive.

How is Ramco Aviation Software’s technology unique compared with competing products?

Ramco Aviation Software is one of the very few [companies] in the MRO space to offer integrated software that includes finance, technical documentation and customer contract management. Unlike a few solutions built over conventional enterprise resource planning systems, Ramco Aviation Software has been developed from the ground up for aviation MRO with advanced capabilities to address the unique requirements and challenges of MROs, mainly in the areas of complex customer contracts, work scope planning and scheduling, parts, and manpower management and invoicing.

The software has built-in native capability to digitize core maintenance operations in their entirety. This starts with the ability to process the digital content from technical documentation, including manuals and job cards, and leveraging the Ramco Anywhere mobile apps to access technical documents, record time and findings, and even e-sign off task cards. The software also enables the automation of routine and repetitive tasks by leveraging past data. This is enabled through features ranging from simple rule engines to AI/machine learning-based actions or recommendations.

Ramco Systems recently signed a deal with Indamer Technics. What will this entail?

We are delighted to collaborate with Indamer, India’s longest-serving MRO provider, on their digital transformation journey. Indamer is expanding its business and capabilities at its facility in Nagpur, which is strategically located in Zero Mile.

Ramco Aviation Software will integrate all of Indamer’s business functions, from customer service to planning, hangar maintenance, supply chain management and finance. Our solution will enhance operational efficiencies through better planning, optimizing manpower and automation.