To provide safe and effective transportation for passengers, goods, and aircraft, airports are complex organisations that necessitate the coordination of several procedures and systems.
Airports are under more pressure than ever to provide excellent service due to the rising number of travellers. Airport operators are looking for cutting-edge software automation solutions that may improve collaboration, minimise manual tasks, and simplify operations in order to address this challenge.
Airports are complex environments with a variety of stakeholders, including airlines, passengers, cargo handlers, and security personnel. To offer a seamless experience, it is a challenge to make sure that all of these stakeholders can collaborate effectively. This can be accomplished by eliminating manual procedures, expanding visibility, and fostering cooperation through automation technologies.
The use of software automation solutions in luggage handling is one of the most notable examples. Airlines, baggage handlers, and airport staff must coordinate during the lengthy and complicated process of baggage handling. However, airports may greatly cut down on the time and labour needed to handle baggage by installing software automation solutions like baggage tracking systems, baggage sorting systems, and automated bag drop systems.
Automated Systems
For instance, the number of mishandled bags has decreased by 35%, when the automated baggage system was installed at London's Heathrow Airport in 2011. This technology tracks baggage as they pass through the airport using RFID tags, enabling employees to spot and address any problems as they develop in a timely manner.
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Security screening is another area where software automation techniques have shown potential. Although it is a necessary part of the airport experience, security screening may be tiresome and stressful for travellers. Biometric screening technology and automated passport control systems can help to expedite the screening process while maintaining a high level of security.
The installation of automated passport control kiosks at Vancouver Foreign Airport has cut down on wait times for foreign passengers by up to 50% on average. Helsinki Airport has installed a facial recognition technology that enables travellers to pass through security screening without having to present physical identification.
In addition to these instances, airports have used software automation systems for parking management, aircraft maintenance, and facilities management. Dallas/ Fort Worth International Airport, for instance, manages its parking facilities using software automation solutions, which include automated entry and exit systems, real-time availability displays, and online reservation systems.
Anticipate Maintenance Issues
Airlines are now able to anticipate maintenance issues before they become severe and guarantee that their aircraft are performing at their best, thanks to automated maintenance tracking and scheduling technologies. These technologies can track everything from fuel usage to engine performance and even notify maintenance teams in real-time.
The management of building operations, including HVAC and lighting systems, has also been aided by software automation solutions, allowing airports to maintain ideal temperature and lighting levels while consuming less energy.
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The potential of software automation solutions for airports to provide a solid return on investment is one of its main advantages. Airports can save time and money while simultaneously improving the passenger experience by decreasing manual operations, enhancing efficiency, and fostering teamwork. An automated bag drop system, for instance, cut check-in times in half and increased customer satisfaction by 20% at Amsterdam's Schiphol Airport.
The adoption of software automation technologies at Dubai International Airport is another noteworthy instance. The airport was able to cut maintenance expenses by 10% while boosting uptime and dependability by utilising data analytics and predictive maintenance.
In Conclusion
The functioning of airports around the world is becoming more and more dependent on contemporary software automation technologies. Automation solutions may assist airports in providing a smooth experience for all stakeholders while also delivering a good ROI by reducing procedures, boosting efficiency, and strengthening collaboration. Automation is the future of airport operations and those who embrace it will be well-positioned to succeed in the years ahead.
About the Author: Jaideep Verma is Chief Adoption Officer at Zvolv & former CIO at Mumbai International Airport.