Showing posts with label airline sms. Show all posts

Wednesday, June 12, 2013

Safety Management Systems (SMS)

A Safety Management System (SMS) is a set of processes and practices to enable airlines and airports to reduce safety-related events and increase their operating efficiency. This article provides information and resources related to SMS for airlines, airports, aviation maintenance (AMOs, MROs), flight schools and general aviation.

What is an Aviation SMS?

Safety Management Systems (SMS) provide a framework to help airlines and airports achieve their safety goals through consistent control of their operations and cultural change in the mindset of their employees. Empirical evidence suggests this increased control and cultural change will improve the safety performance of the airline and airport and protect assets and customers. An SMS program by itself does not establish a level of safety performance that must be achieved; each airline or airport's SMS is tailored to the business and goals of each participating airline or airport. The complexity of the SMS is "dependent on the complexity" of the subject airline or airport.

Basic SMS Under ICAO 9859

An SMS helps airlines and airports to address its regulatory demands in a systematic and cost-effective manner. An initial, followed by a more proactive approach can help reduce the risk of non-compliance and improve health and safety practices for employees and the public.

An SMS can also help address non-regulated issues, such as asset protection. Aviation SMS programs often promotes stronger operational control and employees' sense of ownership while ensuring airline and airport operations remain safe as reasonably practical.

Basic Elements of an Aviation SMS:

Reviewing the airline or airport safety goals
Analyzing safety impacts and legal requirements
Setting safety objectives to reduce safety impacts and comply with legal requirements
Establishing programs to meet these safety objectives
Monitoring and measuring progress in achieving the objectives
Ensuring employees' safety awareness and competence
Reviewing progress of the SMS and making continuous improvements

Costs and Benefits of an Aviation SMS

Potential Costs of an Aviation SMS

Internal costs

Staff (manager) time
Other employee time
Aviation SMS software*

(Note: Internal labor costs represent the bulk of the SMS resources expended by most organizations)
*While not required, highly recommended to save management time to easily generate reports, track safety issues, automate notifications

External costs

Potential consulting assistance
Outside training of personnel

Potential Benefits of an Aviation SMS

Improved safety performance
Enhanced compliance
Accident prevention
Employee retention
New customers/markets
Increased efficiency/reduced costs
Enhanced employee morale
Enhanced image with public, regulators, lenders, investors
Employee awareness of safety issues and responsibilities

Resources for Aviation Safety Management Systems

Additional information on the benefits and costs of developing SMSs can be found in the following websites:
Aviation Safety Management Systems (SMS) Software SMS Pro
Aviation SMS Software Best for Airlines & Airports
Aviation Safety Management Software

About NWDS - founded in 2003 by six software engineers, NorthWest Data Solutions (NWDS) provides custom computer programming and systems design services. NWDS creates many types of software, including e-commerce, financial, defense, engineering, logistics, aviation and more. In 2007, NWDS developed SMS Pro™ a web based SMS application that supports an organization's overall SMS through safety reporting, safety documentation, safety risk management and safety assurance. SMS Pro™ is currently used by aviation organizations in the U.S., Canada, Asia, Latin America, Africa and the Middle East to help manage their SMS programs. NWDS continues to support SMS Pro™ and add new functionality. NWDS offers custom contract programming services in the U.S. and Canada and is managed by Chris Howell, one of the founders. Their headquarters is in Anchorage, Alaska. For information on NWDS visit their website at www.nwds-ak.com and www.asms-pro.com to learn more about SMS Pro™.

Tuesday, May 21, 2013

SMS for Aviation Purposes

SMS for Aviation

SMS Hazard Reporting, Auditing Tools, Airport & Airline Risk Management

Serving Airlines & Airports Across the World.

SMS for Aviation Purposes

Serving Airlines and Airports since 2008 with cutting edge SMS for aviation purposes

SMS for aviation safety purposes. All size airlines & airports (10 employees to ten thousand)
SQL Server Database Implementation
Custom Client and Server Programming
Design and Programming Services for Custom SMS for Aviation Purposes
Paper based and MS Excel systems are less effective than ever.
International airlines and airports must have Web presence.
We can provide SMS for aviation purposes for all stakeholders.

