Migrating FAI Data to A New Software

Migrating Your FAIR Data: How to Switch Systems Without Losing Continuity

Switching quality management software is one of those projects that aerospace shops know they need but keep postponing. The biggest concern? Losing historical inspection data, disrupting ongoing programs, and facing the nightmare of recreating years of First Article Inspection Reports from scratch. If you're managing repeat orders or long-term production runs, data continuity isn't optional—it's essential for traceability and customer confidence.

The Challenge of Switching Systems

Most aerospace manufacturers have years of inspection data locked in legacy systems, spreadsheets, or PDF archives. When a new program references an old part number or a customer requests inspection history, you need immediate access to that data.

Common pain points when considering a software switch include:

• Repeat orders: You've already completed FAIRs for parts that are now in production. Recreating this work is wasteful and error-prone.
• Historical traceability: AS9100D and customer requirements demand access to inspection records, sometimes going back years.
• Data format incompatibility: Your old system exports data in formats that don't align with new software requirements.
• Resource constraints: Quality teams don't have bandwidth to manually re-enter thousands of inspection records.

These challenges often keep shops trapped in outdated workflows, manually managing AS9102 forms in Excel, or struggling with software that doesn't meet current needs. The switching cost feels too high, so teams accept inefficiency rather than risk data loss.

GroundControl's FAIR Import Module

GroundControl addresses this migration challenge head-on with a purpose-built FAIR import module. Instead of forcing you to abandon historical data or manually rebuild inspection reports, the system accepts your existing FAIR data and integrates it seamlessly into the platform.

The import process handles:

• AS9102 Form data: Forms 1, 2, and 3 import directly, maintaining characteristic accountability, measurement results, and inspection methods.
• Part hierarchies: Assembly structures, sub-components, and their associated FAIRs preserve relationships.
• Supporting documentation: Material certifications, special process documentation, and inspection reports link to the appropriate records.
• Customer-specific formats: The module accommodates various FAIR formats, whether you're working with standard AS9102 templates or customer-specific variations.

The practical benefit is immediate. When a customer places a repeat order for a part you inspected two years ago using different software, that FAIR data is available in GroundControl. You maintain traceability, reduce redundant inspection work, and keep all quality records centralized.

Moving Forward with Confidence

Software transitions don't need to mean data loss or workflow disruption. The right import capabilities let you maintain continuity while gaining the benefits of modern quality management tools. For shops handling long-term production programs or frequent repeat orders, preserving FAIR history is non-negotiable.

GroundControl's approach recognizes that your historical inspection data represents years of work, customer relationships, and regulatory compliance. The FAIR import module ensures that value carries forward, letting you modernize your quality processes without sacrificing traceability or starting from zero.

Want to eliminate errors in your AS9102 FAIRs while maintaining complete inspection history? Try GroundControl and see how easy it is to centralize your quality data.

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