Marrying Technology with Infrastructure
Wipro aligns IT for DIAL by integrating airport solutions with its strong practices of governance, process excellence, and integrated service delivery
Aviation industry has always been on an exciting ride despite a few humps at times. The exponential growth of businesses, globalization and disposal income has increased the number of air passengers leading to a stress on the aviation industry. Hence the sector ought to be well-equipped to efficiently handle air traffic and flights alongside ensuring better customer satisfaction. Having envisaged the rising competition and need for business efficiency, DIAL set out to enhance its airport infrastructure in 2008 and successfully completed its first phase of expansion in July 2010.
Information and Technology System: Key to Stay Competitive
In today’s world of digitization, information and technology system is the key to stay competitive and efficiently manage business processes. IT is also instrumental in upholding the DIAL’S objective of creating a world-class infrastructure and passenger support system. But building a scalable and flexible IT set up to manage rapidly evolving requirements for a greenfield project is a tough task, especially without IT expertise. While on the hunt for a global IT leader with right skill set, DIAL shortlisted Wipro Infotech as its technology partner in October 2010, predominantly due its implementation of global best practices. DIAL opts for Wipro’s services for its best world-class solutions and services.
Wipro bagged a 10-year outsourcing deal from DIAL to provide state-of-the- art infrastructure and services for Indira Gandhi International Airport (IGIA). Wipro Airport IT Services (WAISL), a consortium of Wipro Infotech and DIAL, embarked on upgradation of existing IT operations at Delhi International Airport, including domestic, international, and cargo operations, handling 26 mn passengers per annum. Besides, WAISL is providing service delivery and airport systems to the recent expanded Terminal 3 and it facilitates operational stability and efficiency.
State-of-the-art Infrastructure
The new state-of-the-art integrated T3 is spread across an area of 5.4 mn sq ft and it can handle 34 mn passengers annually. T3 is well equipped with advanced features such as Common Use Terminal Equipment (CUTE) and an advanced 5-level in-line baggage handling system with explosive detection technology for greater efficiency and security. It has deployed completely automated baggage handling system spread across an area of 6,400 meter of conveyor belt which can handle 12,800 bags in a single hour. It has more that 168 check in counters in the check-in area. Passengers would greatly benefit as check-in and security clearances would be faster and less obtrusive. For international passengers, more than
95 desks would facilitate immigration procedures. In addition, the terminal also features 78 aerobridges and it has also installed a huge LCD for displaying flight information display system to provide live flight information.
Facilitating IT @ T3
Having conceptualized key IT architecture in aviation outsourcing, techno-operational and lean Sigma quality processes, the consortium implemented information technology solutions for critical airport operations at T3–flight management, terminal management, ground handling, and property management. WAISL has deployed an integrated fabric to seamlessly offer real-time IT services.
The key technological solutions are: Implementation of unique airport systems, like Common User Terminal Equipment (CUTE), Flight Information Display System (FIDS), Public Address and Voice Alarm System (PAVA), world-class security levels and standards; migration of all the existing systems from T1 to T3; Wipro’s capabilities implemented asset from various vendors and integration all of them, which was priorly a multi-platform and multivendor environment; and implementation of Multi-faceted Airport Operations Control Center (AOCC) environments. The IT system architecture of the AOCC has been seamlessly integrated in order to facilitate the highest level of airside operations, resources planning and allocation, terminal operations, and security; it allows various agencies/departments to work together on real-time.
According to Davesh Shukla, vice president and chief information officer, DIAL, “WAISL was able to address the interests of a heterogenous group of stakeholders, including government of India, Airport Authority of India (AAI), GMR Group, airlines, and passengers. The consortium delivered on its expectations, even while working with DIAL under challenging employee transition scenarios. Wipro as DIAL’S IT solution partner has been highly successful in managing operations from the day one of the commissioning of DIAL’S T3 airport.” He further adds, “A challenging part was simultaneously working on projects and operations, as we had not opened a terminal building. But with Wipro, we managed to get a right transition team and it helped us in a smooth transition from project to operations.”
Technological Add-on
Undoubtedly, IT systems drive productivity and reduce costs. The intelligent solutions facilitates airport operation with building, security and safety management, airport operating/management systems, and business systems at airport. The IT services offered by WAISL ensure information to be shared between departments by automating the processes. A non-integration is typically characterized by lack of data exchange and this fails to leverage the full potential of all the data available. The IT integrator has reduced passenger exit time after touchdown.
“WAISL has put in place the core airport IT systems and it has reduced the cost of system management by 25%.
For more related articles go to voicendata.com
Aligning IT systems has achieved $2 mn cost savings using high availability and assured service levels of airport IT with tools based delivery and measurement,” says Neeraj Sahdev, general manager and head of Wipro Airport IT Services. The solution ensures round-the-clock availability of systems, IT services, processes, infrastructure, and building management systems. Besides, it maintains high levels of scalability, availability, and flexibility. The integration process by Wipro has minimized the impact of change on endusers and minimized the dependency on direct OEMS.
“Our service quality has enhanced due to the latest technology deployed, as it reduces the check-in time. We have a well-equipped airport operational database and it helps passengers, staff, and other agencies. By logging on to the database, with certain permission, travelers could get information about the flight. Staff members get adequate information before it lands, they would know where to deliver fuel and to which aircraft before it arrives. Multiple agencies at the airport like concessionaires, retailers, and the government agencies can stay connected to the flight and be aware about its landing, parking time, and take off,” asserts Neeraj Sahdev, general manager and head, Wipro Airport IT Services.
IT integration is very crucial for better functionality. It works at 4 different levels, viz. management, operations, economics, and technical. Integration provisions relevant and timely information and thereby management can make quicker and informed decisions. At the operational level, it will enhance the ability to better plan, allocate resources, and implement change processes, supports optimal airport operations both air and landside. Integration offers an economical advantage by measuring consumption and utilization of assets, on a transaction basis, is another important contributor to cost reduction and better cash flow/generation. Technically, it facilitates regulatory compliance and risk mitigation.
malinin@cybermedia.co.in