Just as it takes a long runway for a jetliner to gain enough speed for take off, it requires many months of planning and implementation to get an airport ready for Standard 3 deployment. The shorter the runway, the riskier the takeoff. At recent industry conferences, many airports have started discussing the impact of upgrading their explosives detection systems. It’s not an easy process and many are looking for the best way to start.
Perhaps you are in a similar situation. If so, you’re in good company. Many leading airports across Europe have found themselves overwhelmed by the prospect of changing out their systems.
“Airports are looking for solid advice backed by data on what they need to invest in,” explains Anne Marie Pellerin, Managing Partner at Lam Lha, a security innovation consultancy firm. “They want the assurance that when they upgrade their systems to Standard 3-approved EDS, their investment will also meet future requirements and future growth needs.”
To start, airports should review their current technology requirements, unique to their airport. “As the deadline in the UK is 2018, I’ve spent that last four years working with airports of all sizes all with completely different requirements—from Newquay to Heathrow, Bristol, Manchester and others,” Martin Parker, our regional sales manager for the UK points out. “The key has been helping each customer find the right solution for each situation. Working in partnership, we discuss space requirements; networking and redundancy needs; options for in and out of gauge; and passenger counts to get prescriptive on how many machines are truly needed.”
Is this easier said than done? Of course. That’s why Pellerin and other industry experts recommend that airports partner with an established security partner from the early stages. This early collaboration will ensure the right products are implemented in the most effective ways possible. “Upgrading to Standard 3 EDS requires redesigning the baggage handling system,” says Parker. “If the BHS supplier knows the exact dimensions and performance characteristics of each machine, they’re better positioned to optimize the system design.”
The true value of the partnership is proven after the system implementation. If the security manufacturer has a solid track record, they will be able to support and maintain the equipment for decades. The airport’s investment will be protected and they’ll be able to provide excellent services to their passengers.
I invite you to check out this recent article and get more tips on Standard 3 best practices.
