Case Study: United Airlines achieves better tool control and accountability with Morse Watchmans KeyWatcher

United Airlines Jet Rebuild and Test Facility Keeps Track of Valuable Tools with Morse Watchmans KeyWatcher® System

The United Airlines jet engine rebuild and test facility, a large maintenance center near San Francisco International Airport, faced significant challenges in tracking its high-value, specialized tools and preventing potential Foreign Object Debris (FOD) incidents. To gain control and accountability, they partnered with Morse Watchmans to implement the KeyWatcher key control system.

Morse Watchmans installed a system of four KeyWatcher cabinets to manage the keys to locked toolboxes. This provided an electronic audit trail showing who removed a key and when, ensuring tools remained in their designated locations. The results were highly successful, with only one tool reported missing and found within two hours over a two-year period. The system also eliminated FOD concerns, and its success has led United to plan for additional KeyWatcher units in other departments.

United Airlines

Bob Brown

Senior Specialist for Continuous Improvement,