Rockwell Collins RFID Solution for MRO Applications IATA RFID Aircraft Technical Operations Conference Todd Boyle Sr. Material & Process Engineer November 17 th, 2015 2015 Rockwell 2015 Collins. Rockwell Collins.
Agenda Introduction Business case ATA Airbus Birth record approach Process Technology Birth record lessons learned Part history record approach Part history record lessons learned Future opportunities 2
About Rockwell Collins A global company operating from more than 60 locations in 27 countries on 6 continents A balanced business across markets we serve $4.98 billion in sales (2014) Government 44% of sales Commercial 46% of sales IMS 10% of sales 18,000+ employees on our team Leader in avionics and communications solutions Key differentiators Innovation and diversity Quality and customer trust Industry collaboration 3
Agenda Introduction Business case ATA Partnering Birth record approach Process Technology Birth record lessons learned Part history record approach Part history record lessons learned Future opportunities 4
ATA Involvement Air Transport Association (ATA) ebusiness Program Global commercial aviation industry collaboration Airframe manufacturers Airlines MRO operations Major industry suppliers Standards for information exchange Spec2000 addresses material management Chapter 9-5 (RFID standards) released 2009 5
Partnering - OEMs/Airlines/MROs / Suppliers Airbus A350 design specification Issued September 2008 Applies to all serialized, replaceable, and repairable parts of the A350 XWB Multiple record and single record formats Service-related data deferred Discussions in process with other OEMs 6
Agenda Introduction Business case ATA Partnering Birth record approach Process Technology Birth record lessons learned Part history record approach Part history record lessons learned Future opportunities 7
Rewriteable Data Perma-locked Data ATA RFID Multiple Record Format Birth Record TEI Code MFR Birth Record Manufacturer Cage Code Part History Record (1) Part History Record (2) SER PNO TDN Unique Serial Number Original Part Number... Airworthiness Certificate Tracking No.... Current Data Record Scratchpad Record Action Code INS RPR OVH Part History Record Installed Repaired Overhauled... MOD Modified 8
Process Flow - RFID for New Builds Additions to Original Process Build Ship Test / Inspect Pack Attach RFID Tag per Drawing Encode Birth Record Finished Goods Process Trigger 9
Agenda Introduction Business case ATA Partnering Birth record approach Process Technology Birth record lessons learned Part history record approach Part history record lessons learned Future opportunities 10
Birth Record Lessons Learned Focus development project into manageable sections Data mapping from SAP to Spec2000 Spec2000 ambiguities Data formats Defined conditions 11
Agenda Introduction Business case ATA Partnering Birth record approach Process Technology Birth record lessons learned Part history record approach Part history record lessons learned Future opportunities 12
Rewriteable Data Perma-locked Data ATA RFID Multiple Record Format Birth Record TEI Code MFR Birth Record Manufacturer Cage Code Part History Record (1) Part History Record (2) SER PNO TDN Unique Serial Number Original Part Number... Airworthiness Certificate Tracking No.... Current Data Record Scratchpad Record Action Code INS RPR OVH Part History Record Installed Repaired Overhauled... MOD Modified 13
Part History Record Structure TEIs depend on Action Codes Action Code INS RPR OVH MOD Part History Record Installed Repaired Overhauled... Modified TEI Code RMD RAP TEI Code PNR* STN PML* SFT Specific to RPR Action Code Repair Description Repair Approval Reference Text Specific to MOD Action Code New Part Number Modification / STC Number Part Modification Level Software Part Number * Indicates updates to Current Data Record 14
Process Flow - RFID for Parts in Service Receiving Read RFID Tag Service Inspect Process Triggers Encode Part History Record Pack Ship Additions to Original Process Project completed September 2014 15
System Enhancements Table created in SAP for data back-up Source of tag replacement data Stores both Birth and Part History Records Tracks RFID activity for a part Handheld interface menu expanded Includes all multi-record tag activities Part history records added to barcode sheet Available in case of WiFi outage 16
Agenda Introduction Business case ATA Partnering Birth record approach Process Technology Birth record lessons learned Part history record approach Part history record lessons learned Future opportunities 17
Part History Record Lessons Learned Some TEI fields are not appropriate PML must contain modification reference but only 12 characters allowed. Used SBT TEI to include full list (up to 1000 characters). Information mapping Data from ERP system must map to each TEI to avoid typos and interpretation errors. Business rules dictate the appropriate PHR codes 18
Part History Record Lessons Learned Process duration As quick as possible. Goal was maximum 30 minutes. Our process done in less than 5 minutes. RFID data must be archived Up to 95 Part History Records can be stored on a tag. Tags must be replaced if full or unreadable. 19
Part History Record Lessons Learned Responsibility Definition Solicit inputs from affected groups early Get buy-in from process owners Coordinate Changes Monitor Spec2000 updates Ensure all internal process documentation matches at the same time Keep Technology Options Open Design process for vendor flexibility, if possible Be aware of technological market changes 20
Agenda Introduction Business case ATA Partnering Birth record approach Process Technology Birth record lessons learned Part history record approach Part history record lessons learned Future opportunities 21
Future RFID Opportunities ATA RFID Expansion to other Airbus parts and platforms Future requirements from other airframe manufacturers and airlines Possible to extend requirements to RC suppliers Part history RFID data mining Department of Defense compliance upgrade Engineering capital asset tracking Production / service WIP tracking Production / service tool tracking 22
Questions? For more information: Rockwell Collins Explores Ways to Benefit From RFID (RFID Journal online) Why RFID? Why Now? (Horizons, Volume 16, Issue 3) www.rockwellcollins.com 23
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