Military aviation is on a mission, continually striving to improve its safety record, accountability, and compliance while simultaneously embracing the efficiencies provided by digitalisation wherever possible.

The tools required to maintain this varied fleet were previously managed by a paper-based tool control system known as MF757.

Unfortunately, this system was laborious and prone to human error. Engineers would spend time searching through physical logbooks; with illegible handwriting and incomplete details leading to inaccurate records. The paper forms were typically destroyed after just six months, leaving no audit trail.

There were also issues with tool issuing and return processes. Each time a tool was returned, all the tools issued alongside it had to be returned and reissued no matter whether they were still in use or not. Tool maintenance and calibration were tracked manually on spreadsheets, which caused problems when investigations needed to be carried out to determine whether tools had been calibrated, contaminated, or lost.

Everyday processes were time consuming and hampered by a lack of accuracy and traceability. There was a need for a smarter and more efficient system.

Snap-on worked to provide a digital tool control system that could modernise processes, reduce risk, and ensure tools were ready to deploy at any time.

The complex requirements of the Royal Navy meant that the solution employed had to be fast, accurate, traceable, accountable, secure, and capable of storing data permanently. It also needed to be governed by a centralised database that could track all tools at all times, reducing the daily administrative burden on its Fleet Air Arm engineers.

Enter Snap-on.

The Air Engineering Officer of 815 NAS had previously been exposed to Snap-on’s software through Leonardo Helicopters in 2019 and explored the benefits to meet the needs of the squadron.

After an in-depth procurement process, Snap-on’s solution met with the majority of the Royal Navy’s Statement of Requirement, with the team also demonstrating it had a clear understanding of the unique needs of the military. Our ability to adapt was also essential, especially when it came to adhering to the IT restrictions imposed by the Ministry of Defence.

A trusted and recognised name in the tool industry with a base in the UK, Snap-on also proved it could deliver a reliable, fast, and cost-effective service, going above and beyond by providing in-person training to Royal Navy engineering teams in locations across the country.

The Snap-on rollout began at 815 and 825 NAS in January 2025 with User Acceptance Training (UAT).

While the solution itself is plug-in-and-play, Snap-on took the time to work alongside the Royal Navy’s engineers to onboard True-Crib via hands-on training. Snap-on also worked with the IT teams to integrate with Ministry of Defence servers. This collaborative approach enabled Snap-on to secure a seamless transition for the Fleet Air Arm, implement software updates at speed, and unlock new functionality to further benefit the engineering team.

The existing MF757 paper process was maintained during the testing phase to ensure compliance while confidence was being built but any fears were quickly dispelled as, during the UAT, more than 4,800 tool transactions were processed without incident.

The test also found that using Snap-on’s solution led to time savings of between 40 and 88%. Equipment has been issued 68% faster and shift handovers have become 88% quicker thanks to the efficiency and increased visibility offered by the True-Crib software, freeing up the workforce and reducing downtime.

With Snap-on’s solution in place, every tool can now be traced throughout its lifetime. A permanent digital audit trail reduces the amount of time needed for investigations, eliminates unnecessary costs from the loss of untracked equipment, and allows aircraft to be returned to service in a timely manner. Stock levels of ready use consumables within the Issue Centre are also now proactively monitored to ensure engineers no longer need to travel to the logistics section to track down frequently used parts and tools.

It is believed that the benefits of our solution have led to a marked culture shift within the Royal Navy Fleet Air Arm. It has enlightened engineers to look for ways to digitalise other processes to work even more efficiently. By limiting the number of lengthy interruptions affecting their day-to-day work, engineers can stay focused on task, reducing stress and frustration, and improving overall performance. The provision of accurate data has also helped to dispel common myths around tool quality and tool failure trends, boosting confidence even further.

The overwhelmingly positive response to the Snap-on solution has led a drive to introduce it across all Fleet Air Arm squadrons, with its scope being considered to encompass aircrew flying kit, survival equipment, and health and safety equipment. True-Crib will soon be rolled out to the 847 NAS (Wildcat AH), 845 NAS and 846 NAS (Merlin Mk4), 814 NAS, 820 NAS and 824 NAS (Merlin Mk2), 700X NAS (UAS), 1710 NAS, and Queen Elizabeth Class aircraft carriers.