Aviall Makes Xelus Software Key Part Of Real-Time Global Network Plans

Aerospace aftermarket parts-distributor Aviall Services Inc. has selected supply-chain planning and execution software from Xelus Inc. to help manage a 10-year, $3 billion service and repair contract with Rolls Royce plc's aerospace division. The software will be a core component in a real-time global network that will let Aviall forecast demand for replacement parts, plan for storage and warehousing of the parts, and manage the logistics of parts deliveries to its 17,000 customers.

The deal was revealed after the company successfully deployed and integrated Xelus Extend, a stocking and replenishment tool, and XelusLink, a real-time inventory visibility tool, with software such as XeluxPlan inventory-planning, Lawson financials, Siebel Systems customer-relationship management, and BroadVision Enterprise Self Service applications.

The integrated system replaces a manual system in which customers sent 400-line spreadsheet orders via fax, a process that required Aviall personnel to rekey those orders into computers, says Joe Lacik, CIO of Aviall in Dallas. Customers now can import their spreadsheet into Aviall's Web-based order-management system, which reports price and availability within seconds.

The value of Xelus' contract with Aviall for its supply-chain-planning and -execution software was not disclosed, but Xelus chairman and CEO Mike Fabiaschi says such large deals average $10 million.