Organize for Usability: EFB Data Structure

A common challenge that airlines voice to us is that there are so many disparate manuals that their pilots have to learn not only the content but also how to use and navigate the manuals, in part because of their EFB data structure. This isn’t ideal in any situation. And in an emergency situation, poorly structured and difficult-to-find data can be a serious problem.

Consider this situation: an Airbus A320 aircraft has experienced a bird strike. In addressing this situation, the pilot will need the Quick Reference Handbook (QRH) and Flight Crew Operating Manual (FCOM) for A320s.

Scenario A: The EFB library is in a flat folder structure, requiring the pilot to scroll through a long list of manuals to find what’s needed (manuals + aircraft).

Scenario B: Alternatively, the EFB data structure is designed with the end user – the pilot – in mind. Data has been categorized and can be pulled by user groups such as the aircraft type, position, or base. As a result, the pilot sees only what is relevant for them and the current situation.

efb data structure for end user experience

The illustration above is basic but shows how your data structure can better support end users when they need to find job-critical information.

ABOUT COMPLY365

Comply365 is the leading provider of enterprise SaaS and mobile solutions for content management and document distribution in highly regulated industries including aviation, rail, and energy. Comply365 supports the world’s most mobile and remote workforces with targeted and personalized delivery of job-critical data that enables safe, efficient, and compliant operations. Every day, hundreds of thousands of pilots, flight attendants, maintenance technicians, rail conductors and engineers, as well as energy workforce rely on Comply365 for digital delivery of operational content, including OEM and internal company manuals. Having played an instrumental role in the regulatory approval of electronic flight bags (EFB) to replace the traditional, paper-based, pilot flight bags, Comply365 partners with clients to transform their industries.

Comply365