If you’re not using maintenance check kits you’re missing out on a huge opportunity. An opportunity to save time, money, and even your sanity.
But it's quite possible you lost that a long time ago.
Whatever it is, let me show you how to use maintenance check kits to your advantage.
Let’s start with…
The Definition of a Maintenance Check Kit
A maintenance check kit is a group of parts that satisfies your material requirements.
The kits are composed of various components. They’ll be a mix of rotables, expendables, and consumables. Sometimes even tooling.
They'll be grouped into a pre-draw kit, mid-maintenance kit, or an urgent project completion kit.
Simple definition.
Now here’s how you’ll benefit…
Why Kits Benefit You
Maintenance check kits benefit you for various reasons:
They reduce your sourcing, processing, chasing and shipping costs by at least 50%.
They reduce your need for inventory and the costs associated with it.
They reduce the stress of having to work with “too many” suppliers.
You’ll have less QA issues as the kits are centralized and more manageable.
Your kit partner knows your needs, so there’s less guessing from them and babysitting from you.
You don’t have to source the world. Kits come in one shipment from one location.
You’ll have time to focus on other projects or core activities.
Should I keep going? I can.
But instead, let’s talk about how you can take…
The Exact Steps to Take Advantage of Kits
Use these steps, every time you have a maintenance check.
Step 1: Determine Your Pre-Draw Material
There are some components you know you’ll need with every maintenance check. Create a list and send it to your material kit partner.
There’s no need to. Your material partner will send you the pre-draw material before your maintenance check begins. Efficiency baby!
Step 2: Prepare Your Maintenance Check Material With Your Dedicated Account Manager
You should have a dedicated account manager (DAM) who will help, and preferably oversee, the entire delivery of your material.
As you get the lists of material you need, send the items to her. Together, build your kit and set realistic deadlines.
Step 3: Review Kit Quote & Delivery Time
Because every maintenance check kit is different, you’ll need to review the quote.
And since you already sent the material list to your DAM, she’ll reply with a quote. It'll have the price and lead time to build the kit.
Step 4: Approve
Yes, you’ll need to approve the quote. Go through your normal internal process and have the quote approved. Send approval (more than likely in the form of a PO) to your DAM.
You’ll then get an order confirmation confirming the kit.
Step 5: Hold Temperature Check Meetings
Some kits will ship immediately while others may have a lead time.
Hold regular temperature check meetings with your DAM. You’ll want to know everything that’s going on. Transparency is a very good policy.
No surprises.
Step 6: Receive Kits
You’ll then receive the kits and inspect them for QA compliance. Because you, your DAM, and your kit partner understands your requirements, QA will be simple.
If an issue occurs, let your DAM know immediately and she should resolve it fast.
Step 7: Compile an Urgent Project Completion Kit List
As your maintenance check comes to a close, there will be unforeseen items that come up. Send these items to your DAM, or compile a separate list of remaining items. She’ll then quote, you’ll approve and the remaining items will be delivered.
Maintenance check kits are a simple strategy that will help you regain your time and save a ton of money. It doesn’t matter who you are. An Airline, aircraft MRO, Lessor, or Military, take advantage of these kits. You can thank me later.
Do you have an upcoming maintenance check? Click here and let’s talk.