E&M Scope
4 December 2023
TonTalk
E&M in action
CS welcomes CATE-nx avionic testbank Go-Live of a new KLM E&M Big Data product: Predictive Supply Chain Suite Recap Innovation Fair & Awards 2023 KLM E&M's innovative future with Generative AI (ChatGPT) The Sustainable Flight Challenge Infosession Visit of the Netherlands Aerospace Centre (NLR) to KLM Engineering & Maintenance
E&M and our people
In the spotlight by VP: MINT team Training
E&M in brief
PH-BVA in a new coat
TonTalk
Dear colleagues,
Once again, a lot has happened over the past few weeks at AFI KLM E&M and KLM E&M. We'll run you through a few of the highlights.
A fortnight ago Anne Brachet and I visited India, where we had the chance to visit Air India, Akasa and IndiGo. It was an inspiring trip in which we visited many potential clients, and also met up with former KLM CEO Pieter Elbers at IndiGO.
In addition, our AFI KLM E&M EMCO team attended the Dubai Airshow. Another great opportunity to network with current and potential customers.
On 8th November, the Plant & Unit Leader Team Day took place at Hotel Jakarta in Amsterdam. There were several team assignments, and the theme of the day was 'Getting started with work ethics within E&M'. It was a useful and inspiring day, and a lot was learned from each other.
The Innovation Fair & Awards 2023 on November 13th was another great success. As many as 1,800 people visited the 79 stands, 135 of these visitors were potential HBO and WO students visiting the internship market. It was great to see so much innovation and creativity and to talk with so many talented colleagues. And as icing on the cake, E&M won an award in the 'Create technological advancement' category. Serdar Çifoglu, Wanda Manoth-Niemoller, Andre van der Harst, and Siebren Buma won the award with the KLM E&M Drone programme. We are very proud to have won this award, congratulations colleagues! Later in Scope you can read more and watch the after movie.
On 30th November Sales Day took place in Paris. AFKL E&M Sales teams from around the world were there and attended also a plenary session with workshops. Anne Brachet, Ben Smith and myself, were all present at this event.
“Learning’s a gift, even when pain is your teacher.” - Michael Jordan
In closing, I would like to share Michael Jordan's inspiring words, "Learning's a gift, even when pain is your teacher." This year has taught us a lot and has made us stronger as a team. We proved that we are capable of overcoming obstacles and achieving successes, even in difficult times. Thank you for your commitment and hard work. Let us finish this year with the same determination and dedication and start preparing for a new year full of possibilities and opportunities. Kind regards,
E&M in action
CS welcomes CATE-nx avionic test bank
What do you do when you have to make a lot of investment in new stock because the OEM is retrofitting an aircraft component?
Instead of buying stock, CS chose to purchase a test bank. The test bank allows the repair of a subcomponent to be performed in-house. This saves lead time (TAT) as there is less requirement to invest in stock. In this way the test bank will quickly pay for itself.
Another added advantage is that this basic test bank can be expanded with further capabilities, requiring relatively lower investments in the future. A great step for future work opportunities. CAT-nx The test bank, named CATE-nx, was supplied by Testek Solution from the USA. The 787 Liquid Pump Motor Controllers are now being tested on the CATE-nx from the G5 Liquid Cooling Pumps. Every time a G5 pump has a shop visit, the motor controllers had to be tested separately. Our Hydraulic shop was already authorised to service the Liquid Pumps, but the Motor Controllers needed to be tested and repaired externally. Now that our Avionic Shop colleagues can maintain the Motor Controllers themselves, the motor controllers can remain at Building 425 and the turnaround time is much shorter. During this project and the day-to-day execution, colleagues from both the Hydraulic and Avionic shops work together; their interest in each other's work and good cooperation has led to this great result.
