British Airways Goes Paperless: How Startups Can Digitise Their Systems

British Airways is transitioning to a digital system, E-Logs, to handle aircraft maintenance reports, moving away from the traditional paper-based method. This digital transformation will allow the airline to predict and address maintenance issues more efficiently, saving over 900,000 pieces of paper each year.

Andy Best, Chief Technical Officer at British Airways, highlighted the change, “We’re using the latest technology to…deliver…a consistently high standard of service for our customers.”

 

Enhancing Aircraft Reliability

 

The E-Logs system will be implemented across British Airways’ fleet of 270 jets, using iPads to enable instant data transfer from aircraft to engineers. This upgrade aims to reduce downtime by allowing engineers to pre-order necessary parts and resolve issues quicker.

Best explained, “By replacing time-consuming manual processes with digital technology we are constantly improving the reliability of our aircraft fleet.” This move is part of British Airways’ £7bn investment in new technology over the next two years, aimed at making operations more efficient and improving the customer experience.

 

Advantages And Disadvantages Of Going Paperless

 

Advantages

 

Costs Saved: for one, you will spend a lot less on paper, especially if your startup often works with many different documents. Printing costs will also go down in the case that all paperwork is done digitally.

Security: with the right tools and software, your documents and files are safer on a cloud, or even a hard drive or USB. There is a lesser chance of you losing the files when its stored digitally.

Quicker Processes: the distribution of files and information in general, is sped up when done digitally. A quick email can be sent in seconds, whereas you may have to wait slightly longer for documents to be delivered.

Disadvantages:

 

Tech Reliance: as much as technology can be a way to conduct business, it isn’t always reliable. You could experience a power cut or the files could corrupt due to viruses – anything is possible.

Initial/Repair Costs: although tech devices can last longer, making it cheaper in the long run, the initial purchase of devices can be costly. Devices are also easy to damage, and so repair costs are compulsory.

Increased Screen Time: employees of startups that are fully digital are likely spending way more time looking at screens, which can be unhealthy when done for prolonged periods of time.

 

How Startups Can Transition To Paperless Systems

 

Switch to Digital Receipts

Replace paper receipts with digital ones. This saves paper and makes returns easier for both the store and the customer. It builds trust with customers who prefer digital invoices over paper ones.

 

Online Accounting Systems

Move your accounting online. Make use of tools such as Xero to keep your financial records digital. In doing this, you are speeding up the process and simplifying accounting tasks.

 

Use Online Converters

Employ tools such as CloudConvert online for converting, compressing, and merging files digitally, reducing the need for paper and minimising your carbon footprint.

 

Implement E-Signatures

Use digital signatures and software, for you or your clients to sign documents. Many startups who do this have iPads with pens. This eliminates the need for physical paperwork and speeds up document processing.

 

Digital Document Storage

Store and share documents on cloud-based platforms like Google Drive or Dropbox. This not only saves space but also allows for easy access and collaboration on documents from anywhere.

Invest in Dual Monitors

Equip your workspace with dual monitors to avoid printing documents for cross-referencing. This helps maintain a tidy workspace and reduces the need for physical paper.