TAP Maintenance and Engineering has introduced state-of-the-art RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) technology into its daily engine maintenance operations. This is the first known system that has been totally integrated in production in a MRO (Maintenance and Repair Organisation) that uses RFID technology to track aircraft engine components undergoing maintenance.

This innovative, mobile solution enables full visibility in real time of the component tracking process, from the disassembly cycle to the reassembly of the engine, generating operational efficiencies and providing full and more secure tracking. This in turn enables a better guarantee of meeting deadlines agreed with customers. It is anticipated that this technology will enable savings of over €2.5 million per annum. This project was developed in partnership with MEGASIS (TAP group company), Airbus, Accenture and OAT Systems.

This engine maintenance solution is called MEERA (Mobile Enabled Engine Repair Application). Passive RFID UHF labels are codified, printed and attached to the engine components undergoing maintenance, a process which enables the TAP M&E engine maintenance department to identify each component in all the subsequent maintenance processes.

The MEERA solution enables all production users to increase efficiency in all engine maintenance workshop processes, for instance:

• Inventory

• “Mini module kitting”

• Parts search

It also compiles reports for the integrated management of the engine workshop for the processes referred to above.