Airport and Ground Handling Resource Management Systems

In line with its constant drive to enhance GroundStar, INFORM has unveiled GS GroundFleet to help control and improve the operation of ground support equipment.

The GPS-based system GS GroundFleet monitors the location, status and use of GSE units. Whether implemented as a stand-alone system or alongside GS RealTime, GS GroundFleet allows for the comprehensive management of GSE fleets, including features such as geofencing, access control, engine operation, general vehicle status, service registration and maintenance-planning information to name but a few. Used alongside GS RealTime, this new system provides the additional benefit of a significantly improved deployment of costly GSE fleets. 

GS GroundFleet consists of a software module which GSE units displayed on the system’s AirportMap showing their current location and operational status. The GSE units are equipped with on-board units (OBUs) powered by the GSE’s on-board electric system and can be linked to other on-board systems. Each OBU connects to the central server via GPRS or WiFi. 

The GSE historical operational data and all other relevant information is saved and may be used to evaluate usage, operating times and distances travelled, as well as to support efficient GSE maintenance plans.

The GS Ground Fleet base features include:

• GPS-based location and tracking
• AirportMap with display of GSE and aircraft-on-stand
• Real-time flight information display
• GSE operational status (availability, travelling, on-duty)
• GSE engine status reports (on-duty, off-duty & running, off-duty not running)
• Reports on usage, availability, engine run-times, etc. 

Additional functionality is provided through modules that complement the base features depending on each user’s needs. In order to increase operational efficiency for example, it is useful to control the condition of certain types of GSE. For this, vehicle’s OBU has appropriate sensors which allow the system to monitor a variety of aspects and issue the corresponding alerts such as low fuel, high oil temperature, low battery level or, for example in the case of high loaders, an engine running without lift operation over a certain period of time.

In combination with GS RealTime, adequate action can then be initiated. If e.g. a warning of ‘low fuel’ is generated and forwarded to GS RealTime, the system automatically generates a fuelling task.

In a modular way, additional functionality is available to complement the base features depending on each user’s needs. In order to increase operational efficiency, it is useful to control the condition of certain types of GSE: with the OBU’s appropriate sensors in place, the system monitors and issues warnings about multiple relevant aspects such as low fuel, high oil temperature, low battery level or, for example in the case of high loaders, engine running without lift operation during a certain period of time.

There is also a function that allows the OBU to register movements and impacts during engine-off times. Vehicle speed can also be controlled so that alerts are issued when speed limits are exceeded.

Just as important is the feature, which allows each vehicle to be registered to its assigned operator, in order to prevent unauthorised use of the vehicle or to further control its operation. 

GS GroundFleet offers many areas of financial benefit:  by allocating GSE to tasks on the basis of location and controlling of unnecessary engine running travel times, fuel consumption and maintenance requirements can all be reduced and, in summary, mean a smaller fleet size. Vehicle and engine status control provide for preventive, rather than reactive operation, and thus higher service quality. Service registration gives comprehensive and accurate information for invoicing purposes, helping guarantee that no service goes unpaid.  Access, speed and impact controls and geofencing all mean a safer and more secure operation.

INFORM is a team of raised-in-industry ICT professionals who research, develop and deliver cutting-edge software solutions to improve airport and ground handling logistics operations and provide consulting services.  INFORM's flagship suite of products, GroundStar, used by over 50 organizations in more than 200 airports worldwide, is recognised for its unsurpassed optimisation capabilities, comprehensiveness and flexibility at the strategic, tactical and operational levels.