b'60 SMF BAGGAGE Sacramento Intl Updates Baggage Handling Technology in Terminal B BY JODI RICHARDSIn September, SacramentoPlanning for the baggage handling International Airport (SMF)system upgrade began in 2021, when announced the completion of aBrock Solutions was hired to conduct a two-year, $15.5 million upgrade to its Terminalthorough assessment of the existing system B Baggage Handling System. The projectin Terminal B. A range of performance replaced technology that was more thanissues affecting the delivery of bags from a decade old, and enhances operationalthe ticketing counters to the makeup areas efficiency for the Northern California airport.prompted the improvement project, Martin An upgraded system was essential to addressexplains. high fail rates on equipment, outdated communication protocols and lack ofEvaluation and Planningmonitoring capabilities. Improvements wereThe comprehensive evaluation identified also needed to enhancecritical weaknesses in the baggage handling FACTS&FIGURESsystem speed, faultsystem, including obsolete programmable tolerance and overalllogic controllers, inconsistent communication Project: Baggage Handling System Improvements lackluster performancewithin the system and inefficient flow control. Location: Sacramento Intl Airport, in CA that previously led toMultiple solutions were explored, including Terminal: B flight delays and baggagepartial hardware upgrades and replacing Cost: $15.5 millionhandling issues, explainsvarious software elements. But many of Project Completed: Sept. 2024 Chris Martin, airportCHRIS MARTINthose solutions would only have provided manager, facilities, for thetemporary relief, and would not fully address Operations & Maintenance Contractor:Sacramento County Department of Airports. the underlying problems of system reliability DaifukuThe results speak for themselves: and scalability, Martin notes.Contractor: Brock Solutions Electrical Construction & Design Services: 94% reduction in failsafe faults;In addition, lack of available replacement Redwood Electric48% fewer bags lost in tracking;parts for DeviceNet highlighted the urgency Key Results: 94% reduction in failsafe faults; 3% improvement in automated tagfor a transition from its obsolete technology 48% fewer bags lost in tracking; 3% improvement inreader rate; andto Ethernet IP to enhance bag tracking automated tag reader rate; 6% improvement in auto 6% improvement in auto sort rates. capabilities and improve network reliability. sort ratesJanuary | February 2025AirportImprovement.com'