Successful collaboration between different departments Colleagues from Purchasing, Shop Engineering, Direct Support, Calibration, Material Planning, and the Shop, to name but a few, have done a lot of work in the preliminary phase, including negotiations, purchasing, installation, and setting up all 4Ms and processes. Slide Shop colleagues also made a special contribution in this regard, they put together the sound wall for the CATE during the summer when there were no slides in the shop. Meanwhile, eight motor controllers have already arrived and the process is underway.
Facts & Figures
- Leadtime project: 1 year
- 7 motor controllers per a/c devided over 4 pumps
- PECS pump => 2 pump per a/c => 2 motor controllers per pump => 4 MCs
- ICS pump => 1 pump per a/c => 2MCs per pump => 2
- FCAC pump (optional) => 1 pump per a/c => 1MCs per pump => 1 MC
E&M in action
Go-Live of a new KLM E&M Big Data product: Predictive Supply Chain Suite
As of September 5th, 2023, a new IT-supported product is Live: The Predictive Supply Chain Suite (PSCS). Over the last year and a half, the E&M Big Data Team, together with Component Control & Availability and Component Services, worked very hard to bring this new application to life.
This is the first Minimum Viable Product (MVP) release of a digital application designed to improve the efficiency and predictability of Component Control & Availability by providing automatic calculations, and simulations over component stocks and supply chain operations.
Managing and steering the CS pool supply chain is a challenging task that requires Component Control & Availability to run calculations and scenarios in a highly dynamic environment, taking into account customer requests, potential new contracts, changing component performance, component reliability, prices, logistics and more. The PSCS aims to provide decision makers (Supply Chain Specialists) with the information they need to make the best decision, taking into account today’s constraints and future changing conditions.
The application has been designed in modules, the first one being the “Stock Optimization Module.” As the name says, the application allows the Supply Chain Specialists to optimize the pool inventory levels by analyzing the current stock levels and expected demand. By doing so, supply chain specialists can do better, faster, and more reliable stock optimizations for the current pool and for sales cases.
What's under the hood?
One of the most significant new features in PSCS is the Stock Optimization tool, which is based on the current pool situation, stock level, design TAT’s and the Component Reliability (CREL) calculations, everything possible by the integration of different data sources like SAP, CROCOS, and CREL. The application allows the supply chain specialists to optimize their inventory levels by analyzing the current stock levels and expected demand. By doing so, supply chain specialists can do better, faster, and more reliable stock optimizations for the current pool and for sales cases.
Currently, the Single-echelon (AMS-centric) optimization algorithm works to achieve the target service level with the lowest investment; in the future different optimization criteria can be defined, for example, minimizing shipment distances.
Developments are not over yet...
The development of the PSCS will continue after the go-live. Besides improving and enriching the optimizer module with Weibull distributions, a so-called “Forecasting module” is being designed and is to be developed. The core of the latter will provide Component Services with data-based insights into the flow of components; and how it varies over time, helping the repair shops and logistics departments, providing workload and demand estimations.
Overall, the Predictive Supply Chain Suite is a powerful tool that will help supply chain specialists in their daily work creating sales cases, and stock optimization, which will help CS get closer to achieving the availability targets for KLM and our contracted customers.
The successful development of this product is also a prime example of successful collaboration between the E&M Big Data Team and the Business Team from CS. Key-Users from the Supply Chain Specialist team played a decisive role with their valuable input and feedback throughout the development process. Together, the two teams made this product a reality and will keep working hard on improving it, to make the CS Supply Chain even more data-driven. Sashiko Shirai Reyna
E&M in action
Recap Innovation Fair & Awards 2023
The KLM E&M Innovation Fair 2023 took place on Monday 13th November and was another huge success! This year, 79 stands proudly came to present their project/innovation. In addition, almost 1,800 visitors joined the event. As a result, there was mutual inspiration, the creation of new connections, and innovative ideas.
The theme of the event was the innovative future of aviation: 'Imagineering aviation by pioneering together'. This was linked to KLM's strategy: Pioneering to become a frontrunner in sustainable aviation.
