Airports are unique operational environments, serving millions of passengers while managing complex processes and intense operations. The primary challenges faced in such dynamic settings can be effectively addressed with Real-Time Location System (RTLS) technologies.
Operational inefficiencies and security breaches in airports lead to significant annual costs. For instance, operational expenses constitute 62% of total airport costs, with 22% attributed to personnel, 15% to subcontracted services (cleaning, security, etc.), and 5% to general and administrative expenses.
Operational disruptions and security vulnerabilities increase these cost components, raising overall operational expenses. Furthermore, irregular operations and security breaches negatively impact airline cost structures, reducing profitability.
Therefore, improving operational efficiency and strengthening security measures in airports are critical to controlling costs and maintaining profitability.
The Navbea RTLS system can significantly reduce the costs stemming from operational inefficiencies and security breaches in airports. The solutions offered by the system can prevent approximately 25-40% of such losses. Here are its key contributions:
Personnel Management and Productivity Enhancement
Tracking personnel tasks, time management, and entry-exit activities minimizes unnecessary time losses and reduces costs associated with low productivity. This can lead to a 10-15% reduction in total operational expenses.
Subcontractor Monitoring
By effectively tracking subcontractor services and improving their performance, savings of up to 5% can be achieved within the 15% allocated to subcontractor costs.
Closing Security Gaps
Preventing unauthorized access, ensuring asset security, and enhancing emergency management can contribute to a cost reduction of up to 5%.
Equipment and Vehicle Management
Optimizing the use of equipment and vehicles at the right time and place can lead to savings of up to 10% in expenses related to fuel, maintenance, and time loss.
Navbea RTLS can reduce annual operational expenses by 25-40%, depending on the airport’s current operational conditions and the scope of Navbea’s solutions. Real-time tracking, analytical reporting, and automation features provided by RTLS contribute significantly to both security and operational excellence.
Challenges Addressed by RTLS Technology in Airports
1. Human and Equipment Traffic Management
Airports often experience intense and disorganized human and equipment movements in areas such as aprons, terminals, and security zones. This can lead to operational disruptions and inefficient resource use.
Challenges:
- Congestion of passengers and staff in specific areas.
- Misplaced or lost equipment (e.g., baggage carts, forklifts).
- Safety risks due to heavy vehicle traffic in apron areas.
RTLS offers a comprehensive solution to enhance operational efficiency by tracking and analyzing human and equipment movements in real time. The system operates through a network of BLE-based sensors and smart devices, providing live tracking of personnel, equipment, and vehicles across aprons, terminals, and other operational zones. Congestion is mitigated, traffic flow is optimized, and misplaced equipment is swiftly located, preventing disruptions. Moreover, traffic in apron areas is safely managed, minimizing collision risks and security breaches. RTLS resolves such challenges through real-time visibility, automated reporting, and alert systems, offering airport operators a more effective management tool.
2. Security and Access Management
Airports are critical facilities where unauthorized access poses significant security risks.
Challenges:
- Unauthorized access to restricted areas.
- Insufficient oversight of subcontractor personnel.
- Failure to detect unauthorized entries.
A cutting-edge solution can minimize security vulnerabilities by optimizing security and access management. The system employs regional authorization mechanisms to ensure only authorized individuals can access sensitive areas. BLE sensors and smart cards track the real-time locations of employees or visitors, verifying access permissions. In case of unauthorized access, the RTLS system generates an automatic alert, notifying relevant security units. Furthermore, the access of external groups such as subcontractor personnel is meticulously monitored and reported, making subcontractor management more secure and transparent. Preventing unauthorized access enhances safety for both airport personnel and passengers, ensuring uninterrupted critical operations. This solution integrates technology into security management, enabling proactive security measures at airports.
3. Lack of Operational Efficiency
Operational disruptions in airports result in time losses and increased costs.
Challenges:
- Delays due to untracked workflows.
- Untimely planning of equipment maintenance and repairs.
- Inability to monitor task completion times of employees.