Web-based SMS for aviation safety purposes can make a difference in user acceptance. Engage airline and airport employees with functional aviation safety solutions that are user friendly...

Additional Information About Aviation Safety Management Software

Airline Safety Management Software
SMS for Aviation Purposes
Flight Safety Software
Online SMS Training by SMS Pro
Aviation Safety Reporting Software
Airline Safety Software
Safety Software
Aviation Safety Management System Software
Airport Safety Software
Safety Management System Software
Aviation SMS Software
Safety Audit Checklist
Four Pillars of Safety Management
Aviation Safety Solutions
Aviation SMS Safety Management Systems
Airport SMS Software
Airline SMS Software

Thursday, May 9, 2013

Four Tips for Buying Aviation SMS Software

Four Tips for Buying Web-Based Aviation SMS Software

Lesson Learned: Even the sexiest aviation safety software features will be worthless if considerable sums must be spent to adopt the aviation safety software to your airline or airport. Here are some tips for making the right decision while purchasing Web based aviation safety management system (SMS) software.

aviation safety management software buying tips and tricks

Buying aviation safety management system software can be a time-consuming and stressful process. Your email account is flooded by communications from aviation SMS software and SMS implementation providers. Business stakeholders request conflicting and often changing requirements, such as the quality or compliance departments. Seldom are you certain upper management will approve the budgeted SMS software costs and the subsequent SMS implementation costs.

Without a doubt, your airline or airport will be using the selected aviation SMS software for years. Most aviation SMS implementations require two to five years to become completely integrated into the culture of your airline or airport. In all likelihood, your aviation SMS software will be with your airline or airport for at least ten years. With all this history to look forward to, here are four tips for choosing the right aviation safety management software:

1. Purchase Aviation SMS Software Based on Business Needs

Many large aviation safety software companies are experts at smooth talking sales pitches. The coolest features and sexiest graphical reports are highlighted. Time-saving efficiencies are promised. While these cool features can be great, most aviation SMS software implementations fail because the SMS software fails to meet specific business or civil aviation regulatory requirements, rather than SMS software features not working as advertised.

aviation safety management (SMS) software buying tips and tricks

Evaluate airline or airport safety management software with your business and civil aviation regulatory requirements in mind. Ensure your SMS vendor demonstrates how their aviation SMS software will support your key business processes and facilitate regulatory compliance. Furthermore, ensure the selected software covers all four pillars or components of the ICAO model. Most aviation SMS software fails to cover all four ICAO pillars. Your options are to supplement your SMS implementation with other software or manual methods, or choose the more complete aviation SMS software solution, such as SMS Pro.

Even the most compelling SMS software feature will be worthless if tens of thousands must be spent to adapt the software to your business processes. These shortcomings become more painful and embarrassing when management learns later that the software fails to facilitate ICAO or aviation regulatory compliance.

Don't neglect the targeted business needs once the aviation SMS software selection has been made. Map business requirements to SMS safety software processes and note where customization may be required. Occasionally, business processes can be modified to adapt to the aviation SMS software. The best aviation safety management software is flexible enough to adapt to most airline or airport business processes.

2. Factor in All SMS Implementation Costs

Perhaps the most obvious pain of implementing an aviation SMS and the related software is its costs. These safety costs are more painful when the budget is repeatedly overrun and managers must plead for more funding. The best way to get a ball-park figure on SMS implementation costs is by investigating other past initiatives at your company. Get a feel for the initial software costs and the resulting implementation costs. Review the amount of required customization that was expected and use that to extrapolate your SMS implementation costs.

If you don't have good, solid numbers to help identify your projected SMS implementation budget, multiply your expected SMS implementation costs by two. There are always hidden costs, and these costs may not be directly related to the chosen aviation safety software.

3. Get “Real” References of Aviation SMS Software Clients

It is certainly expected that you will ask aviation safety software companies for references. Most will provide you with glowing excepts of aviation SMS software reviews filled with compelling quotes. These should be regarded as marketing copy rather than references. Insist on talking with current and past customers (if possible) of the aviation safety solution provider. Past customers of the aviation SMS software company may have been successful SMS implementations. However, airlines and airports that are currently implementing their SMS programs represent more valuable feedback.

