The SMS Pro™ Story
In 2005, a safety manager from an Alaskan airline attended an SMS training course in Southern California and returned, eager to implement an effective SMS. This safety manager was an industry leader connected to top managers at the Medallion Foundation, SCSI and other leading SMS-related organizations.
While trying to implement his SMS, the safety manager was frustrated with the lack of commercial software tools developed specifically for the aviation industry. There were several tools on the market, such as Q-Pulse, AQD, ETQ and Intelex, for example, but they didn't seem applicable for SMS. These tools were either:
- Auditing tools tailored to address ICAO SMS elements; or
- Flight Ops specific tools way too complicated for the task; or
- Tools used in other industries that were "adapted" to try to fit the aviation industry.
After much frustration, this safety manager approached NorthWest Data Solutions in Anchorage to develop SMS tools specifically for the aviation industry that were:
- User friendly;
- Web-based;
- Addressed ICAO requirements;
- Suitable for airports, airlines, general aviation;
- Customizable; and
- Affordable.
NorthWest Data Solutions' task was to develop Web-based SMS tools while SMS subject matter experts around the world supported the application and assisted organizations to implement their SMS using these tools.
SMS Pro hit the market in January 2008 and is now used by thousands of aviation professionals around the world. These types of aviation server providers use SMS Pro:
- International and Local Airports
- Airlines
- MROs
- General Aviation (Part 91 and Part 135)
- Helicopter Operators
- Medical Transport
SMS Pro is known for being adaptable to various business types and for outstanding customer support.