Amsterdam Airport Schiphol in the Netherlands has completed the roll-out of its own network for Internet of Things applications.
The network offers coverage in all public areas, such as the arrival and departure halls, lounges, piers and Schiphol Plaza, and in non-public areas such as the baggage basements and aprons. Thanks to its greater range and reduced power consumption, compared to wi-fi, the network is ideally suited to connecting with smart sensors and sending data over long distances. The sensors connect facilities and infrastructure at Schiphol to the internet, while the information from these sensors provides the airport with real-time insights.
“The in-house network for Internet of Things underscores our ambition to remain a frontrunner when it comes to digitization at airports and making the applications at Schiphol smart, so that we can improve our processes for passengers and partners. Internet of Things applications are already in use, and we will be able to implement new cases quickly in future. Through the use of digital sensors, we intend to improve our services and make the airport more attractive,” said Sjoerd Blüm, Schiphol’s chief information officer.
Smart applications
The first Internet of Things application at Schiphol involves the option for passengers to share real-time feedback regarding their experiences of the toilet facilities. The real-time evaluations from passengers are then applied to conduct a detailed analysis of how the toilets are being used and assessed. Over 550,000 responses were received in September 2019. The real-time information enables the airport’s cleaning contractors to take proactive action to remedy malfunctions or untidy conditions.
The in-house network makes the implementation of new applications quick and straightforward. Schiphol plans to test applications involving sensors at aircraft stands, so that the sensors can provide real-time information about the equipment on-site at the stand. This will make it possible to check whether the necessary equipment is present before the aircraft and the handling personnel arrive at the gate. This information is expected to help resolve disruptions quickly and prevent delays for the airline and passengers.