The aerospace industry is at the cutting edge, relentlessly pursuing innovations that redefine the limits of flight through engineering. Achieving this level of sophistication necessitates meticulous collaboration across a vast network of suppliers. However, traditional data management methods often create information silos, hindering communication and hampering innovation.
The Department of Defense (DoD) envisions a transformative solution to address these data management challenges called Technical Data as a Service (TDaaS). This initiative leverages new methods, tools, and frameworks to dismantle these data barriers, fostering a collaborative ecosystem that streamlines technical data management and ushers in a new era of efficiency in aerospace.
Spearheaded by MxD, Software AG, Boeing, and viax.io, have engaged in a project to instantiate a TDaaS framework that supports scenarios where:
- Suppliers of all sizes have immediate access to the latest manufacturing specifications and no longer have to search for information. A single source of truth for technical data empowers all stakeholders to contribute effectively.
- Engineers can collaborate seamlessly with suppliers in real time, enabling a truly collaborative experience. This proactive approach allows for the early identification and resolution of issues, ensuring that projects remain on schedule and within budget.
- Technical Data Packages (TDPs) transform from static documents into living documents. They constantly evolve throughout the product lifecycle, ensuring everyone can access the most up-to-date information.
Benefits of TDaaS include:
- Standardized data exchange: Unify previously separated data from multiple systems and databases to create a central hub for all necessary technical information.
- On-demand TDP procurement: Enable suppliers to access the latest TDP’s for a more agile workflow, eliminating the wait for updates or outdated documents.
- Secure collaboration: Use encrypted communication channels to safely and efficiently share information.
- Enhanced traceability: Track product lifecycles from conception to completion, ensuring compliance with regulations, maintaining quality, and aiding in on-time delivery.
- Smart analytics: Provide data-driven insights to identify bottlenecks and optimize processes for improved outcomes.
- Secure access: Role-based control ensures sensitive data protection while limiting access to only necessary information.
Fortune 100 company Boeing: The perfect partner to validate challenges
Boeing acknowledges the strategic advantages of a TDaaS solution, and how it's poised to revolutionize the management and utilization of Technical Data Packages (TDP) across its vast network of collaborators. It offers Boeing’s Production Units the flexibility to evaluate, enhance, and potentially adopt the solution; aligning with their comprehensive operational needs and business operations. The TDP is refined at every lifecycle phase, ensuring enhanced data transparency, precision in first-time fixes, and a significant reduction in overall ownership costs. This holistic approach extends from the inception of an order to engineering, supply chain logistics, and manufacturing, and culminates in post-delivery service management. Boeing’s anticipation of streamlined systems integration bolstered productivity, and fortified quality assurance underscores the potential of TDaaS to synchronize with Boeing’s operational objectives, driving innovation and mitigating engineering and production risks.
Beyond Boeing: The Ripple Effect of TDaaS
While Boeing exemplifies the anticipated benefits of TDaaS, its potential reaches far beyond a single company or the aerospace sector. This innovative approach to managing technical data has vast implications for multiple industries.
- Medical Device Manufacturers: can leverage the power of real-time data visibility to ensure patient safety and regulatory compliance. Imagine medical device distributors, have instant access to a device's complete manufacturing history, ensuring the highest quality and performance.
- Automotive Companies: can unlock a new level of personalization for customers, tailoring experiences based on individual needs and preferences with personalized dashboards and in-car features, thanks to the seamless flow of technical data.
- Serialized Manufacturing: Industries managing complex serialized products, such as oil & gas or construction equipment, can benefit from TDaaS. By tracking individual components throughout their lifecycle, TDaaS ensures maintenance schedules are followed, and safety hazards are identified before they occur. This promotes a more efficient and secure manufacturing and operating ecosystem.
The Road Ahead: A Collaborative Future for Aerospace and Beyond
The success of aerospace and many other industries hinges on the seamless collaboration and sharing of technical data across touchpoints, channels, and ecosystems. TDaaS represents a key step to unlocking a new era of efficiency, innovation, and success. By breaking down data silos, fostering real-time communication, and empowering all stakeholders with access to the latest information, TDaaS paves the way for a brighter future, propelling manufacturers towards a future shaped by shared knowledge, agility, and innovation