Digital Transformation in Aerospace Industry for Better Efficiency

Digitization has taken over almost all industries and the aerospace industry is no exception. As the aerospace industry is reviving from the impact of COVID-19 and looking for more opportunities to expand, this sector is also focusing more on digital transformation. It helps build resilience and boost the growth of the industry. To improve workflow and ensure compliance, the aerospace industry should manage all available data flawlessly. All paper-based data is best converted into digital format with the help of document scanning services to ensure error-free data, easy access, and efficient management.

The aerospace industry deals with huge volumes data and there is a continuous flow of real-time information that comes from updating ground operations and the pilots on the status of systems, equipment and weather conditions. The ever-growing volume of data can be used to derive valuable insights by integrating advanced technology such as artificial intelligence, cyber security and virtual reality.

● Artificial Intelligence: Data is always monitored and analyzed by artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning systems in all departments of the aerospace industry. Some airlines like Air Asia have already implemented AI tools for simulation and data modelling of aircraft. This data can be used to identify when an aircraft’s components need repair or replacement. Integration of AI tools with accurate data helps to assess the lifespan and function of each part of the aircraft and make sure that they are fully optimized. This will ensure the safety of the aircraft, and also that all required maintenance equipment and parts are ready whenever required.

● Virtual Reality: Virtual Reality (VR) and big data are used popularly in many industries for predictive maintenance. Since 2016, the aerospace company Airbus has been using virtual reality to boost Asia’s maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) sector inside its Hangar of the Future initiative in Singapore. VR is an important tool for deeper understanding of a design early in the product lifecycle. VR and augmented reality (AR) technologies allow engineers to see maintenance activities from new and unexplored perspectives. This lets them capture new valuable data. This new data, along with advanced simulations, can be used to train maintenance teams for future procedures. Virtual Reality technology also helps personnel and pilots to view and test virtual replicas of the aircraft equipment before physically handling them. With simulation and digital tools, aerospace industry can test different factory layouts, automation capabilities, automated guided vehicles, and other environmental factors in a virtual world before investing in construction or revamping a physical facility.

● Cyber security: Data breaches and security threats are regarded as the major concerns during the digitization process. In the aerospace industry especially, where there is increased connectivity of systems, cyber security is very important to prevent putting aircrafts at risk of hacking and attack from cybercriminals. Countries in the Asia-Pacific region have been reported to be 80 percent more likely to be victims of cyber theft as a result of their lack of awareness. Leading suppliers, however, can provide cybersecurity services and build a safe environment of data security and trust, while also helping organizations to avoid cyber-attacks and recover quickly from them if attacked.

● 3D printing: This technology can be used to customize aircrafts and defence equipment for different customers. The aerospace industry uses 3D printers to manufacture durable parts from heavy metals such as titanium and tungsten with minimal wastage. These automated advanced printers ensure utmost precision in their drawings and low maintenance to OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturers) and minimize their supplier pool volume and dependency.

Embracing advanced technologies gives a clear idea of the performance drivers and strategic objectives that will inspire innovation and create value. Integration of these advanced digital technologies helps to improve the efficiency of the aerospace industry and also helps to be more flexible and constantly engaging business ecosystem. To support the journey to digital transformation, the aerospace industry must have an efficient digital platform that helps to break down silos, maximize data and solution synergies, and minimize the cost of digitization by eliminating the need to ‘reinvent the wheel’ for each digital program. So, to maximize the use of data and develop new business models, it is important to convert all paper-based data into digital format with the assistance of reliable document scanning services.