b'BAGGAGESMF61This was a high priority, as componentcomponents include two automatic tagsystem to improve control and sorting failure could result in significant downtime. reader systems to reduce the need forcapabilities at the terminal;We had to eliminate recurring failuresmanual bag scans from a daily average ofEnhanced system security, including caused by outdated equipment and800 to just 200. Chang reports that theyrethe implementation of advanced communication issues, ensuring thealready helping streamline operations inAI-based endpoint security and system could handle increasing baggagethe busy Terminal B, which processesmodern firewall and backup systems throughput efficiently, summarizes Martin,approximately 10,000 bags daily.to provide better protection for airport noting that Terminal B will serve 10.9The baggage handling system projectoperations.million passengers in 2024.included two major components: upgrading the lower-level control systemMaking the SwitchUltimately, the extent of outdatedupgrade and upgrading the handlingMartin notes that migrating from the infrastructure prompted airport leaders toupper-level system.legacy hardware to new systems and opt for a complete system overhaul of thefrom DeviceNet to Ethernet/IP required system to ensure long-term operationalDuring lower-level control systemcareful planning to ensure compatibility stability.upgrades, the team:and minimal disruption during the Goals of the overhaul included: Replaced obsolete Schneidertransition. Despite a phased deployment, Reliability and stability: eliminateprogrammable logic controllers withthere were periods when legacy and recurring failures caused by outdatedthe latest models and implemented anew systems ran in parallel, which had equipment and communication issuesmodern Ethernet/IP communicationthe potential to disrupt operations. We to ensure the system could handlenetwork to replace the legacywere fortunate that Terminal Bs baggage increasing baggage throughputDeviceNet infrastructure; handling system is actually two systems efficiently; Replaced outdated variable frequencywith interconnectivity, he explains. We drives, starters and baggagewere able to take down large sections Operational efficiency: improve bagseparation device stations; with minimal impact on the airlines and flow control, reduce jam rates andConducted full factory acceptancepassengers. enhance system diagnostics totesting to validate the system and minimize downtime;During this upgrade period, Terminal ensure it met operational needsB was reduced to a system that Scalability: prepare the system forbefore deployment; lacked redundancies and had known future growth, enabling it to handleImplemented the new programmableproblems, Martin points out. The system increasing baggage volume andlogic controller hardware and network integrate with future technologies;infrastructure with minimal disruption Security: implement modern securityto ongoing operations. Phased features. deployment was used to facilitate a Previously, these issues causedsmooth transition.Brock Solutions created an in-houseSolutions. Integrity. Results.frequent failures, such as jams, system faults and communication losses, whichemulation environment with a 3D model Specializing in checked baggage, materialultimately disrupted airport operations andof the conveyors to rigorously test theSolutions. Integrity. Results.slowed baggage throughput. We needednew hardware and programming underhandling and security screening solutionsSpecializing in checked baggage, materialSpecializing in checked baggage, materialhandling and security screening solutionsa long-term solution to modernize andoperational scenarios before deployment.handling and security screening solutions.stabilize the system to ensure operationalThe use of 3D modeling and emulation reliability and scalability, Martin says.testing was designed to help ensure the After analyzing the system, Brocksystem was thoroughly validated before partnered with Daifuku Services Americadeployment, addressing issues such as and Redwood Electric to develop ajams, e-stops and operational failures.detailed strategy for a more robust,When updating the upper-level Providing expertise during all facets of themaintainable, industry-standard system, crews: project lifecycle from planning to projectcontrols system.Replaced the existing servermanagement, design, installation oversight,infrastructure, including HP DL380commissioning, close-out and transitionThe airport deployed SmartSuitewww.studdifordtech.comservers, with Dell R640 ESX hosts,Provlidinarry@sg exptuerddiftise dordurteinch.cg alol facets mfrom Brock Solutions. Henry Chang,for more informationimplemented Cisco FirePOWERProviding expertise during all facets of theof the proje203-206-0533ct lifecycle from planningproject manager from Brock, notes thatto pwwwjroect m n,.studadifnagemordtenech.ct, desigomthe system provides real-time trackingfirewalls, and upgraded networkproject lifecycle from planning to projectinstallation oversight, commissioning, close-out and trataioation oversight,and management capabilities that areswitches to Cisco 9300/9200; management, design, insnsitlln.designed to be 75% more advanced. KeyDeployed a new human-machinecommissioning, close-out and transitionwww.studdifordtech.cominterface and upgraded the SmartSortfor more informationwww.studdifordtech.comlarry@studdifordtech.comfor more information203-206-0533AirportImprovement.comJanuary | February 2025www.studdifordtech.com'