Spend some time researching particular software companies for poor customer service or SMS software quality. Make sure you call at least three safety managers of other airlines or airports that are implementing your short list of aviation SMS software solutions. Most safety managers using SMS Pro are more than happy to talk with you and detail their experiences with the Web based aviation SMS software and provide some caveats. Even across the industry segments (airlines, airports, aviation maintenance, FBOs, flight schools, corporate charter), many functions are remarkably similar. With a sample of three to five safety managers, you can quickly determine whether shortcomings exists in the aviation safety software or whether certain features present problems while complying with civil aviation SMS regulations.

4. Stack Your SMS Implementation Team for Success

Tips and Tricks of buying aviation SMS software. Get reviews of SMS software

Aviation SMS implementation consultants commonly present an interesting situation. The longer your SMS implementation lasts, the more revenue they earn. Allowing aviation SMS implementation consultants free reign over critical SMS project decisions is like asking your employee to write their own paychecks. Not every airline or airport hires SMS consultants during their SMS implementation. We have found that approximately ten percent of airlines and airports hire external resources.

If you acquire the services of SMS consultants, ensure your airline or airport SMS implementation team retains control over scoping decisions, especially regarding SMS software customization. When necessary, have an impartial third party (such as your civil aviation authority liaison) review the project plan and evaluate the SMS implementation team’s structure and SMS implementation activities before the SMS implementation begins.

In conclusion, we have provided a mere sample of the many facets of implementing aviation safety management software solutions. Hopefully, you will either have gained some insights or reviewed these high-level guidelines as you plan your aviation SMS implementation. Aviation SMS implementations have created considerable stress for safety managers and directors of safety. Keep the business needs and regulatory requirements in mind at all times. Don't be afraid of consulting your civil aviation authority for guidance. By keeping the civil aviation authority (CAA) in the loop, you are stacking the deck in your favor. You should consider your CAA liaison as part of your SMS implementation team.

Tuesday, April 2, 2013

Airline Safety Software

AIRLINE SAFETY SOFTWARE

Hazard Reporting, SMS Auditing Tools, Risk Management, Enterprise Grade

Serving Airlines & Airports Across the World.

Custom Airline Safety Software Based on ICAO, FAA, Transport Canada, EASA Requirements

Serving Airlines and Airports since 2008 with cutting edge airline safety software design, implementation, and maintenance.

Airline safety software for all size operations (10 employees to ten thousand)
SQL Server Database Implementation
Custom Client and Server Airline Safety Software
Contract Design and Programming Services for Custom Airline Safety Software Solutions
Paper based and MS Excel systems are less effective than ever.
International airlines and airports must have Web presence.
We provide airline safety software solutions for all aviation industry segments.

Web-based airline safety software can make a difference in user acceptance. Engage employees with functional airline safety software that is user friendly...

More Aviation Safety Management Software Information

Aviation Safety Software Company

Aviation Safety Management Software by SMS Pro

Free Downloads Airline/Airport's Aviation SMS Software Resources (Checklists, Templates, Policies)

Additional Information About Aviation Safety Management Software

How to best help your
Aviation Safety Management System

Become an SMS PRO

Saturday, March 23, 2013

Aviation SMS Safety Management Systems

AVIATION SMS SAFETY MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS

SMS Hazard Reporting, Auditing Tools, Risk Management, Enterprise Grade

Serving Airlines & Airports Across the World.

Custom Aviation SMS Safety Management Systems

Serving Airlines & Airports since 2008 with cutting edge Aviation SMS Safety Management Systems design, implementation, and maintenance.

Aviation SMS Safety Management Systems for all size airports (10 employees to ten thousand)
SQL Server Database Implementation
Custom Client and Server Aviation SMS Safety Management Systems Programming
Contract Design and Programming Services for Custom Solutions
Paper based and MS Excel systems are less effective than ever.
International airlines & airports must have Web presence.
We provide Aviation SMS Safety Management Systems solutions for all industry segments.

