SPECIAL REPORT: SAFETY & SECURITY
Digital solutions The road to recovery for airports starts at the intersection of health and security, writes Johnson Controls’ Ramsey Nuwar.
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lthough it might not seem like it at the moment, the air travel industry can expect a strong rebound in passenger volumes this year, with a recent study finding that 70% of those surveyed plan to take a vacation in 2021. This projected uptick means that airport operators must be prepared to welcome and manage these passengers while prioritising measurable health, safety and efficiency. Through the strategic, enterprise-wide integration of building technology and processes, and by leveraging new partnership and funding opportunities, airport administrators can create a smart, safe and secure airport that can handle the incoming influx of passengers and remain prepared for any future requirements.
First steps in creating the modern, safe and healthy airport Getting started on infrastructure improvements to facilitate a healthier and safer passenger experience can be daunting, especially as administrators and facility managers’ time and budgets are already stretched thin. To streamline the process and keep the project goal-focused, airports can work with a technology partner experienced in digital transformation to support the planning, design and implementation of all technology to create healthier, safer buildings. Early engagement with solution providers is critical to ensure technology is deployed and integrated in an orderly manner, reducing risk, construction and operation costs, and the overall project timeline.
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AIRPORT WORLD/ISSUE 1, 2021
Because the process requires more than just installing a few sensors or smart applications, airport operators should seek out experts who have experience assessing an airport’s risk and unique safety and security needs. A trustworthy partner will help identify and clarify priorities and strategy, ensuring customised solutions that fit both operational requirements and budget. Getting a clear definition of the desired business outcomes supports a holistic approach that looks beyond the physical infrastructure to examine the existing systems within the facility and how they are integrated, identifying the systems investment necessary to ensure readiness for future technologies while protecting the existing investment. Once they’ve engaged a technology partner, airport administrators can begin transitioning their facilities into healthy buildings. Digital technologies that protect occupant wellbeing by reinforcing healthy behaviours, monitoring for anomalous symptoms, and facilitating touchless experiences are all part of today’s healthy airport. Solutions should also include real-time information related to the health of the airport facilities and their sanitisation status. The best way to connect and optimise these solutions through a single interface is by leveraging a Software as a Service (SaaS) solution. By integrating healthy airport solutions through a cloud-enabled SaaS product, facility managers can gain in-depth insight into their buildings’ overall health status, allowing them to optimise systems when needed and achieve their physical and digital goals.
