Aviation engineers depend upon Snap-on’s Level 5 tool management system
Safran Landing Systems are world leaders in the design, manufacture, assembly and testing of aircraft landing gear, steering, and braking systems.
The French company has supplied this vital, safety critical equipment for use on 33,000 aircraft worldwide, including Airbus aircraft from the A320 range through to the larger, long haul A350 and A380.
The company also supplies more than 20 other manufacturers of commercial and military aircraft within the global aviation industry.
Airline passengers place their trust in the skills of experienced flight crews, who in turn depend upon the efficiency and safe operation of the aircraft’s landing gear, braking and steering systems, wheels and tyres. The Airbus A380 has five landing gear assemblies and 22 wheels, which reach almost 200mph before takeoff.
Engineers and technicians working in Safran’s Gloucester production centre recognize the importance of controlling the wide range of specialist hand and power tools they use every day.
They depend upon Snap-on Industrial’s Level 5 Automated Tool Control system which allows the use of any number of networked tool storage cabinets to be monitored from one control desk. Computer software ensures that every tool is constantly tracked, identifying who is using it and in which location. The system verbally announces when a tool is removed or returned to its cabinet.
This high level of vigilance provides vital safeguards against tools being misplaced, with the inherent risk of them causing foreign object damage if they are not returned.
According to Safran engineering managers, tool control has always been a major area of concern, as the company is required to demonstrate effective tool management to meet the stringent requirements of technical audits.
They especially value the Snap-on system’s ability to capture data Via a bank of cameras fitted to every ATC cabinet, providing all the information needed to comply with tool control measures. The flexibility provided to tool users and managers also proves a great advantage.
When switching to the Snap-on system some Safran fitters were uneasy about change, but their confidence was soon restored when they realised how easy it was to find the tools they required without delay.
Safran have also praised the quick and willing response of Snap-on Industrial technical advisers who provide full training and problem-solving services, ensuring that the company obtains maximum benefit from its ATC system.
Says Richard Packham, Director UK & Europe for Snap-on Industrial: “Snap-on’s automated system takes tool management to an entirely new level, giving workshop managers and other authorised users easy access to the tools they need for the job in hand while protecting against foreign object damage.
“The ability to monitor several boxes from one central computer offers managers a huge time saving advantage.”
Snap-on Industrial’s Level 5 automated tool management system minimises the risk of human error, as automated tool control constantly tracks every tool and detects which tools have been removed or returned, ensuring greater protection against FOD.
It also enables aviation and aerospace engineers and technicians to find every tool they need, when they need it, saving time and easing stress.
The system provides complete reports on everything managers or supervisors need to keep an eye on. They are even informed when a tool needs to be refilled or ordered.
Engineered to track individual tools by user automatically, without bar codes, scanners, RFID tags or other add-ons, the system works at the speed its user’s demand. Level 5™ ATC boxes are network ready, using either Ethernet or wireless connection. Powerful software enables users to review activity at all boxes in their location from one central computer, avoiding the need to inspect each box.
Major benefits of the system include:
- No individual tool scanning required.
- No RFID tags to install or replace.
- No camera recognition limitations on tool size, from 1/4” screwdriver bits upwards, if it fits in the box, it can be tracked.
- Intuitive interface, via touchscreen.
- Audible voice confirmation of tool removal and replacement.
- Automatic locking for maximum security.
- Errors announced and displayed to indicate incorrect tool position or advise when a drawer is not closed.
Administrators can view all boxes on the network, on or off-line, and see the status of each box, including the number of tools issued, identify active users, and review all history. System alerts, such as sending e-mails to supervisors, can be customised for lost or broken tools or calibration requirements.
