Case Studies
JAL Engineering - Fostering Collaboration and Supporting Safe Operations with EIZO's Chart Table Monitor | EIZO
JAL Engineering Co., Ltd. ensures the safe operation of aircraft for the Japan Airlines Group, handling the maintenance of engines and parts, as well as planning and managing related activities. In February 2024, as part of an office renovation project in the Line Maintenance Department at Haneda Aircraft Maintenance Center, JAL Engineering installed EIZO’s 55-inch DuraVision MDU5501WT 4K chart table monitor. This maritime monitor was chosen to digitize operations. We spoke with the relevant personnel to understand the reasons behind this decision and how the monitor is being utilized.
Kazuyuki Inoue, Senior Director Domestic Line Maintenance Office, Line Maintenance Department, Haneda Aircraft Maintenance Center |
Yoshihisa Fukuda, Director Domestic Line Maintenance Office, Line Maintenance Department, Haneda Aircraft Maintenance Center |
Yoshinobu Handa, Director Line Maintenance Technology Office, Line Maintenance Department, Haneda Aircraft Maintenance Center |
Tell us about the work you do.
“There are two types of aircraft maintenance: Line maintenance, which is conducted in a relatively short period of time, and Base maintenance, which is performed in a hangar and requires more time. The chart table monitor was installed in the Line Maintenance Department of JAL Engineering, which operates 24/7. This department performs maintenance during the limited time between the aircraft’s arrival and departure, as well as overnight parking. Given the strict time constraints, efficient information sharing is crucial. Therefore, we installed the MDU5501WT, which has a large screen and conveniently allows for both touch and stylus input.” |
The MDU5501WT installed in the office. |
How are you utilizing the MDU5501WT?
“Haneda Airport is the central hub for JAL Engineering’s maintenance operations, gathering a wide range of information from both domestic and international sources. The MDU5501WT is used to display handover materials, maintenance manuals, and actual footage and photos of aircraft, making it an invaluable tool for sharing information among staff. The large screen allows for the simultaneous display of a substantial amount of information, facilitating the smooth sharing of data among multiple personnel.
“Our department operates 24/7 on a three-shift basis. At the end of each shift, the outgoing staff member transfers all necessary information to the next shift. During this handover, relevant staff gather around the monitor to share and discuss. Furthermore, in the event of aircraft issues, we assess the situation, evaluate the maintenance requirements for the next flight, and make final decisions.
“Prior to the introduction of the MDU5501WT, information was printed out on paper or shared via individual PCs. However, this method made it difficult for multiple users to access the same information simultaneously. With the introduction of the large-screen monitor, we have established a central location where staff can gather to review the same information and exchange ideas.” |
Staff sharing information on the monitor. |
Could you tell us more about the decision process that led to the installation?
“In 2022, the company initiated a project to renovate its work environment, including the floor where our department is located. While the interior was updated, equal attention was placed on creating a more efficient work environment. After identifying the shortcomings of the previous setup, we proposed a unified platform with other branches in Japan and overseas. This platform would serve as a basis for discussions and coordination, ultimately improving our response time, enhancing aircraft quality for our customers, and improving on-time flight rates.
“As the project advanced, we proposed implementing a table-type monitor with touch input capabilities for information sharing. We sought a device that supported both touch and stylus input and could be placed horizontally, as typically vertical TVs and monitors are not ideal with multiple people viewing the screen. Among the options we explored was EIZO’s chart table monitor. Given that our office is a maintenance site subject to dust and vibrations, durability was a key factor in our selection. While other companies offered large table-type monitors, none were robust enough to withstand heavy use. Since the MDU5501WT was designed for maritime use, it proved to be an excellent fit for our needs.
The renovated office where technical support for aircraft maintenance is provided daily.
“Regarding the software, we chose a product that met our company’s requirements independently from the hardware. One reason we selected the MDU5501WT was its lack of a pre-installed OS. Since we use the company’s authorized PC and LAN network, we needed a monitor specialized for display. It was important that the monitor be easy for us to view and operate, so we prioritized the pixel count and touch performance. Ultimately, the MDU5501WT met all of these criteria.”
How has your experience been so far?
“The biggest benefit has been the large screen, allowing many staff members to view the same information simultaneously. The latest information can now be shared throughout the office, ensuring accuracy and consistency in communication. This fosters a sense of security and understanding across the entire team.
“We have been pleased with the monitor’s durability and reliability. During our information-sharing sessions and discussions, we often use a stylus to write, draw lines, and take notes. The input response has been excellent, allowing us to use the monitor without any concerns.
“To further ensure clear communication across the office, we have implemented a system that allows written information to be accessed from anywhere using a PC or the cloud. Additionally, we have established a system that enables the data from the MDU5501WT to be projected onto a large display in the office, facilitating information sharing with staff who are not directly engaged with the monitor when necessary.” |
Large display projecting data from the MDU5501WT. |
Do you have any requests for EIZO?
“It would be beneficial if the product offered optional accessories, such as a place for drinks and notebooks when people gather around the monitor, as well as a stand for laying the monitor flat. Additionally, individuals positioned at a distance from the monitor or with limited reach may find it difficult to access the far side of the screen. Adding a trackpad in each of the four corners would enhance usability for these users.”
Tell us about your company’s future prospects?
“We have set a significant operational objective called ‘Zero-Zero-100’, which aims for zero defects during flight, zero defects during maintenance, and a 100% on-time departure rate. To achieve this, we are actively pursuing a digital transformation and have implemented a system of predictive organization and preventive maintenance. By addressing issues before they escalate into major problems, rather than reacting to them after they occur, we believe we can achieve ‘Zero-Zero-100’.
“Furthermore, we aim to develop systems that provide our customers with peace of mind by leveraging digital technology to ensure safer and more secure travel. Given the diverse areas of expertise among our mechanics, we will collectively utilize our strengths to enhance the quality of our maintenance services. By fostering a collaborative environment where information and ideas are freely shared, we aim to achieve superior results.
Left to right: Kazuyuki Inoue, Yoshihisa Fukuda, and Yoshinobu Handa
Special thanks:
JAL Engineering Co., Ltd.
Website (Japanese)