Enhancing Aviation Safety: Expert Insights, Tips, and Updates from SMS-Pro

Advanced Aviation SMS: Generating Profits - First Steps

Posted by Christopher Howell on Feb 17, 2021 6:15:00 AM

Aviation Safety Management Is Business!

For most operators implementing regulatory compliant aviation safety management systems (SMS), their primary business goal was obviously regulatory compliance. Otherwise, thousands of aviation service providers would have initiated aviation SMS before ICAO's November 2006 mandate.

Read More

Topics: Aviation SMS Database, Safety Culture

5 Best Practices for Data Management in Aviation SMS

Posted by Stu Martin on Mar 4, 2020 6:30:00 AM

The Importance of Data in Aviation SMS

Highly functioning aviation safety management systems (SMS) always have effective data acquisition and risk management practices. This is not the case for most nascent SMS implementations.

Read More

Topics: Aviation SMS Database

What Is Importance of Data Mining in Aviation SMS Implementations

Posted by Stu Martin on Dec 23, 2019 5:54:00 AM

What Is Data Mining in Aviation SMS?

Data mining is a critical, intermittent risk management activity safety managers need to perform in their aviation safety management systems (SMS) to organize, understand, and process collected safety data acquired during the organization risk management processes.

Read More

Topics: Aviation SMS Database, 3-Safety Assurance

How to Choose Your Aviation Safety Database Solution

Posted by Christopher Howell on May 27, 2019 6:03:00 AM

Introduction: The Critical Choice of an Aviation Safety Database

Selecting an aviation safety database is a pivotal decision for safety managers, often fraught with apprehension. Whether launching a new Safety Management System (SMS), upgrading an existing one, or managing a legacy solution, the choice impacts compliance, efficiency, and safety outcomes.

The Federal Aviation Administration reports that 70% of incidents stem from human factors, underscoring the need for robust data management to mitigate risks.

Read More

Topics: Aviation SMS Database

5 Most Important Things to Know Before Buying Aviation SMS Database

Posted by Christopher Howell on Dec 6, 2018 10:00:00 AM

I Don't Need an Aviation SMS Database... or Do I?

Many aviation service providers today are researching features and capabilities to acquire databases to address documentation requirements of their aviation safety management system (SMS). Alternatively, these operators are not looking to acquire an SMS database, but to:

Read More

Topics: Aviation SMS Database

Impact of Technology on Aviation Safety

Posted by Mario Pierobon on Oct 26, 2018 5:28:00 AM

Pros and Cons of Technology in Aviation

Technology for a lot of organizations is a key asset, as it is seen as an advantage in the competitive environment; however, from a safety point of view technology is not only an advantage, it also bears possible negative aspects.

Read More

Topics: Aviation SMS Implementation, Aviation SMS Database, 1-Safety Policy

When to Design Your Own Aviation SMS Database

Posted by Christopher Howell on Sep 13, 2018 10:00:00 AM

Do We Need an Aviation Safety Database Yet?

Not every aviation safety manager has a budget. Let's face it. Some safety managers don't know how to ask for a budget.

Many safety managers are part-time safety managers. These are line employees with full-time duties in the position they were formally hired to fill.

Read More

Topics: Aviation SMS Database

5 Things Spreadsheets Can’t Do for Your SMS

Posted by Christopher Howell on Jul 23, 2018 4:59:00 AM

Better Alternatives to Spreadsheet-Based SMS

Spreadsheet-based safety programs are incredibly common. Many of you reading this use spreadsheets to manage your SMS activities, such as documenting:

  • Gap analysis;
  • Hazard reporting activity;
  • Training and qualifications tracking;
  • Hazard and risk register;
  • Audit management; and
  • Key performance indicators.
Read More

Topics: Aviation SMS Database

Purpose of Aviation Risk Management Tools: Optimizing SMS

Posted by Stu Martin on Jun 27, 2018 4:38:00 AM

Introduction: The Role of Risk Management in Aviation SMS

Aviation risk management tools are essential for managing exposure within Safety Management Systems (SMS), ensuring safety aligns with operational demands. The Federal Aviation Administration reports that 70% of incidents stem from unaddressed risks, costing the industry $1.2 billion annually, per IATA.

Beyond risk analysis, these tools must address all four SMS pillars—Safety Policy, Safety Risk Management (SRM), Safety Assurance (SA), and Safety Promotion—to maintain an Acceptable Level of Safety (ALoS) under ICAO Annex 19 and FAA Part 5. SMS Pro’s aviation SMS software delivers comprehensive risk management with 78 modules, including offline auditing, automated workflows, and visual analytics.

Read More

Topics: Aviation SMS Database

Pros and Cons of In-House SMS Database and Off-the-Shelf Solutions (COTS)

Posted by Stu Martin on Dec 15, 2017 5:53:00 AM

Consider Your Business Needs

Ultimately, choosing between custom-built, in-house aviation safety management system (SMS) software and commercial-off-the-shelf (COTS) solutions comes down to three key considerations:

  • Your budget;
  • How quickly you need your software; and
  • The SMS goals of your business processes.

The first question you need to ask yourself is: What problem are you trying to solve? Answering this question involves a discovery process of analyzing exactly what your needs are. The end result could be:

Read More

Topics: Aviation SMS Database

Site content provided by Northwest Data Solutions is meant for informational purposes only. Opinions presented here are not provided by any civil aviation authority or standards body.

 

 

Benefits of SMS Pro Database

Affordable, Basic Compliance for Small Aviation Service Providers

Best Practices for Aviation SMS

 

Watch SMS Pro Demo Videos

These two on-demand videos offer:

  • High-level overview of SMS Pro;
  • Hazard Reporting & Risk Management walk-through.
Watch SMS Pro Demo Videos
 
 
 
 

Subscribe to Email Updates

Recent Posts