How to improve baggage handling with RFID?
There are several ways to improve a baggage handling process that does not perform to your satisfaction. In the long run you may want a fully integrated RFID on Baggage solution such as what is used at the Hong Kong International Airport, Milan Malpensa Airport or Lisbon Airport. However, for immediate troubleshooting and improvements there is another way in which RFID has already proven its worth.
ABQM - Automatic Baggage Quality Measurements
The Lyngsoe ABQM (Automatic Baggage Quality Measurements) RFID system is a tool we often use in our consultancy work. In order to improve the baggage handling process, you must thoroughly know your process. Where is performance high? Where is performance low and what is causing the low performance? And maybe you have committed yourself to a maximum delivery time of e.g. transfer baggage? Often problems are not where they were originally thought to be.
The ABQM provides information on the entire baggage handling process which consequently leads to points of action needed to improve your baggage handling process. This knowledge is also used to recommend strategic changes or even new business concepts.
Statistical approach
In order to analyze process problems, statistical methods such as our ABQM can be used. Instead of putting RFID tags on all baggage only a small percentage is tagged, to analyze the baggage handling process
The ABQM is a stand-alone system and does not need to be integrated into any airport systems. Power to the RFID readers and GSM coverage is all that is required. The readers will be placed strategically along the baggage handling process – according to the problem and objectives at hand.
Objectives of ABQM
- decrease the rate of mishandled baggage
- reduce costs associated with lost and delayed baggage
- optimize the service quality of the baggage handling system
- KPI management
- verify Service Level Agreements (SLA)
- documentation for transfer of responsibility
- locate reasons for unsatisfactory delivery times of baggage in order to avoid complaints
- obtain unfiltered knowledge about the baggage handling process
IATA Baggage Improvement Programme
Process measurement and monitoring is a solution in the IATA Baggage Improvement Programme toolkit (BIP) recommended for mishandling reduction. Lyngsoe Automatic Baggage Quality Measurements (ABQM) delivers this solution.
Further information
