The "AS9100" Standard: Aerospace maintenance isn't just about fixing machines; it's about maintaining a validated process. Your software must support strict audit trails.
The "FOD" Factor: Foreign Object Debris (FOD) control starts with maintenance. You need a system that tracks every tool and part used during a repair.
The Top Contenders: We review Fabrico, Solumina, IBM Maximo, and others to find the best fit for flight-critical manufacturing.
Manufacturing parts for the aerospace industry (Commercial, Defense, or Space) imposes a burden of proof that other industries don't face.
If a CNC machine drifts out of tolerance in a furniture factory, you scrap a table. In an aerospace factory, you might compromise a landing gear component.
Because of AS9100 and NADCAP requirements, Aerospace manufacturers ("Paula" and "Mike") cannot use generic maintenance apps.
They need software that handles Tool Calibration, Digital Signatures, and Traceability without slowing down the shop floor.
Here are the 5 best CMMS options for Aerospace Manufacturing in 2025.
Best For: Tier 1 & 2 Suppliers who need AS9100 compliance without the "Heavy MES" price tag.
Fabrico brings modern usability to the regulated shop floor. It connects Machine Health (OEE) with Maintenance Execution in a way that satisfies auditors and technicians alike.
FOD Control: Fabrico’s digital checklists force technicians to account for every tool before closing a Work Order. "Did you remove the wrench? Did you account for all screws?" This prevents Foreign Object Debris incidents.
Calibration Lockouts: You can set logic so a machine cannot run if its calibration work order is overdue. This prevents non-conforming parts from being made.
Digital Traceability: Every maintenance action is logged with a timestamp and user ID. When the auditor asks, "Who serviced this autoclave on March 12th?", you have the answer in seconds.
OEE for Precision: Fabrico tracks the performance of high-value 5-axis CNCs. If spindle load or cycle time deviates, it triggers a maintenance alert to prevent tool breakage on expensive alloys (Titanium/Inconel).
The Verdict: If you need to prove control over your process without hiring a team of data clerks, Fabrico is the efficient choice.
Best For: Complex MES & Quality integration.
Solumina is a legend in the aerospace sector. It is a full Manufacturing Execution System (MES) designed specifically for complex discrete assembly (like building an engine or a fuselage).
Pros: Unmatched depth for "As-Built" records. It tracks the history of every single bolt and operation. Deeply integrated with Quality/Non-Conformance management.
Cons: It is massive. Implementing Solumina is a multi-year strategic initiative. It is often overkill for the Maintenance Department if you just need to keep the CNC machines running.
The Difference: Solumina manages the Build; Fabrico manages the Equipment.
Best For: Major Defense Contractors and OEMs (Boeing/Lockheed).
Maximo is the standard for managing massive asset portfolios (facilities, test stands, hangars).
Pros: Extreme scalability. It handles secure environments (ITAR) and complex supply chains better than almost anything.
Cons: The user experience is difficult. Technicians often struggle with the interface, leading to poor data entry. It requires a dedicated IT team to maintain.
The Difference: Maximo is for the Base Commander; Fabrico is for the Shop Floor Manager.
Best For: Companies running SAP for Finance/ERP.
If your corporate HQ runs on SAP, using the PM module is the logical path for financial integration.
Pros: Single source of truth for asset depreciation and spare parts costing.
Cons: It lacks the agility of a shop-floor tool. It doesn't natively connect to machine PLCs for real-time OEE monitoring without expensive customization.
The Difference: SAP is the financial ledger; Fabrico is the operational execution tool.
Best For: Condition Monitoring on critical assets.
eMaint is strong for tracking the health of critical facility assets (HVAC, Compressors, Autoclaves) using Fluke sensors.
Pros: Good for vibration analysis and documenting regulatory testing for facility systems.
Cons: The interface is dated. It lacks the modern "Connected Worker" feel that younger aerospace technicians expect.
The Difference: A solid legacy choice for facilities, but less integrated into production flow than Fabrico.
| Feature | Fabrico | Solumina | IBM Maximo | SAP PM |
| Primary Focus | Maint. & OEE | MES / Build | EAM | Finance |
| Audit Ready | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| OEE Integration | ✅ Native | ✅ Native | ❌ Custom | ❌ Custom |
| FOD Prevention | ✅ Checklists | ✅ Native | ⚠️ Custom | ⚠️ Basic |
| UX / Speed | Modern | Complex | Complex | Complex |
In aerospace, you cannot cut corners. But that doesn't mean you have to use software from the 1990s.
Choose Solumina if: You need to track the "As-Built" genealogy of a jet engine.
Choose Maximo if: You are managing an entire air force base.
Choose Fabrico if: You are a Manufacturer. If you need to keep your CNCs turning, your autoclaves calibrated, and your auditors happy—all in an app that technicians actually like—Fabrico is the modern standard.
Fly safe. Run efficiently.
Book a Demo with Fabrico to see how we handle AS9100 maintenance workflows.
Login
Blog