The 6th edition of the Innovation Fair was opened by our EVP E&M Ton Dortmans & Gülcan Aygün (Director Data, Business Transformation and Continuous Improvement). The opening speech highlighted that the Innovation Fair has doubled from just 40 stands since 2012 to almost 80 stands in 2023. We at E&M are incredibly proud of that.
There was plenty to see, from moving robotic arms to a flight simulator. This year's Innovation Fair consisted of different zones, based on our strategic pillars:
We transform to a net-positive company
>> Sustainability
We create technological advancement
>> BrightSky
>> Repair & Robotics
>> Digitizing
We run a great airline for our customers and people
>> Diversity & Inclusion
>> Continuous improvement
>> Internship market
Exhibitors included Mainblades, EPCOR, HvA Aviation Engineering, TU Delft, Flying-V, and NLR. This year, we chose to prominently display projects from BrightSky highlighting how the E&M Innovation Ecosystem is shaping the future of aviation with partners.
There were also eight workshops, where visitors could gain knowledge on Predictive Maintenance and Generative AI/ChatGPT, among other themes.
Just as last year, the Internship Fair was also present, 135 students visited the fair in search of potential internships. We hope to welcome some familiar faces from this group in February. This time, the Internship Fair was organised by the HR and recruitment teams; this made a direct link with the application procedures and involved people from recruitment at every stage.
The KLM Innovation Awards were also presented this year. In the 'Create technological advancement' category, E&M won an award with Serdar Çifoglu, Wanda Manoth-Niemoller, Andre van der Harst and Siebren Buma with their KLM E&M Drone programme in collaboration with our partner Mainblades.
During the Innovation Awards, the Group CIO office in close cooperation with E&M Component Services, E&M Engineering and the E&M Big Data Team won an honourable mention in the 'Create technological advancement' category for 'Consortium driven part tracking'. E&M colleagues Wouter Kalfsbeek, Giel Klijweg and Paolo Monti were involved. All honourable mentions were selected by a special external committee. Other KLM colleagues were also put in the spotlight.
We would like to thank all colleagues who helped organise the Innovation Fair for their efforts, see you next year!
Aftermovie Innovation Fair Watch the aftermovie of the Innovation Fair below.
E&M in action
KLM E&M's innovative future with Generative AI (ChatGPT)
During the KLM Innovation Fair 2023, the E&M Big Data Team led by Marc van Leeuwen, in collaboration with Robin Verkerk and Karel Schorer from the Data & AI Office, organised a workshop on Generative AI. This workshop offered an insight into the boundless creative possibilities of generative artificial intelligence (Generative AI) such as ChatGPT.
What is Generatieve AI?
Generative AI (GenAI) is a revolutionary branch of artificial intelligence that has the ability to create content ranging from text and images to music. Users interact with GenAI tools, such as ChatGPT, through prompts. Prompt engineering, or formulating smart instructions for GenAI tools, is essential to fully harness the creative power of these tools.
In what ways can you apply Generatieve AI?
The workshop started with an introduction about Generative AI and its immense value when used properly. Prompt engineering was highlighted, followed by some AI prompt engineering examples. The importance of being aware of the risks of GenAI tools, such as the danger of incorrect information being represented as truth by the tool, known as AI hallucination, was also highlighted.
Various examples of generative AI were then covered, ranging from entertaining deep fakes of icons like Morgan Freeman to AI-generated artworks, music, faces and landscapes. The internal applications within AFKL, including a legal document chatbot, AI destination recommender and an AI 'ATA' labeller for maintenance events were remarkable.
AFKL Generatieve AI Strategy
The workshop specifically addressed the Generative AI strategy within AFKL. This strategy includes highlighting the potential of Generative AI, making the necessary technology accessible, and setting up appropriate regulations to prevent data breaches and incorrect decision-making by Generative AI.
