The aviation industry faces persistent challenges in managing aircraft spare parts, from lengthy procurement processes to difficulties in valuing idle inventory. The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has introduced MRO SmartHub, a groundbreaking platform designed to bring unprecedented transparency and efficiency to the Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) market.
A Neutral Platform for Aviation Parts Management
MRO SmartHub is a web-based neutral platform that enhances transparency in the aftermarket for aircraft parts while providing real-time, impartial Fair Market Value (FMV) references. By leveraging this system, airlines, MRO providers, Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs), and parts traders can potentially reduce material costs by 10-15%.
The platform boasts market statistics and FMV data for over 1.5 million part numbers, along with an active marketplace for evaluating teardown assets. This comprehensive data repository delivers accurate, up-to-date information to support optimized decision-making across the industry.
Registration and Access
New users can register for a free account with limited access to the Connector and Auctioneer modules. Full platform functionality requires a subscription agreement. Existing account holders can log in directly to access all features.
Comprehensive Supply Chain Solutions
MRO SmartHub offers a suite of specialized solutions addressing various supply chain needs:
- Procurement Solutions: Verify part quotations and optimize purchasing strategies.
- Sales Solutions: Identify potential sales materials and determine appropriate pricing.
- Valuation Solutions: Evaluate asset packages and inventory to support financial teams.
- Company Benchmarking: Compare performance against industry data to uncover cost-saving opportunities.
The platform simplifies complex aircraft MRO procurement processes through its industry-leading digital interface, offering unparalleled inventory availability and pricing visibility. By providing reliable, current information about spare parts, MRO SmartHub enables users to make efficient decisions for all maintenance requirements.
Key Benefits of MRO SmartHub
- Optimized Inventory Value: Better management and utilization of existing stock through enhanced market insights.
- Enhanced Aftermarket Transparency: Deeper understanding of market dynamics for improved trading decisions.
- Strengthened Procurement Capabilities: Improved purchasing efficiency and negotiation power through data-driven insights.
- Reduced Material Costs and Lead Times: Streamlined procurement processes and market intelligence to lower expenses and accelerate delivery.
Core Platform Modules
MRO SmartHub consists of six specialized modules addressing specific MRO supply chain challenges:
- Connector: Elevates parts trading with real-time access to priced materials for buyers and innovative listing options for suppliers.
- Evaluator: Provides comprehensive data analysis and FMV for parts, bills of materials, inventory, and companies.
- Auctioneer: Facilitates sales auctions for surplus inventory or reverse auctions for quotation requests, with industry-wide marketing support.
- Asset Manager: Coordinates internal and external partners to consolidate material demand for potential teardown assets.
- Teardown Module: Streamlines teardown project management with centralized process control and support for joint bidding initiatives.
- Consignment: Efficiently manages consignment projects with full traceability and integration with other modules and inventory/ERP systems.
System Integration
Designed with openness and compatibility in mind, MRO SmartHub offers API connectivity for seamless integration with existing inventory management or ERP systems. The platform team also provides customized solutions during implementation for users with specialized requirements.
Fair Market Value Methodology
The IATA FMV serves as a strategic valuation guide for spare parts, enabling companies to support supply chain decisions with neutral reference values and external market data.
The proprietary FMV algorithm employs sophisticated statistical methods and multi-stage processing to maximize information utility. Unlike simple historical price averaging, the calculation emphasizes information availability, reliability, recency, and interoperability.
Data sources include generic part information, transaction records, interoperability data, MRO records, and external market intelligence. The platform maintains rigorous two-step validation for all datasets, combining automated statistical checks with manual review.
The current database contains over 10 million data points applicable to visualization and FMV calculations, with contributions from more than 20 companies covering approximately 1 million part numbers across 50+ aircraft and engine types.
Industry Adoption
MRO SmartHub has gained trust from numerous industry leaders including AAR, AJW Group, Cathay Pacific, Ethiopian Airlines, GA Telesis, Honeywell, Lufthansa Technik, and Turkish Technic among others. Through this platform, IATA continues to drive digital transformation in aviation MRO, creating substantial value for industry participants.