Web-based systems can make a difference in user acceptance. Engage airport employees with functional airports SMS tools that are user friendly...

More Aviation Safety Management Software Information

Aviation Safety Software Company
Aviation Safety Management Software by SMS Pro
Free Downloads Airline/Airport's Aviation SMS Software Resources (Checklists, Templates, Policies)

Additional Information About Aviation Safety Management Software

Sunday, February 3, 2013

How to Promote Safety Using Aviation Safety Alert Module

Aviation Safety Management Software for Safety Promotion

Three years ago, SMS Pro created an aviation safety management module based on our users' feedback. The Safety Alert module allows safety managers or SMS Admins to create safety alerts that popup when users login to their Web-based aviation safety management system program. Users can be automatically "directed" to view a page or memo when they login by disabling the parent page until the users closes the alert. Software logs can track & acknowledge users have seen the memo.

Safety Promotion Using Aviation Safety Software Tools

Aviation Safety Alerts Promote Safety

SMS Pro's Safety Alert module can be configured to open (popup) based on a users' roles. For example, if a safety manager wanted all pilots to view an aviation safety advisory, all pilots would be greeted by a popup window with the configured advisory. Flight attendants and maintenance workers wouldn't be bothered with pilots' aviation safety advisory. Safety Alerts can be configured so multiple roles can be alerted whenever they enter the Web-based aviation safety management program (SMS Pro). For example, if the aviation safety manager wanted all baggage handlers and maintenance staff to review an important memo before continuing their duties, the safety manger would select the respectively configured roles in SMS Pro. The person creating the aviation safety advisory could disable the active page until the user read and closed the aviation safety advisory.

Safety managers can create customized messages, add images, format text and more with the Web-based text editor. This Web-based text editor is embedded into SMS Pro, so users already know how to use the tool and are not forced to learn new skills to create these customized messages.

Aviation Safety Alerts for Airlines and Airports

Aviation safety alerts can be configured to show at different times. For example, a popup can appear each time a user enters to aviation safety management software or once per user of SMS Pro. In most cases, safety managers configure the aviation safety alert module to appear each time the user comes to the airline or airports's aviation safety management system and logs in. In addition, popup alert windows can be sized according to the creator's needs. For example, if a safety manager wishes to show a large aviation safety image, the window can be easily resized.

To see an example of SMS Pro's Safety Alert, contact chowell@ nwds-ak.com for a demo of SMS Pro. If your organization already uses this user-friendly aviation SMS tool, ask us how you can integrate it into your custom Web portal. SMS Pro is truly the most complete and robust aviation SMS database tool on the market. If you don't believe us, ask our users and consulting partners.

About NWDS - founded in 2003 by six software engineers, NorthWest Data Solutions (NWDS) provides custom computer programming and systems design services. NWDS creates many types of software, including e-commerce, financial, defense, engineering, logistics, aviation and more. In 2007, NWDS developed SMS Pro™ a web based SMS application that supports an organization's overall SMS through safety reporting, safety documentation, safety risk management and safety assurance. SMS Pro™ is currently used by aviation organizations in the U.S., Canada, Asia, Latin America, Africa and the Middle East to help manage their SMS programs. NWDS continues to support SMS Pro™ and add new functionality. NWDS offers custom contract programming services in the U.S. and Canada and is managed by Chris Howell, one of the founders. Their headquarters is in Anchorage, Alaska. For additional information on NWD visit their website at www.nwds-ak.com and www.asms-pro.com to learn more about SMS Pro™.

Saturday, February 2, 2013

How to Benefit From Aviation SMS Software

Benefits of Aviation Safety Management Software

As mandatory aviation safety initiatives take on an increasingly central role in companies' operations, the need for aviation safety management software systems to efficiently manage and report on the voluminous data associated with annual safety reports is growing. Airlines, airports, MROs, FBOs and flight schools often require enterprise software solutions to help manage the large body of disparate data associated with aviation safety reports with increased efficiency, accuracy and transparency. Airlines and airports require affordable safety management software to help manage SMS and quality data by leveraging existing Internet and messaging platforms for enterprise-wide data collection and reporting.

