Triumph Group has signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with MRO software startup Aerotrax Technologies to commercially pilot its MRO Service Management system.

Originally launched as a project at Villanova University by two students with backgrounds in blockchain and MRO, Aerotrax Technologies is aimed at streamlining communication, collaboration and data sharing throughout the lifecycle of third-party MRO operations. The platform digitally tracks the entire lifecycle of aircraft, parts and components and uses distributed ledger technology to link disparate systems and processes within the supply chain.

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"When we look at the landscape of current software used in MRO, we find that many great solutions exist to optimize internal processes in specific units. However, there are gaps in data sharing across business units and an even bigger gap in sharing information across companies," says David Bettenhausen, CEO of Aerotrax Technologies.

According to Bettenhausen, Aerotrax MRO Service Management "breaks down internal business unit silos and builds bridges externally to ensure that all parties have access to the same data as it's being recorded," adding, "We're bringing a single source of truth to each transaction in MRO to eliminate data reentry and ensure superior document quality and traceability."

The startup began working with Triumph Group in Feb. 2020 to understand its business needs. It has also been working with advisors from various airlines, lessors, MROs and OEMs. "We've been building in semi-stealth for over two years now, spending much of that time collaborating closely with the outstanding people at Triumph Group," says Bettenhausen.
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According to Jim Berberet, president of Triumph Product Support, the software pilot is a way for the company to innovate in the MRO marketplace. "Blockchain technology paired with Triumph's internal operating system and personnel will allow Triumph to streamline the repair transaction process and gain effciencies that will benefit Triumph MRO customers," he says.
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The commercial pilot of the software at Triumph will be phased, with its rollout first happening across participating Triumph product support sites, where it will be used to send and execute purchase orders. Bettenhausen says participating airlines will be onboarded in the second phase, which will entail sending and executing purchase orders with MRO facilities. He adds that the MOU serves as a "foundation for growth" as Aerotrax prepares for the public launch of its digital supply chain network later this year.