MTU uses SmartMakers' global GPS tracking system to monitor aero engine transport stands worldwide in real time. By implementing this solution, MTU prevents delivery delays, miscommunication in the sales process and the global handling of turbine units, as well as unnecessary transport costs. The main reason for using such a solution is to improve customer service.
The initial situation: Excel as the foundation for a global logistics network
Turbine stands are specially manufactured load carriers for aircraft turbines. They are high-value assets that either remain at an airport for extended periods or are transported globally by air cargo. To keep track of which engine stand was available at which location and which was currently in use at a customer’s site, MTU relied on a collaborative Excel spreadsheet. The list was maintained by several people at different locations.
Creating a global real-time overview with Excel is impossible and repeatedly led to incorrect data and an enormous amount of coordination work.
MTU's Challenges at a glance
Outdated Data Basis: Excel spreadsheets are only as up to date as the last time they were manually updated. In a dynamic, global operation, this inevitably leads to inconsistencies.
Duplicate Offers, unclear Priorities: As several sales employees accessed the same database at the same time, the same engine stand could be accidentally offered to several customers simultaneously. As a result, when orders were placed, priorities had to be clarified manually, which was a time-consuming process.
No real-time visibility: Where is a specific engine or engine stand at the moment? Is it available, undergoing maintenance or already at the next customer's location? Without a digital tracking system, these questions cannot be answered reliably or in real time.
High staff costs: Coordination between sites, manual data maintenance and resolving ambiguities tied up considerable staff resources. Time that was consequently lacking elsewhere.
The consequences were significant: delayed deliveries to customers, misinformation within the sales department and unnecessarily expensive transport costs that could have been avoided with better data.
The Solution: Global GPS tracking for engine stands
Following several tests with various providers, MTU decided to use the GPS tracking solution from SmartMakers. What sets it apart is that the trackers can also be used in air transport. This was one of the key requirements for adopting the solution.
This is how the solution works in detail:
Robust and durable GPS Trackers: Each turbine site is equipped with a GPS tracker designed for use in real-world logistics conditions, including international transport by air, sea and land.
Worldwide real-time tracking: The locations of all turbine units can be accessed at any time and from anywhere. Whether at MTU’s own hub, at a customer’s site or on route to the next airport.
Transparency for sales and operations: The cloud-based platform enables sales and operations teams to see in real time which turbines are available at which locations. This information serves as a reliable basis for customer offers and operational decisions.
SmartMakers not only supplied MTU with hardware and software, but also supported the entire implementation process, from technical integration through to the system’s integration into live operations.
The result: better decisions, faster deliveries, less effort
The implementation of the GPS tracking solution is now positively impacting several areas of the business, from operational logistics and sales to strategic business development.
No delivery delays due to gaps in information: with real-time data on each assets location, MTU can reliably plan availability and supply customers on time. Out-of-date information from Excel spreadsheets is now a thing of the past.
Successful sales process: Customer offers are based on a consistent, up-to-date database. No duplicate or incorrect offers are sent to customers. This has a positive impact on customer satisfaction. It also simplifies internal coordination.
Cost optimisation in transport: A reliable data set makes it possible to dispatch the nearest available turbine to a customer, avoiding unnecessary long-distance and costly transport.
Reduced coordination effort: What used to require manual coordination between multiple sites can now be done at a glance via the dashboard. Staff can focus on value-adding tasks instead of spending time chasing up information over phone calls.
A strong partnership: For MTU, it is important to work with a partner who proactively contributes to future developments and innovations.
The partnership with MTU demonstrates that real-time track-and-trace solutions offer far more than simple location tracking. They form the foundation for robust, global logistics processes and are therefore a strategic asset for sales, operations and customer satisfaction. With SmartMakers, MTU has found a partner to support this transformation from start to finish.