Aviation safety management software helps organizations track almost any metric at any frequency, with rollup capabilities that streamline annual report preparation by allowing aviation SMS reports to be generated from a single, centralized database. Whether organizations are creating reports using centralized safety management systems frameworks or some other framework, they require software that is flexible to accommodate any and all metrics they may need to track. From fuel spills to runway incursion data to injury reporting and more, the best aviation safety software tools put the information airlines and airports need at their fingertips to deliver the data with minimal time spent.

Measurable Benefits of Aviation Safety Management Software

Aviation safety management software streamlines organizational SMS reporting programs and delivers strong return on investment by helping them to:

    * Adhere to ICAO mandates: By replacing multiple spreadsheets and data tracking approaches with a single uniform, centralized, system, aviation safety management (SMS) software allows increased confidence in both the accuracy and the transparency of organizational safety data and helps businesses conform to the four ICAO SMS pillars (components) of Safety Policy, Risk Management, Safety Assurance and Safety Promotion.

    * Roll up Data Corporate-wide: Aviation SMS software packages allow airlines and airports to save time and reduce the costs of annual SMS reporting by easily generating rollup reports across functional business units and geographies.

    * Enables Benchmarking: Sophisticated aviation safety management software systems facilitate comparison between operating divisions, allowing organizations to call out best practices to drive performance improvement.

    * Eliminates Lag Time in Aviation Safety Reporting: Since data is stored centrally, corporate rollup reports on any desired metrics can be generated at any time. This allows aviation service providers to track and monitor organizational SMS performance throughout the year, giving operators the opportunity to analyze performance and implement improvement measures as issues come to the surface.

    * Facilitates Company-Wide Reporting: Rollup reports allow aviation service providers to plan better at the corporate level, thereby improving operations and reducing costs. The most elegant aviation safety management software solutions provide a Web-based user interface to allow staff in any part of the company to enter relevant data at any time.

Friday, February 1, 2013

What is an Aviation Safety Management System

Note what your aviation SMS program is lacking!

An aviation safety management program consists of multiple elements. Most airlines and airports, although they don't have formal aviation safety management systems (SMS), already have many components of an aviation safety management program. For example, they may have safety policies, formal airline/airport hazard reporting systems, routine safety communications (safety meetings) with employees and sometimes, a culture revolving around proactive safety processes. However, seldom do we see airlines, airports, aviation maintenance (MROs), FBOs or flight schools with a complete SMS (even those operators who have been trying to implement a formal aviation SMS program may have several missing elements). They may have components of the SMS in their aviation safety management program, but these aviation SMS elements are not integrated--they are neither present nor engrained in their aviation safety management system.

To determine the components of effective aviation safety management programs, one could look at the four phases of implementing an SMS. This resource outlines steps to implement aviation aviation safety management programs, broken out into four phases as recommended by ICAO, FAA, Transport Canada and most other civil aviation authorities. Again, most aviation service providers already have some of these elements incorporated into their existing aviation safety management programs; however, these items are disjointed and not tied together in an easily managed system. Aviation safety management software programs often help to tie these elements together, but MOST aviation safety management system software does NOT cover every component of a complete aviation SMS program.

Four Phases of Aviation Safety Management System Implementation

SMS Pro, a Web-based aviation safety management software program was designed to integrate these following features and more:

Aviation SMS Software Helps!

Phase One of an Aviation SMS Implementation (Planning Phase)

CEO Commitment to Safety
Aviation SMS Gap Analysis
Implementation Plan based on above Aviation SMS Gap Analysis
Goals & Objectives based on the Aviation SMS Implementation Plan
Document repository to save all aviation SMS documentation
Aviation Safety Policies
Aviation Safety Key Personnel Duties & Requirements
Safety Communication via Aviation SMS Newsletters
Safety Surveys to take the pulse of your Aviation SMS

Phase Two of an Aviation SMS Implementation (Reactive Phase)

