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While many record keeping activities in aircraft maintenance have been computerized, parallel paper-based systems are often used to meet regulatory requirements. Converting from paper-based, labor-intensive, and error-prone manual systems is simplified with Maintenix® due to its benefits of web-based availability, historical archives, and a complete array of reporting capabilities. To support a paperless maintenance environment, Mxi has developed an electronic signature capability for Maintenix. Any "transaction" carried out in Maintenix can be designated as requiring digital "sign off". Typically this will include maintenance execution tasks (e.g. removal, replacement, and repair) and quality control inspection tasks. When a designated record or document is electronically "signed" by a user, it is encrypted and permanently stored in the Maintenix database. It can be viewed and verified at any time but it cannot be altered.
Technical Characteristics The main characteristics of the Maintenix electronic signature capability are: - Use of a Public Key Infrastructure (PKI) certificate assigned to individual users
- Public key / private key encryption
- "Hash" generation and comparison
- Optional use of a token or physical device (e.g. a "smart card") to store the private key portion of the user's PKI certificate
- Management and allocation of user PIN (Personal Identification Number) and encryption keys
- Permanent storage of digitally signed "documents"
Regulatory Approval The use of electronic signatures by an aircraft maintenance organization requires the approval of the appropriate regulatory body, which is typically granted on a case-by-case basis. Approval is based both on the technology as well as on the business processes into which the technology is incorporated. To ensure timely approval, the Maintenix electronic signature add-on has been designed to comply with FAA guidelines for digital signatures (to sign off work orders, release aircraft, etc.) and for electronic record keeping (such as for complete digital logbooks). Mxi's electronic signature has the precedent of regulatory body approval.
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