Heliworks completes TH-67 rebuild with Quantum Control Aviation ERP software
Posted by John McHale
SAN DIEGO, Calif., 29 Jan. 2011. Heliworks, Inc., a Part 145 Repair Station based in Pensacola, Fla., and specializing in structural repair and rebuilds of Bell helicopters, recently completed rebuilds of two TH-67 (Bell 206B3) helicopters for the U.S. Army using Quantum Control aviation enterprise resource planning (ERP) software from Component Control in San Diego.
Quantum Control is an aviation-specific ERP platform combining maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO); aircraft services; hangar management; inventory management; accounting; e-commerce; sales and invoicing; and other business functions into one integrated aviation software suite.
The implementation of the software mid-way through the rebuild of the second TH-67 streamlined purchasing and other operations on this aircraft, according to Stephen Simpson, Heliworks president.
"We purposely waited for the Quantum Control installation to buy the bulk of the 400 line items needed for the second TH-67," Simpson says. "What would have previously taken up to a week to procure took literally just a few keystrokes in Quantum. The quoting system was so much easier than our previous system, and with Quantum everything is linked together so shipping and receiving was streamlined as well."
According to Simpson, the efficiencies gained from Quantum have already led to an increase in Heliworks' capability such that one goal of the 37-person repair station is to complete one helicopter rebuild per month in 2011. This is in addition to completing several Bell 206L1 to 206L4 upgrades and miscellaneous airframe repairs.
"We currently have three rebuilds and five (Bell 206L1) tailbooms in the hangar," Simpson says. "Each L1 to L4 upgrade takes up to 2,000 man hours, and rebuilds take up to 4,400 man hours. Before Quantum, we were losing track of man hours because there was no check and balance system. Now Quantum forces the mechanics to barcode in and out at the beginning and end of each step, and we know exactly how long it takes to complete each work order. This tracks our labor hours and allows us to more accurately quote customer projects."
