Siemens offers cloud-based software solutions to drive airport digitalisation

March 27, 2018: With aim to offer optimal resource planning and enhanced passenger convenience, Siemens has offered digitalization of airport operations with a comprehensive portfolio of cloud-based software solutions.

“Our modular applications are contributing decisively to constantly improve processes and cut costs,” said Michael Reichle, CEO, Siemens Postal, Parcel & Airport Logistics (SPPAL).

“We always focus on palpably enhancing the convenience of passengers,” he added.

The solutions are based on MindSphere, which is Siemens’ own cloud-based operating system for the Internet of things (IoT), which serves customers in the airport sector, as well as industrial firms, and railway operators.

MindSphere collects, records and analyses the quantum of data generated daily by systems and processes. Subsequently, the data is structured for the onward use of this information.

Siemens’ digital solutions support airports and airlines to strengthen their competitive edge. Customers can benefit significantly in terms of efficiency, transparency and plannability.

The Analytics Starter Kit from Siemens, enables airport operators and ground handlers to quickly and easily acquaint themselves with the possibilities offered by data acquisition and evaluation.

The kit includes state-of-the-art Bluetooth sensors, which can be affix to the system. The kit is based on the plug-and-play principles. The so-called beacons transmit the captured data to the MindSphere. Various analysis take place in line with the need of various customers, such as vibration or temperature analysis. The measured data enable engineers to forecast failures or outages, and initiate appropriate maintenance action.

Siemens offers its customers offers an easy-to-install app that’s simple to use. The application presents analysis results in easily understandable displays.

The purpose of the Planning, Prediction & Control (PPC) software is to enable early and reliable forecasting of potential shortages or bottlenecks, which allows to optimally plan personnel, and plant resources.

MindSphere enables transparent, clearly understandable presentation of baggage data, as well as intelligent linking of data, by means of machine learning. This offers significant advantages for air travelers, as passenger convenience is greatly improved by shorter waits at baggage reclaims.

Moreover, the root causes of baggage loss in accordance to the Resolution 753 of the International Air Transport Association (IATA), can be identified and effectively combatted.

For the visualisation of any data analysis, SPPAL offers an in-house dashboard solution that is already used at major international airports, such as Los Angeles and Dubai.

The dashboard runs on all devices with Internet access, such as laptops, tablet PCs and smartphones. It provides onsite operational crews with valuable support, thereby enabling them to make better decisions more quickly, in real time.

Alternatively, Siemens gladly assumes charge of servicing baggage handling systems. These efforts focus on condition-based, predictive maintenance that also makes use of beacon sensors as well as remote monitoring and analysis techniques.

Currently, countless complex process steps are needed to get aircraft loaded with passengers, baggage and cargo airborne, and to their intended destinations.

Several stakeholders are involved, from the airlines, airport operating companies, baggage handling system operators, and ground staff to the various administrative authorities concerned. The aviation industry is characterised by a wide range of different systems, regulations and standards.

Additionally, value-creation in the industry is changing rapidly. Transporting passengers and cargo is often not enough to sustain a profitable business. This is why airports and airlines are working to tap into more business segments by adding new services for passengers.