Hazard / Issue Reporting System with SMS Manager interface
Manage SMS training & qualifications for reactive risk management processes
Provide documentation via reports of reported SMS issues
Maintain feedback loop with organizational members reporting SMS issues
Promote safety communications through newsletters and documented safety meetings (Meeting Manager)

Phase Three of an Aviation SMS Implementation (Proactive & Predictive Phase)

Manage proactive and predictive risk management processes
Manage SMS training & qualifications for proactive & predictive risk management processes
Provide Web interface to retrieve documentation relating to proactive & predictive risk management
Promote safety communications through safety newsletters & documented safety meetings (Meeting Manager)

Phase Four of an Aviation SMS Implementation (Safety Assurance Phase)

Review safety performance indicators with SMS Pro's Performance Monitor
Review & revise Goals & Objectives using SMS Pro's Goals & Objectives module
Monitor continuous improvement using reports in SMS Pro's Performance Monitor
Maintain documentation using SMS Pro's document managing tools & online reports
Use SMS Pro's newsletters to communicate SMS
Use SMS Pro's data analysis & reporting charts & graphs to include into newsletters

Aviation Safety Software

Each of the four pillars of an ICAO compliant SMS program are illustrated above. Each of these four pillars or phases of effective aviation safety management program can be managed by SMS Pro. Modules exist for each activity and regulatory requirement. SMS Pro Partners provide aviation SMS training, aviation SMS consulting and aviation SMS database software.

The SMS Pro partners may provide any or all of the following aviation SMS program services:

Safety management training;
Safety management mentoring;
Safety management Consulting;
Aviation Safety Manuals;
SMS Database Tools.

Contact us today to learn more about SMS Pro's aviation safety management program.

For an SMS Pro demo, contact chowell@nwds-ak.com or to learn more.

How to best help your
Aviation Safety Management System

Become an SMS PRO

Friday, January 25, 2013

Web Based Integrated Aviation Safety Management System Advantages

Web Based Integrated Aviation Safety Management Systems

In the beginning, there was paper to perform the risk management functions of airlines. Paper was a bit difficult to track, and it was easier to keep risky elements off paper in order to avoid the paper trail that lawyers love to chase. Paper gave way to desktop computers and internal networks as managers realized that data could be safety and efficiently stored on spreadsheets and home grown databases. The Web was still young and Web based risk management applications were not as rich as today's integrated aviation safety management systems.

Growth of Aviation Safety Management Software Industry

SMS Pro Web Based Safety Management Software

Web based aviation safety management systems didn't really start taking hold until about 2008. The reason these aviation risk management solutions were not popular is because the aviation industry focuses their money on equipment, fuel and labor. Marketing is also high on the list, but this is a necessity to increase sales. Marketing expenditures compared to return on investment are more visible than spending money on Web based aviation safety management system. After all, paper still existed, and most managers had access to MS Word, MS Excel and MS Access. The larger companies also may have dedicated software engineers sitting on their thumbs. These folks were often tasked to creating in house desktop aviation safety management programs, but they were not complete systems. These early systems focused on risk management, financial aspects of reported issues and neglected the safety promotion activities common today in the best of breed aviation safety management software suites.

What Drove the Explosion of Web Based Aviation SMS Software?

In 2006, the international aviation regulatory authorities determined that not enough emphasis was placed on aviation safety. Many countries and airlines were black-listed from operating in Europe and the United States. Something needed to be done to ensure some minimal standards were developed to enhance safety. This is when aviation safety management became a buzzword. SMS training companies started training thousands of pilots on the fundamentals of aviation safety management. But true Web based aviation safety management software lagged. Most operators didn't have hundreds of thousands of dollars available to create their Web based aviation SMS software programs.

To put a temporary fix, many Web based hazard reporting software programs came on the scene. They claimed to be complete aviation safety management systems, but the developers were too shortsighted, or perhaps didn't want to spend the time reading the requirements put out by ICAO and other civil aviation authorities.

Integrated Aviation Safety Management Software Solutions Debated

Aviation quality management system with web-based SMS databases were becoming a concern as operators tried to integrate safety and quality management principles into the same Web based framework. The debate still rages on this topic.

