For the past 18-years I've worked with hundreds of flight departments implement and adopt the SMS standard after spending 25-years flying in both 121 and part 91 flight operations. I've developed programs that simplify the process of managing a robust SMS program while ensuring conformity and program effectiveness. For the vast majority of flight departments, the job of managing their SMS is an ancillary role, which means more work for somebody and more than likely, a less effective program. You have to know what data to collect and how to analyze it, what needs to be reported, investigated and mitigated. That entire process can be contracted out, freeing your team up to focus on their primary roles. My team provides various support programs ranging from basic training programs to turn-key SMS management programs and everything in between.
The SMS is a decision making tool that guides you through a complex process of identifying hazards, quantifying risks levels and mitigating those hazards to ALARP. Then you'll need to monitor the mitigation or corrective action to make sure you have done it right. That process is repeated every time you have an SOP deviation, a safety event, near miss, or a dozen other things that pops up. It is time consuming and can be disruptive. And, it all needs to be documented and recorded and retained.
My clients always asks me how can I do what I do for the price I charge and the answer is always the same: 18-years of SMS hands on experience and really low overhead, plus some amazing technology. That's how I can deliver an effective, conforming and robust SMS to small, medium and large aviation service providers for about a third the price that larger companies charge. For big projects, I have a very short list of experts I've worked with over the years that I can call.