Baggage Handling Tracking Systems, Design & Consultancy, Automatic Tray Return Systems

UK-based Herbert Systems, leaders in innovative products for the airport industry, have launched the Herbert TRS automatic tray return system.

The new system brings airport operators a range of valuable benefits at airport security checkpoints, including reducing queuing and stress, speeding passenger throughput, significantly reducing manual handling – and cutting out major capital costs.

The Herbert TRS is a highly flexible modular system for handling cabin baggage that is designed to eliminate the bottlenecks and stress that can occur at security checkpoints, move passengers through the area at greater speed and, at the same time, free up security staff to spend less time moving trays and more time maintaining a security presence. As a modular system, it is also easily configured to fit into almost any space.

Andy Dowe, business development manager at Herbert Systems, says: “The Herbert TRS enables the tray to be presented automatically to each passenger at the security checkpoint at the right height for loading. Without having to wait for security staff, the passenger can load the tray immediately, speeding up the whole process. Trays pass along the line at a pre-defined spacing. At the end of the line, the trays are automatically returned, without staff having to lift or move them. It also means staff are able to spend less time as tray handlers and more time focussing on the security role."

The trays are of an IATA size, which allows more space for the passengers’ belongings whilst acting as a gauge for some airlines that restrict the size of baggage in the cabin area.

Importantly, significant capital cost savings can be achieved by installing the Herbert TRS, as Andy Dowe explains: “Because passenger per line capacity is over 50% higher than conventional systems, the number of lanes required can be reduced. With fewer lanes, you need fewer X-ray machines and reduced staff requirements too. In fact, in one year with five or six staff on a single lane working two shifts, a saving in staff costs alone can easily be in seven figures. You also free up the space for a wider circulation area or even additional valuable retail space.”

The Herbert TRS is already installed at London Stansted airport where 16 lanes are providing excellent results: the improved passenger experience and less waiting time has been obvious when travelling through the airport following their installation in June 2011. With a system already on trial in Dubai, the Herbert TRS is on target to make a difference in today’s and tomorrow’s busy airport search areas.

Herbert Engineering is a leader in designing, building and installing system solutions for the airport and logistics industries as well as a number of other sectors, and is at the forefront of product development within the field. This year marks their 40th anniversary and the launch of a number of innovative new products.

Herbert Systems can be contacted on +44 (0) 1945 430 666 and at enquiries@herbertsystems.co.uk, www.herbertsystems.co.uk.