By kick-starting the Standard 3 transition, UK Airports are playing a foundational role developing the process and best practices for European-wide adoption. Smiths Detection’s UK team has, to date, worked with more than fifteen airports conducting site surveys, working with baggage handling system (BHS) suppliers, integrators and contractors to assist in providing the optimum design and Standard 3 solution for each airport. By spending countless hours traveling the country listening to airports ranging in size and traffic from London Heathrow to Cornwall Airport Newquay, Smiths Detection’s sales team has gained priceless insight.
- Q: What are some best practices airports can enact to ensure a successful Standard 3 transition?
A: The number one thing airports can do is start the process as soon as possible. The UK Department for Transport (DfT) has stated that, from start to finish, Standard 3 transition takes approximately four years. The September 2018 deadline is closer than it appears. Just as important is selecting a field-proven partner and EDS system. Airports should ask: Can you point to successful examples of your EDS technology and service teams working with an airport over the past fifteen years? It’s all about reliability. Airports hope their Standard 3 investment will last up to twenty years. Maximising operational life and return on investment (ROI) is always top of mind for airports and they want to see a roadmap of how you will be there to help them achieve this.
- Q: How is the transition process different for large and small airports?
A: Every airport has a unique situation that requires a customised approach. Certain airports may evaluate their long-term goals and decide to select a partner to supply and integrate EDS systems and facilitate full technical training. Many airports are interested in a fully-managed system that includes the long-term presence of on-site service personnel with the ability to integrate baggage handling systems (BHS) components and checkpoint explosives screening capabilities. The most important thing to remember for all airports is to pick a partner who has the necessary experience.
- Q: What is the main factor that can make or break a successful Standard 3 deployment?
A: In one word: service. Not just selling a system and walking away, but taking a consultative approach through every step of an airport’s investment. This includes optimising performance through a proactive, on-site maintenance program and having the rapid response service personnel and strategic location of spare parts to minimize operational disruptions.
- Q: What are some of the main operational benefits of Standard 3?
A: In addition to greatly reducing false alarms, superior image quality, and higher throughput, one of the most important long-term advantages of Standard 3 customers tell us about is scalability. As threats continue to evolve, the ability to do software upgrades without replacing hardware is critical, as is the ability to add or remove machines from a network system with minimal disruption.
For more information on successful strategies for Standard 3 transition, visit SmithsDetection.com.