By monitoring workflows, the time employees spend on specific tasks can be reported, allowing better workforce planning and increased productivity. During emergencies, RTLS enables the swift identification of missing individuals at assembly points and the detection of immobile personnel through automated alerts.
4. Emergency Management and Crisis Response
Emergencies in airports (e.g., fires, medical issues, security threats) require immediate intervention.
Challenges:
- Lack of control over access to assembly points during emergencies.
- Inability to identify immobile or in-need individuals.
- Difficulty in determining the last known locations of individuals during crises.
RTLS enables effective emergency management and crisis response by tracking the real-time locations of personnel and visitors. During emergencies, the system analyzes movements at assembly points, identifies missing individuals, and sends automated alerts for immobile personnel. Smart cards equipped with emergency buttons allow employees to send distress signals instantly, minimizing response times. Alerts are sent via SMS or email to relevant authorities to ensure prompt intervention. Additionally, RTLS logs the last known locations of individuals during crises, enhancing the effectiveness of rescue operations. This ensures the safety of personnel and passengers while guaranteeing uninterrupted airport operations.
5. Challenges in Baggage and Inventory Management
Manual baggage and asset tracking processes in airports can lead to disruptions.
Challenges:
- Misplacement or incorrect placement of baggage or equipment.
- Delays or errors in inventory management.
- Loss of high-value assets.
RTLS automates baggage and asset management, minimizing operational disruptions. Using BLE technology, the system tracks baggage and equipment movements in real time and visualizes them on digital maps. Alerts are triggered in case of misplacement or loss, enabling quick resolution of issues. Asset location tracking provides detailed insights into where baggage is, its route, and delivery times. The inventory management module allows for swift counting and processing of baggage and high-value assets during storage and transfer. By eliminating risks associated with manual processes, this technology enhances passenger satisfaction, reduces airport operational costs, and streamlines workflows. RTLS transforms baggage management into one of the most effective applications of digital transformation in airports.
6. Monitoring Subcontractor Companies
Numerous subcontractor companies operate in airports, making it challenging to monitor their processes.
Challenges:
- Inability to track subcontractor personnel’s entry and exit times.
- Lack of data for performance evaluations.
- Security gaps in subcontractor workflows.
RTLS provides a comprehensive solution to enhance the efficiency and security of subcontractor management. The system equips subcontractor personnel with BLE sensors and smart cards, enabling real-time tracking of entry-exit times, time spent in designated areas, and completed tasks. This ensures transparency in workflows and simplifies performance evaluation processes. RTLS not only improves operational efficiency but also ensures subcontractor personnel can access only authorized areas, preventing security breaches. With real-time reports and analyses, this technology provides a powerful tool for evaluating subcontractor performance, optimizing resource management, and ensuring security in critical workflows.
7. Navigation Issues for Visitors
Large airports, with their complex structures and vast spaces, can make it difficult for visitors to find their way. Simple tasks such as reaching the correct gate, finding baggage claim areas, or navigating from the parking lot to the terminal can become confusing.
Challenges:
- Passengers struggling to find check-in counters, gates, or baggage claim areas.
- Time loss and missed flights due to misdirection.
- Stress caused by navigation issues negatively affecting passenger experience.
RTLS addresses these challenges by providing digital maps and navigation solutions indoors. Through BLE, NFC, or QR code technology, visitors can use mobile applications or digital displays within terminals to find the fastest and easiest route to their destination. This live navigation ensures passengers reach their gates on time, easily locate baggage claim areas, and overall enhances their airport experience. Alternative routes can also be suggested to avoid congested areas, optimizing passenger flow. This improves both passenger satisfaction and operational flow within the airport.
Future Advantages with RTLS Technology
RTLS systems like Navbea not only solve these challenges but also support airports in achieving operational and strategic goals. With increased efficiency, enhanced security, and real-time data analytics, RTLS provides a safer and smoother experience for both passengers and employees. This ensures that airports are equipped with future-ready infrastructure.
Nederlands
Türkçe
Français
Deutsch
Azərbaycan dili
Español
O‘zbekcha
Română