Tracking Inspections vs Components: Understanding Compliance Type & System Type
This article will help you decide which type to use based on what you're trying to track — inspections, life-limited components, or serialized parts — and give you a clear understanding of the available fields for each.
When creating a Compliance Item in EBIS, two key configuration settings determine how it behaves: Compliance Type and System Type. These settings control what fields are available, how due intervals are calculated, and how the item appears in reports.
This article will help you decide which type to use based on what you're trying to track — inspections, life-limited components, or serialized parts — and give you a clear understanding of the available fields for each.
Understanding Compliance Type vs. Compliance System Type
Compliance Type is a customizable label for how you organize maintenance items. Common types include:- Airframe
- Engine
- Propeller
- Inspection
- Avionics
- Custom types based on your shop’s needs
📘 You can configure these types under Config > Lists > Compliance Type.
- Inspection
- Component
⚠️ While you can name Compliance Types however you'd like, the System Type cannot be changed once items are created. Choose carefully based on the fields and tracking behavior you need.
Tracking Inspection Items and Available Fields
Inspection-type items are ideal for tracking recurring inspections like annuals, 100-hour checks, and AD/SB compliance.
Key Characteristics:
- Allows inspection history tracking
- Supports calendar intervals, hours, cycles, and landings
- Enables one-time only setting (e.g., for single AD compliance)
- Supports revision/issue date tracking
- Allows entry of inspection type (e.g., AD, SB, Inspection)
- Can be marked Not Applicable if you want to suppress without deleting
Best for:
- Airworthiness Directives (ADs)
- Service Bulletins (SBs)
- Annual/100-hour inspections
- Internal inspection cycles (e.g., 25-hour oil checks)
📘 Historical records can be manually entered or added via Work Order completion. These will display in the Inspection History panel of the Compliance Item. If adding a Historical Inspection record, the date entered will need to match a Meter Reading record or it will not save.
Tracking Component Items and Available Fields
Component-type items are best used for life-limited parts or serialized components where tracking a part number and serial number is essential.
Key Characteristics:
- Includes Part Number and Serial Number fields
- Tracks installation date and associated meter readings
- Automatically associates to Master Part Records (if Part Number matches to a Master Parts Number)
- Supports storage of 8130s and related documents under the serial number record
- Allows for Do Not Add Part to Work Order override
- Also supports all standard interval types (calendar, hours, cycles, landings)
Best for:
- Engines, props, and accessories with overhaul intervals
- Serialized parts like magnetos, starters, brakes
- Any component with service history or documentation needs
💡 When a part number is added and marked as serialized, users can upload media such as 8130s and assign it directly to the part’s serial record.
Choosing the Right Setup
| What You Want to Track | Use System Type | Example Compliance Type |
|---|---|---|
| Annual or 100-hour inspection | Inspection | Inspection |
| AD/SB with service history | Inspection | Airframe or Engine |
| Magneto replacement at 500 hrs | Component | Engine |
| Serialized brake with 8130 | Component | Landing Gear |
| Avionics service bulletin | Inspection | Avionics |
| Oil Change every 25 hours | Inspection | Airframe or Engine |
Related Articles
- Creating Compliance Items
- Setting Compliance Intervals
- Adding & Completing Compliance Items in Work Orders
Keywords: Compliance Type, System Type, Component vs. Inspection, Serialized Tracking, AD SB Setup Audience: Admins, Setup Teams, Maintenance Coordinators, Inspectors Article Type: Setup Guide / Decision Support