When the Saudi Rotorcraft Support Company (SRSC) needed to make its operations more efficient it secured the services of Ramco Systems. The company deployed Ramco’s Aviation Suite V5.8, already trusted by 21,000 users globally and accessible on cloud and mobile, to digitise and streamline its aircraft management processes across Saudi Arabia. The integrated ERP system’s intuitive features enable SRSC to efficiently manage all maintenance, repair and overhaul operations for one of the largest combined helicopter fleets in the Middle East.
Ramco Systems, the global aviation software provider, has signed a five-year agreement with Saudi Rotorcraft Support Company (SRSC) to offer software support.
The software support includes maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) operations for civilian and military helicopters in Saudi Arabia.
In addition to aviation maintenance, SRSC will also be implementing Ramco’s complete finance, HR and payroll offering to get an integrated view of business operations.
SRSC, a joint venture company formed under an agreement with Alsalam Aerospace Industries, Boeing and Saudia Aerospace Engineering Industries (SAEI), offers dedicated MRO services in Riyadh and Jeddah for the country’s combined fleet of more than 360 military and commercial helicopters.
The transformational deal between SRSC and Ramco will significantly accelerate SRSC’s capabilities and its responsiveness to core customers through cloud-based solutions.
Dynamic management of component configuration, as well as part exchanges, will capture cost-related data directly through Ramco Mobility Solutions across the business.
Ramco will deploy its Aviation Suite V5.8 to digitise and streamline SRSC operations and aircraft management processes across its operations.
It will also implement modules for maintenance and engineering, human capital management, aviation-centric finance, MRO sales and global payroll.
Other functions include engineering and continuing airworthiness management organisation (CAMO), materials management and quality and safety.
The suite’s intuitive ‘Hub’ features will enable SRSC to manage all MRO services on a unified, mobile-friendly platform for enhanced stock visibility and efficient customer management.
Ramco also works closely with SRSC to research and develop additional bespoke applications and intellectual property at its RADAAR (Ramco Aviation Design and Analytics Research) Lab in Singapore.
Neil R. Bevan, CEO, SRSC, said: “Aircraft Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) signed several contracts for military and commercial aviation in Saudi Arabia. SRSC objectives are aligned with the Kingdoms’ National Transformation Program and its effort to transform the kingdom under Vision 2030.
“SRSC aligns with these Vision 2030 objectives particularly in the areas of localising defence, attracting talent and creating opportunities for all. With this software, Ramco has given us a technical backbone that will help us digitally address the MRO requirements in this growing market.”
Virender Aggarwal, CEO, Ramco Systems, said: “Ramco is elated and honoured by this prestigious partnership with SRSC, which provides mission-critical support to one of the largest combined helicopter fleets in the Middle East.
“With two of the top five aircraft manufacturers already using Ramco’s aviation MRO software, this deal underscores the track record and deep domain expertise that has won us clients around the world.
“Driven by innovation and usability, Ramco Aviation Suite helps companies thrive in this disruptive era.
“Helicopter engineering has advanced significantly in recent decades to include use of composites and higher usage of technology, including avionics.
“However, MRO support services have tended to lag in this development. With the rapid growth of rotary-wing aircraft in the Middle East, the need to accelerate R&D to solve urgent challenges is acute.”
“We look forward to working with SRSC and its partners Alsalam, Boeing and SAEI to help them achieve the goals of Saudi Vision 2030.”
Ramco Aviation Software is trusted by 21,000 plus users to manage 4,000 plus aircraft globally. Designed to be accessible on cloud and mobile, Ramco Aviation Software continues to add technological innovations with ‘Anywhere Apps’, redefining the power of mobility, to significantly reduce transaction time both during Aircraft on Ground (AOG) conditions and critical aircraft turnarounds.
Ramco is changing the paradigm of enterprise software with ZERO UI powered by advanced new features such as chatbots, mail bots, HUBs and cognitive solutions. Furthering this, the company has also developed application compatibility on Microsoft HoloLens to bring augmented reality which improves efficiency in maintenance operations.
With 75 plus aviation leaders onboard, Ramco is the solution of choice for several large airlines and top heli-operators and multiple MROs in the world.
The Ramco Finance and Accounting Suite was recently positioned as a niche vendor in Gartner’s Magic Quadrant for cloud financials. With focus on innovations in usability, context-awareness, mobility and overall flexibility, Ramco has been enabling smooth transitions possible for customers.
We asked Neil R. Bevan further questions to discover more about the solution:
- How does the new system help with the maintenance and repair of helicopters?
As a new business within the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, implementation of our Quality Management Systems and subsequent Accreditation of these systems under AS9100 and GACA Part 145 is underpinned by Ramco systems. Operational control of our maintenance activities is supported in all aspects from personnel competencies through tool calibration and ultimately supporting the airworthiness of the customer platforms.
- How does the new system help with SRSC’s finance, HR and payroll operations?
A key component of SRSC’s enterprise resource planning (ERP) acquisition strategy was focused on ensuring an integrated ERP system including finance, people management and payroll. Ramco’s integrated solution addresses the core need of our aviation focused business, yet provides an integrated finance, human capital management and payroll system. This integrated ERP system enabled us to quickly and efficiently structure our financial organisation, on-board our personnel into the business and define a common language through the considerable efforts of Ramco.
- Why did SRSC decide to use Ramco Systems?
Our focus was on ensuring we procured an ERP system which addressed the core needs of our aviation business while providing key elements of functional support around finance, people management, supply chain and procurement.
We reviewed several proprietary systems, evaluating their business fit across several key criteria:
- Alignment with aviation business processes
- Integrated functional processes
- Technology and technology roadmap
- Admin tools and security
- Reporting and analytics capability
- Third party interfaces
- After sales support
- Implementation cost (internal and external)
- Implementation schedule
On balance, Ramco Systems provided the best strategic fit with the Saudi Rotorcraft Support Company.
- Was the implementation of the system an easy transition?
Our personnel have come from wide and varied backgrounds. From an implementation perspective, the transition is focused in providing a common systems language. Implementation of Ramco has been a key enabler in aligning our people around this common language set.
- How are you able to access the software and what are the benefits of this?
We are able to access the system through our devices both locally and remotely, approving items immediately (e.g. leave approval for an employee) or delving into the system where additional information is required (e.g. procurement of items for purchase). This ability to efficiently address personnel requirements significantly reduces the impact on our peoples individual and collective workload.
- What benefits has the software support from Ramco Systems brought to SRSC?
Implementation of Ramco has provided several benefits to the SRSC in its formative weeks. Since operations commenced we have successfully implemented the Ramco ERP systems, alongside the implementation of our IT systems, on-boarding of 34 personnel, commencement of our Quality Management Systems and the completion of two facilities within our Riyadh locations. Implementation of RAMCO has been a key enabler in the alignment of our people, supporting the on-boarding process and ensuring the right information is there to support personnel in their early days with the SRSC.
- How does the implementation of the system align with the objectives of Vision 2030?
SRSC alignment with Vision 2030 is focused on three primary aspects: Localising defence; attracting talent and opportunities for all. Implementation of the Ramco system is underpinning our efforts to localise a Rotorcraft support company within the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, bringing state-of-the-art capabilities managed on a 21st Century ERP system. From a people perspective, employees both within the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and in the wider business environment, have high expectations from a business tools perspective. Equally, expectations are high from a personal and professional development perspective.
Ramco Systems are meeting these expectations and support both the growth of our business in meeting our customers’ needs as well as supporting the needs of our diverse group of employees.
