12 IT FOCUS
GROUND HANDLING INTERNATIONAL FEBRUARY 2013 Good migrations Are you keeping ahead of the pack?
f all globally accelerating developments, information technology is probably the most
fast-paced. In this regard, ground handling software which has been in use for ten years can justifiably be called antiquated, despite the fact that it may have obviously proven its worth. Nevertheless, there comes the day when technological and functional advances leave no alternative to replacing a legacy system.
In the case of GlobeGround Berlin, the
software provider topsystem Systemhaus had left a good enough impression with its original Ground Handling System (GHS) and services for GlobeGround Berlin to take a closer look at its contemporary solutions when a software migration became inevitable. Convinced by technological and functional advances, it was decided to continue co-operation with the long-standing provider. On the surface, this might sound like quite an easy migration project or upgrade. In fact, the sheer scope of technological innovations, system extensions and functional enhancements that had become available over a decade entailed a full-scale project in which the transfer of existing data was only the smallest part. The advancees of Web and networking technology have allowed for an unprecedented surge in system integration. With a central database acting as a sole online information hub for both stations in Tegel and Schoenefeld, a wide variety of interfaces for importing and exporting data was established. Flight data import from Germany’s slot co-ordination, IATA messages and a variety of airlines via Web portals, export to a real-time control and service recording software and re- import after data capture, as well as the
forwarding of data to an attached financial accounting system after the billing process, are but a few examples of the complex, interwoven information streams. Obviously, as with all ground handlers, communication with quite a number of proprietary non-standard systems had to be established. In this respect, the comprehensively integrative concept of the new software generation proved its worth. Flexible interfacing tools based on latest technology allowed for easy adaptation to any requirement. Thus, the complete information workflow could be automated with the latest generation of topsystem’s Ground Handling System. Furthermore, the complete software could also be installed on a central server and is accessed online via a simple Internet browser. All software modules are now available in a single program interface with a unified, consistent user interface. Access to individual modules or functions is regulated by a detailed user management. Another advantage of the modular structure is that GlobeGround Berlin could select only those features that were really required, which allowed a cost-efficient investment.
On the operational side, many new functional innovations had become possible because of technological advances and market-based developments. In addition to the backbone of AODB and interfaces, the scope of topsystem modules provided for GlobeGround Berlin included seasonal flight scheduling, service, price and contract management. Furthermore, topsystem’s billing and invoicing solution was implemented. For the flight scheduling, advanced functions like automated import from airports, airlines and messaging systems, call sign mapping for IATA
messages and enhanced message parsing for a wide number of operational messages are available. Combined with a modern, user-friendly interface, flight data has become more dependable and up-to-date. Another major advance has also taken place with regard to service, price and contract management. With the new GHS-Contract module, handling contracts can now be designed with unprecedented flexibility. An advanced price formula generator allows the definition of almost any price influencing condition for the rendering of contractual services. For example, in a single customer contract different prices can be defined: aircraft type, passenger numbers and parking position, discounts/surcharges for cancellations or ferry handlings can be included, and much more besides. Contracts are matched with the actual data pertaining to each individual flight and contractual services to be rendered are automatically forwarded to the service planning and recording system. After service recording, prices are also automatically calculated according to any applicable parameters. In addition to the complete integration of the process chain from contracting to billing, the new workflow makes sure that all services rendered are duly recorded for invoicing. Concerning billing and invoices, time has also not stood still in the last decade. Electronic invoicing, whether via clearing houses, common or proprietary systems, has become a modern standard. In addition to speeding up the complete billing process, electronically prepared invoices saves customer effort and gives them more control in analysing their bills. More transparency and quicker payments are the result. But IT process integration does not stop here. The forwarding of billing data to an attached financial accounting system, automated booking of receipts to individually-defined revenue accounts and many more features are standard within the new software generation.
“Advanced integration of the multitude of information systems and comprehensive online data exchange close to real-time means a great leap forward for our planning and operational business. In combination with the new functional features and their easy adaptability to suit our individual requirements, we now have a significantly more powerful toolset at our disposal. This makes it much easier to keep our high service standards and even brings about some improvement potential. The new GHS generation helps to achieve more with less effort and gives us more control. The bottom line is that the system replacement has sharpened our competitive edge in the rough ground handling market,” comments Clive Croome, IT Manager at GlobeGround Berlin.
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