Airport systems

As building technology specialists we are familiar with every climate. So we ensure that people at airports neither perspire nor shiver, but feel thoroughly comfortable. In large halls. Or in small rooms. To do this we control heating, air conditioning and ventilation, as well as relative humidity, shade and lighting according to the latest technical standards. Precision automatic control technology also reduces costs, since the room climate is ideally adjusted and is corrected automatically when changes occur.

The following are some of the benefits of our airport system.

Faster, cheaper, more reliable Building Technologies
If they can, passengers avoid airports where heck-in procedures are inefficient or cause prolonged waiting times. In this case biometric processes such as iris or fingerprint scanners, speech and facial recognition systems are the optimum solution: they are considerably faster, ore reliable and less expensive to operate than any check performed by human personnel. Especially for frequent flyers and airport employees, the benefits of biometric identification is already obvious.

Combined access and attendance control
By controlling admission to a building, to certain floors, zones or rooms for a limited period of time we reduce the risk of unauthorized access. However, the system can be combined not only with intrusion detection facilities: in the context of the multifunctional use of corporate cards, personnel identity cards can also be used for recording attendance, with direct data transmission to payroll accounting. In a further application the identity cards become a cashless method of payment: for example, in canteens, car parks, gas stations, car wash lines or any other incidental services requiring payment. The system thus amplifies administration for both parties, the airport and its personnel.

Development and maintenance safeguard investments
Siemens Building Technologies is continuously developing its systems in all areas. This keeps them up-to-date, while backward compatibility safeguards the investment. We also ensure the highest possible availability of the systems through regular on-site maintenance cycles and external diagnosis via modem. Our customers all over the world also value the local proximity of our advisory and service teams. We can therefore be on the spot immediately at any airport, around the clock.

Facial recognition - in the airports' interests
Siemens is resolutely pressing on with development in the patented technology of three-dimensional facial recognition. Cooperation is therefore being pursued with leading global suppliers in the field of biometrics. This most advanced biometric process is attracting considerable interest among all those with an interest on security and rapid handling, such as the police, the immigration authorities and, of course, airports. Biometrics will also increasingly be of economic interest, since national or international authorities will require biometric screening of all passengers sooner or later.

These costs are avoidable
Cargo has hardly arrived and risks are already lurking. Merchandise stolen. Foodstuffs rotting. Plants drying up. Animals falling sick in poor conditions - the list of possibilities is endless. But these losses are detrimental to one's image, cause annoyance and generate costs: administrative costs to deal with the damage. And higher insurance premiums to cover the losses.

Solutions between check-in and check-out
There will always be a residual risk, of course. Nevertheless, potential losses can be reduced to a minimum or prevented completely by taking appropriate action. Siemens supplies modular systems featuring solutions that have been tried and tested worldwide: against theft and loss. And for the climatic conditions that merchandise and baggage need - from checking to check-out.

The security control centre is on the ball
Whatever hazard our highly sensitive multi-criteria detectors identify on the periphery of the building services control system is transmitted instantly as an alarm to the security control centre. The signals are evaluated there and the planned intervention actuated automatically or manually: for example, alerting the fire fighting service, the ambulance service and the airport police, actuating extinguishing systems or organizing evacuation.

Ensuring that cargo is moved on fast and intact
Rapid logistics processes do not conflict with security checks and careful handling of cargo.

This also includes the necessary air conditioning.
Siemens automatic climatic control technology demonstrates its qualities for all kinds of animals and for all perishable goods that require specific climatic conditions. There will no longer be any "lost" merchandise in future. Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) provides each cargo unit at check-in with a transponder that clearly identifies the shipment and indicates its precise location. So if an item disappears from sight, this is not a problem. RFID shows where it is to be found.

Everything under control
To enable handling processes to be monitored and unusual occurrences to be detected and tracked, our video systems make a continuous record of events at any given location and transmit this to monitors. The stored images can thus be evaluated later at any time with precise reference to time and location and provides important information on people and events.

Pictures of unexpected movements
Our cameras equipped with evaluation software for motion detection transmit images only when something actually moves unexpectedly in the defined surveillance zone. This considerably enhances the readiness of response of the security services. The software detects any deviation from a defined reference state and actuates the required response, such as visual and written reports or an alarm, as well as recording the event.

No further danger of explosion
In order to prevent even the hint of a fire or explosion hazard arising, our highly sensitive gas detectors are capable of totally deception-proof identification of concentrations of combustible gases in the atmosphere. Countermeasures are initiated automatically, such as disconnecting gas supplies, regulating ventilation and alerting the security control centre.

The building and surrounding area barrier
The peripheral surveillance security concept starts at the outer shell of a building. Intruders are electronically detected and reported at exposed points such as doors and gates, windows and light shafts. This protection can be extended to the area surrounding the building. In this case we employ mechanical obstacles such as fences and barriers, as well as electronic detectors and surveillance systems.

