Following the deployment of Internet of Things (IoT) sensor technology at Cincinnati International Airport (CVG) security checkpoints to monitor wait times, the airport is looking to use the technology elsewhere in its terminal.
Data that was drawn from the initial application allowed CVG and the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) to make data-driven decisions on staff scheduling, which improved wait times and passenger experience.
To this end, CVG will adopt specialist Veovo’s airport-wide flow management technology to obtain a greater understanding of passenger movement beyond the security checkpoint and into other areas of the terminal and concourses. Specifically, the airport will be able to see how travelers, processes and airlines interact and interconnect.
“Providing memorable and predictable journeys, from the driveway to the runway, is a top priority for CVG, and data is the key enabler for our vision,” said Brian Cobb, chief innovation officer at CVG. “Innovative solutions, like those provided by Veovo, enable us to gather and analyze data in real time and proactively put it to work. We will be able to make better plans and improve productivity, respond to customer needs faster and tap into revenue growth opportunities.”
The rollout of the technology will be done in phases throughout the year. Once complete, historical and live data will enable CVG to make daily operational decisions as well as long-term facility improvement plans.
For example, by understanding gate arrival patterns by flight, CVG hopes it can adjust call-to-gate times or airline gate assignments to minimize crowding. The airport can evaluate how disruptions affect passenger behavior to prevent issues and/or mitigate their impact. Dwell and flow data can be used to drive strategic plans for layout configuration, signage, food and beverage placements and gate assignments.
“CVG is one of a growing number of airports globally that have come to recognize the intrinsic value of managing and understanding passenger movements throughout their concourse,” said James Williamson, chief executive officer at Veovo. “Because traveler behavior can vary depending on volumes, time of day, travel class, destination and other factors, this technology is invaluable in developing an even greater knowledge of the customer journey and helping to shape its future.”
The Veovo platform bundles AI-powered analytics, data from movement sensors and rich visualizations to provide live and historic insights into passenger occupancy, dwell times and movement patterns by flight. This data can be viewed for specific areas, grouped areas, and eventually the entire facility including the terminal and both concourses.