In many MRO facilities a paper-driven process follows the product.  However, this can be an inefficient, error-prone process introducing non-productive delays and increased costs. 

The MRO Process

Although The MRO process relies on some of the same technology as a product manufacturing process, it is distinctly different. The steps in an MRO process typically include the following:

1. Scheduling and estimating
2. Work Order Generation
3. Teardown
4. Rebuild
5. Replace
6. Test & Ship
7. Archive the as-repaired record

The process is somewhat predictive from a scheduling viewpoint, however, the work order is tailored to the actual product being maintained and will vary for each serialized product entering the facility.  The work order changes during teardown as new work items are discovered.  This is a dynamic discovery process which results in some negotiation between the MRO facility and the customer. 

After agreement on the actual work needed, the product enters a rebuild and replace process.  The facility can rebuild worn or broken components or replace them with new ones.  This is similar to the original manufacturing process using a build or buy process.  Testing and shipment of the completed product is similar to the manufacturing process.

Paperless MRO Facility

MRO facilities can use a paperless operations system similar to that in many original production facilities.  The benefits of a paperless system in an MRO facility are:

• Increased speed of scheduling, estimating and record generation
• Increased accuracy with procedural enforcement
• Increased quality with fewer errors
• Reuse of the as-built production information in the repair process
• Reuse of the assembly instructions in the rebuild process
• Automatic generation of accurate, complete as-maintained records
• Better predictability of scheduling and estimating

 The ROI (Return On Investment) for a paperless system for MRO facilities is typically less than one year.