Advantages of Web Based Aviation Safety Management Software

The advantages of having Web based aviation safety management systems are many. Having the ability to perform your risk management tasks online, wherever you may be today is a big bonus. Users can report aviation accidents and incidents regardless of where they are located as long as they have Internet connectivity. Another advantage of having Web based SMS software programs is that you don't have to worry about your data. If you lose your computer, or somebody steals it, you will be assured the data is safe.

How to best help your
Aviation Safety Management System

Become an SMS PRO

Sunday, January 13, 2013

Lessons Learned from Creating Aviation Safety Management Software

These are simple observations I have discovered over the past six years as a developer of aviation safety management software for airlines, airports, aviation maintenance, fixed base operator and flight schools. These remarks may not be flattering, but they appear to be true across all industry segments. Before venturing into the aviation industry, we provided custom Web based software development for various industries in Alaska, including military defense, financial, engineering, logistics and e-commerce. Most of our clients lived or conducted business within Alaska, so the aviation safety management software market gave us an opportunity to ply our trade on an international scale.

When we started developing aviation safety management software, I was under the impression that airlines, oil companies, airports, etc. really focused on safety and that "safety was first." This slogan is not true, and I'm not even sure safety is second, but maybe safety is third.

What Really Matters in Aviation Safety Management?

The budget and bottom line is first. Without a doubt, if safety managers had top management support for their safety programs, they would unhesitatingly ensure these managers have the tools and resources available to do their jobs. After all, aviation maintenance mechanics don't come to work and expect to get the aircraft in the air with good wishes.

A major factor top management doesn't provide safety managers with the proper hazard reporting and risk management software tools is because they are ignorant of the entire safety process. Many safety management systems (SMS) professionals have recognized for many years that top management doesn't have a clue regarding the ICAO regulatory requirements that all aviation service providers must comply with.

One can understand that publicly operated facilities, such as airports have a budget. They have to live by the budget. In all honesty, the airports seem to accept and incorporate aviation safety management systems into their culture more rapidly than airlines and business jet operators. And we can easily understand why when we remember back on what matters most in aviation safety management.

Risk management focuses on identifying hazards and the associated risks. Once these elements have been identified, they can come up with control measure to reduce risk to as low as reasonably practical (or possible). This term is also call ALARP.

What Else Matters in Safety Management

Top management support is a crucial factor in any successful aviation safety management program. When safety managers don't have top management support, they won't get the resources they need to get the job. Furthermore, if top management is only singing the words without meaning, then the employees will spot this quickly and realize that safety is not as important as it should be. There are hundreds of executive leaders who mean well, but true commitment to safety can take more than 5 minutes per month. You may need to write a newsletter, speak at safety meetings or engage in another meaningful and visible safety promotion activity.

Aviation Safety Management Convenience Factor

Very often, employees have good intentions. But if safety is not convenient and participating in the safety program means doing something else that "I'm not getting paid to do," then most employees won't bother helping the company unless they have a personal interest.

Is it easy to report a safety incident? If it is not, then it is up to management to provide the tools necessary for employees to report aviation incidents and accidents, such as through email. Most employees in the Western world have a smart phone, or have access to a computer to either submit an issue using an electronic reporting form or better yet, through an email.

Make it easy for employees to participate in your safety program and without a doubt, your incident reporting will increase. Along the same thread, ensure that your employees receive feedback or followup on their reported issues. Closing the feedback loop is very important.

Notes:
NWDS was founded in 2003 by six software engineers and provides custom computer programming and systems design services. In 2007-2008 NWDS developed SMS Pro™ a web based SMS application that supports an organization’s overall SMS through safety reporting, safety documentation, safety risk management and safety assurance. SMS Pro ™ is currently used by aviation organizations in the U.S., Canada, Australia, Southeast Asia, South America and the Middle East to help manage their SMS programs . NWDS continues to support SMS Pro and add new functionality. NWDS offers custom contract programming services in Alaska and is managed by Chris Howell, one of the founders.

How to best help your
Aviation Safety Management System

Become an SMS PRO