Workshop assignment: Create KLM AI Art
After the informative session, participants were given the opportunity to test the creative power of Generative AI themselves. The goal was simple but powerful: Use a GenAI tool to create art that reflects innovative future of KLM. The winner of the workshop was Daphne Watrin with a KLM cabin attendant in a plane from the year 2050.
Getting started with Talia
In conclusion, participants were encouraged to experiment with the internal ChatGPT tool Talia in their daily work. As support, they received a Generative AI Cheat Sheet, which served as a guide full of tips and tricks to better handle Generative AI.
Request a workshop for your team
If you are inspired by the possibilities of Generative AI and would like to explore the potential of this innovation within your team, good news! You can request a workshop to explore the power of Generative AI for your work, together with your colleagues. If you are interested, then email: Marc-van.leeuwen3@klm.com.
Given the ongoing innovation and ground-breaking opportunities within KLM E&M, we encourage you to seize the opportunities of Generative AI. With a focus on responsible use, you can help shape the future of KLM E&M.
E&M in action
The Sustainable Flight Challenge Info session
The MROLab's second inspiration session took place on Thursday 26th October. This time it was about sustainability, namely The Sustainable Flight Challenge (TSFC). During this event, the announcement was made that MRO will also fall within the scope of the challenge next year. Read on to find out how your ideas can have a part in future challenges.
The session started by clarifying the challenge and its origins. Then the achieved results were shared, from which it became clear that cooperation with participating airlines has already yielded huge reductions since the first edition. A total CO2 reduction of no less than 4.4% in 2022. Of course, this is still a long way from the 12% KLM has set for 2030, but it is an important first step. To reduce CO2 further still, MRO has now also included in the challenge. So once again, we can learn from each other to reduce ground emissions. A short quiz was held to highlight achieved results and targets, after which a link was made to the portfolio for the challenge.
Deployment of best practices Through these initiatives, sustainability best practices can be deployed universally. In addition, it offers many opportunities for experimentation, from which cases can be developed. A good example is preventing waste by letting people choose all their food at the gate. This is currently not yet possible on long-haul flights, but we can provide the documentation from TSFC to airports, for example. You can find this solution on the platform, under 'Pre-flight catering'.
Sustainableflightchallenge.com On the TSFC platform, all possibilities are listed and worked out. You can easily register your KLM details here, after which you can enter your ideas into the system. Other participating airlines also share their own solutions, which we can also view. This way, all solutions are stored centrally, and we can easily see which methods have been used..
Questions or a quick sparring session? We all have good ideas in our heads which can increase our share of the challenge (and sustainability).
You can easily work these out in the platform mentioned above. If you run into problems, have any questions, or just want to spar? Then contact sustainability-em@klm.com
E&M in action
Visit by the Netherlands Aerospace Centre (NLR) to KLM Engineering & Maintenance
On Thursday 26th October, with great enthusiasm and pride, we were pleased to welcome a group of 50 colleagues from the Netherlands Aerospace Centre (NLR) to our premises at the E&M site. The main purpose of the day was to inspire our NLR colleagues, share our knowledge and skills in aircraft maintenance and think about new innovations.
Guided tour of Hangar 11 & 12
The day started with a tour of Hangar 11 and 12, guided by our colleagues Ramona Krieger, Jan Den Ouden and Cengiz Erol. The NLR colleagues were very excited to learn more about what goes on behind the scenes at KLM E&M. One of the highlights during the tour was the opportunity to get into an aircraft and see all aspects of the interior, from the cockpit to the crew sleeping quarters. Another great touch was seeing an evacuation slide attached to an aircraft. This is not something you see every day, which made it extra special.
KLM E&M presentation
After the tour, we left with the group to Building 411, where our colleague Rob Koedijk gave a presentation on KLM Group, KLM's strategy, the customers KLM E&M serves worldwide, and innovative projects such as BrightSky and sustainability within KLM E&M.