Energy, but only when needed
Costs rise when lights stay on and the air conditioning system continues to operate for hours in a waiting room although it is unoccupied. By contrast, costs are reduced when a system is aware of passengers entering this room, thus enabling it to air-condition the room just a few minutes in advance in response to the current sensor readings. The lights are also switched on only when the advance motion detector senses a movement. As soon as there is no longer anyone in the room, it returns to its former state.

The savings add up
The example quoted amounts to energy on demand. If the potential for savings is now multiplied by the number of applications for the airport as a whole and calculated over a year, the reduction in energy costs is substantial. Including the unquantified image enhancement for environmentally friendly operation. Further capital expenditure on power supply systems is also eliminated.

Performance Contracting - a good deal
You'd rather invest in your core business than in building services? Then Performance Contracting is the proven solution: Siemens quantifies contractually guaranteed savings on the operation of technical facilities such as heating, ventilating, air conditioning and electric power. The cash saved is utilized for ongoing optimization of the systems. This results in further economies. At the end the savings achieved in excess of the agreed reference figure are divided, or we make up any shortfall in achieving the required economies. You therefore invest nothing in modernizing your systems, but at the same time benefit from the savings achieved.

More rental income, less additional investment
More shops and sales outlets stimulate business and generate additional revenue, but also additional investment to prepare the relevant environment. Siemens offers you professional energy management, so that higher energy consumption does not inevitably result in higher capital expenditure. Passengers and visitors will appreciate the expanded range on offer.

Slots represent a challenge
Faster check-in, faster passport control, faster transfers within the airport, faster cabin baggage inspection, faster handling of baggage and cargo - plus higher security standards. Each and every one of these areas can be optimized. This is exactly what airlines are most interested in, since they are under almost permanent pressure to retain their slots. If an airport exploits the latest potential to the full, it scores points with the airlines. Siemens has solutions that pay off in all the areas mentioned here.

Onboard video with live streaming
Security standards in aircraft also include video surveillance of cockpit and cabin with the ability to transmit the images in full or in part directly to ground control. Here Siemens offers solutions which enable events on board to be tracked in case of emergency. Specialists can then organize intervention ideally from the ground.

Security through personnel training
The operation of our systems is especially user-friendly. Nevertheless, it is very important in the interests of security, efficiency and motivation to familiarize users thoroughly with the way systems work. Siemens instructs and trains your personnel and also assists them in practicing alarm situations.

Time to spare rather than standing in line
The task is "to prevent bottlenecks - and if one does develop, to clear it again as quickly as possible." One way of doing this is to automate check-in and passport control or bring it forward in terms of time and place. Our systems for access control and rapid biometric identification are an essential component of a comprehensive security concept. With advance check-in we can also incorporate security concepts at hotels and railway stations into those of the airport. Passengers who are already checked-in then no longer have to endure the stress of standing in line; they have time for relaxed shopping. The time gained in this way benefits airlines and businesses.

Profitable rationalization
Both higher revenues and lower costs contribute to increased profits. However, revenues can often only be increased to a limited extent, in some cases not at all. On the other hand, in many cases there is plenty of potential for reducing costs, for example through rationalization and improved efficiency. With the continuous further development of solutions such as those offered by Siemens in the fields of surveillance, handling or energy management, cost reductions are easy to achieve with higher performance.

No failures - no cost of failures
Costs are also reduced by increasing the availability of the systems. Stoppages cause irritation, more work, agitation, loss of confidence and all the costs associated with the interruption. Siemens reduces potential downtime virtually to zero by means of technically mature solutions and regular maintenance cycles that keep systems in working order.

Profitable and reliable
The benefits of these two solution approaches (TBS and TIP) are what interest investors: a functioning and profitable airport operation plus long-term security of the capital invested. Apropos capital: we have already mentioned under the Airport Business heading how the modernization of energy management can be financed efficiently via Performance Contracting. Other financing options are borrowing or leasing via Siemens Financial Services.

The efficiency of the overall offering
Our modular offering is the key element for the effective and economical implementation of the planning, installation and operation of the various systems by the same supplier. We also supply partial solutions and combine them with third party systems, of course. Open standards enable this to be done without any difficulty. However, whatever approach is adopted, we know that any solution is only as good as it proves to be in hectic, day-to-day operations. That is why we stand by to support an airport throughout a system's lifetime. Welcome to Siemens.

Confidence in a strong brand
The Siemens name stands for more than a strong brand. Siemens also signifies solutions that prove their qualities over the long term. Investors are willing to put their trust in such brands, since they know from past observation that their success will continue in future. Otherwise the companies in question would not be where they are today. This is also true of us.