Unique ID Helps Keep the Airport Baggage Moving for SITA

Industry: Logistics
Application: Baggage management and tracking
Product Solutions (Hardware and Software):
Hand Held Products Dolphin® 7300RF, 9500, and 9550
Partner: Unique ID (Maintenance and Servicing)

Executive Summary

Several UK airports are benefiting from a new baggage management and tracking system. The system was developed by SITA Airport Services, and is based around three models of Dolphin® mobile computers. These were supplied by Hand Held Products, the world’s leading provider of image-based data collection solutions.  The maintenance and servicing of these units is being undertaken by automated data capture and mobile computing specialist, UnIQue ID, a Premier Solution Partner for Hand Held Products.

Company Profile

Airport Services is a division of SITA, the world’s leading supplier of applications, communications and IT infrastructure for the air transport sector. The division focuses on the complete integration of technology systems at airports. These include state-of-the-art solutions for passenger and baggage processing; departure and arrival control; terminal management; and multi-media display systems.

The Business Challenge

A couple of years ago, the airlines at several UK airports issued competitive tenders for a new baggage management and tracking system to replace the outdated reconciliation system. SITA Airport Services developed a solution that covered all airline requirements, including maintenance and ongoing support. It incorporated Dolphin® mobile computers from Hand Held Products as the key offering to meet the airlines’ needs for effective mobile handheld terminals.

SITA Airport Services’ Solution Design Manager, Phil Crowder-Johnson, says: “One of the drivers for the new system was the replacement of the wireless terminals. The airports wanted a new type of unit that would be much more robust in an industrial environment than the previous one. Other important criteria included ergonomics and operability.” SITA was chosen to install the new system at four airports – starting at Birmingham in September 2004, followed by Aberdeen and Edinburgh and, most recently, London Gatwick in April 2005.

The Solution

For Birmingham, Aberdeen and Edinburgh airports, the Dolphin® 7300RF was chosen. This is a compact unit that offers an excellent performance combined with low power consumption. It is light but strong and rugged, and can withstand harsh environments, and is therefore is suitable for a wide range of applications.

Phil Crowder-Johnson comments: ”In the past, we’ve used a number of different suppliers for handheld terminals. When we assessed each product’s suitability for this type of industry – including factors such as performance, total cost of ownership, and service levels – Hand Held Products’ Dolphin® mobile computers and Unique ID’s maintenance and servicing support came out on top. The 7300 was ideal for Birmingham, Aberdeen and Edinburgh airports.”

At Gatwick, the users insisted upon a review of the different terminals available by an independent consultant. Phil says: “These devices may be in use for up to seven years, so it’s only right that the users are involved in the decision. The users unanimously agreed upon the Dolphin® 9500 as the terminal of choice. Its sister product, the 9550, was chosen for internal work in the baggage halls. The 9500 is used in other areas, includ