Online stock ordering, complete with component history

Citation

(2002), "Online stock ordering, complete with component history", Aircraft Engineering and Aerospace Technology, Vol. 74 No. 1. https://doi.org/10.1108/aeat.2002.12774aab.016

Online stock ordering, complete with component history

Keywords: Internet, Software, Components

With more and more of the Internet being dominated by business to business websites, companies looking for the competitive edge need to be in the online game.

The aero-engine supply market is no exception. Benefiting from the innovative software systems available through a specialist Internet development firm, Total Engine Support Ltd (TES), is a company that has taken off in the e-commerce world.

The materials division of Total Engine Support Ltd, are expert suppliers of reconditioned engine components for the Boeing 737. From the fan disk at the front of the engine, to the low-pressure turbine disk at the back, TES deals in life-limited components that are part way through their life cycle.

TES holds a wide range of components in stock, for the CFM56-3 engines used in the Boeing737s. With this amount of stock and the complex nature of the purchasing process it's clear that customers need an easy and efficient way to view and order stock.

Jeremy Llewellyn, director of materials, of TES, said: "We knew that we needed to develop an online system if we wanted to stay ahead of the game. Not only did we need to provide an effective ordering service for our customers but also we wanted to develop our existing database of our customers' purchasing history. Without the use of the Internet this was taking many hours of administrative time."

TES approached a number of software development companies In June 2000, asking them to consider ways of giving customers a view of the range, whilst also allowing them to keep a track of their order.

The selected company – Fusion Workshop, began work on www.tesparts.com in August 2000.

TES needed a site that was simple to use but offered a comprehensive ordering service for their customers. They had in mind a website that allowed users to find components, verify the paperwork, get quotes, and place an order for the part in minutes – a process that could previously have taken weeks and involved highly trained staff on both sides in a series of fairly routine phone calls.

Once ordered, parts can be shipped from the TES warehouse within 24 hours. A prime concern of TES for the new site was that authenticity of the parts must be apparent at the outset to show the legitimacy of the website, the company and its products. The complex database that backs up the system stores all information and history of each life limited part, which means that all components on the site come with full documentation, viewed at the click of a mouse or a touch of a button.

What resulted from the initial brief is reportedly now the online system that TES wanted. Launched in April 2001, www.tesparts.com is already being used by an increasing number of TES' customers.

The site is fully password protected and use of the new system is focused on end users, such as airlines, leasing companies, overhaul facilities and component repair agencies.

Jeremy Liewellyn says: "As a result of this, www.tesparis.com becomes the focus for purchasing by customers. They no longer need to look elsewhere in the industry as TES effectively becomes the one stop shop for authenticated aero-engine components."

He continues: TES have made a heavy capital investment in this project, which has been supported by the Welsh Assembly's Innovation Fund, but we view it as very much a long term investment – we expect to see the real benefits in the months and years to come.

Already we are seeing a reduction in the purchasing cycle for our airline and work shop customers and this is leading to a reduced cost for us. But we believe the real benefits lie in building strong relationships with our customers. It is a departure of many businesses to allow customers access to their ordering system – but we believe that ensuring this degree of openness is essential in maintaining trust in the relationship."

Fusion Workshop, who develop and maintain the site for TES is a supplier of bespoke Internet solutions to businesses. Technical director Chris Short believes the real benefit of the Internet is yet to be felt by industry, which is only now waking up to the potential benefits for customers, he said:

"The Internet is a powerful communication tool, but it is no longer enough to have a website that acts only as a pretty front cover for your business. The greatest growth in sites is for business- to- business transactions – the popular on-line supermarkets or holiday sections will soon represent only a tiny percentage of users. The work we have done for TES is good example how the Internet can be used to help position a business as an industry leader."

www,tes.parts.com comprises the following functions:

(1) A password-controlled search and purchase system for aircraft engine parts, for registered customers.

(2) Administration functions to control user access including the authorisation of access and confirmation of system-issued password when financial checks have been made.

(3) Contact email forms to allow prospective customers to request access to the system.

(4) On line control of customer accounts so that credit limits and item quantity restrictions are not breached.

(5) Maintain an online database of available engine parts and associated paper work, which is updated from the local office using standard office-based systems.

(6) Total Engine Support promotional/link page.

Details available from: Fusion Internet Technology, Tel: +44 (0) 29 20 344717.