To end the day, we visited 'Wings' cafe for some well-deserved drinks and the chance to network with each other. We also discussed possibilities of organising a tour for KLM employees at NLR in Marknesse. This includes the NLR drone centre, wind tunnels where new aircraft concepts are tested and many research facilities such as their 3D metal printers. More information will follow soon.
KLM E&M & NLR pilot
Since February 2023, NLR colleague Timo Wassenaar has been in-house at KLM E&M for 2 days, with the aim of exchanging knowledge to encourage new innovations. Because Timo is physically present, questions or challenges can be shared more quickly. Timo has also set up various knowledge sessions within KLM E&M with innovative topics ranging from robots in aircraft maintenance to training with VR/AR and sustainable aviation. One of the projects currently being worked on together is the visual inspection of GEnx HPT stage 1 blades, a robotic test rig has been developed to see if using robots and non-contact sensor techniques can help technicians perform this inspection. It is expected to be tested as a research project within KLM E&M in Q1 2024. This research project is part of BrightSky, MRO Smart, WP 1. Visit this website for more info.
All in all, NLR's visit to KLM E&M was a great experience. We are delighted to have been able to share our passion for aircraft maintenance and innovation and look forward to future collaborations to jointly make the aviation industry more sustainable and create innovations.
Thank you to all colleagues who helped organise this event!
E&M and our people
In the spotlight: team MINT (Training)
In this section, every month a different VP or Director within E&M puts a colleague or team in the spotlight with an unexpected visit. This month, Michel Vermeij, Director Training a.i, puts team MINT in the spotlight.
In 2018, four dedicated employees of Training E&M pooled their knowledge and specialisms to revolutionise KLM E&M's training organisation. The goal was clear: to replace all the scattered tools, Excel lists and databases with one integrated system. After careful evaluation of several demos, the choice fell on the MINT Training Management System (TMS). MINT: backbone training organisation
MINT, or the backbone of the training organisation, now houses all crucial data relating to products (training), authorisations and schedules of E&M Training. The system, deployed by dozens of airlines worldwide, automates the planning process and takes into account all available and authorised resources.
Sander, Tom, Johan and Remco, the driving forces behind this initiative, have spent the past few years feeding MINT with data and tailoring it to the training organisation's specific processes. Despite their regular functions within the company, they have worked with unprecedented dedication to implement this powerful tool. After a successful shadow period, MINT went live in early 2023 and is now considered the beating heart of the training organisation.
Real-time dashboard With an impressive dashboard, the team now has real-time insight into the weeks ahead, allowing them to plan with confidence. MINT has not only increased efficiency, but also enabled further automation of processes. Previously manual work, such as the daily control of CleverDisplay's in Building 411, is now handled seamlessly and automatically.
Not just limited to the desktop, MINT also offers an intuitive Tablet/Phone app, significantly increasing the ease of use. The project has reaped such success that KLM E&M is on the eve of integrating the maintenance authorisation system (CHM), currently housed in MyLearning SABA, into MINT. This will allow SABA to be retired, and for E&M to move to Conerstone as its learning management system (LMS). MINT is evolving from an indispensable tool for the Training Organisation to the epicentre of KLM E&M as a whole.
The token of appreciation for Sander, Tom, Johan and Remco illustrates their unwavering commitment to the pioneering MINT project. Their efforts have not only transformed the training organisation but will also have a lasting impact on the efficiency and innovation of KLM E&M. Thank you for your tireless efforts!
MINT team (KLM Training E&M)
Sander Kroon – Lead Planning & Administration
Tom Meyners – Developer Courseware level 2
Johan van Putten – Developer Digital team
Remco Kop – Manager Development & Support
E&M in brief
PH-BVA has a new coat
On Saturday 18th November, the BVA-PH, aka our Orange Pride, arrived from Malta after being repainted. The aircraft has been given an updated coat and looks completely fresh and modern again. Our E&M colleague Jason Vermeulen captured the moment beautifully on camera.
