All these activities are controlled using the management system AODB (Airport Operations Database). It is, so to speak, the airport's ERP system.
The current AODB is a self-developed custom application, which made it increasingly complex to keep innovating and to implement new compliance and security requirements at an acceptable cost and pace. After careful consideration, MAA has chosen to replace the current system with AirLink from Adecs Airinfra. In doing so, MAA renews a mission-critical application, resulting in more efficient and smoother handling for customers, greater scalability and a lower Total Cost of Ownership.
MAA has asked Itility to help with the step-by-step implementation of AirLink. For this, we use the Itility project management methodology called 'Magic Four', with clear governance, strong stakeholder alignment and the use of Itility solutions blocks to “deliver-as-promised”. In a joint team of AODB users, IT, Adecs Airinfra and Itility, the new AODB will be implemented in phases. In parallel, the basic infrastructure will be renewed to further strengthen the scalability, security and efficiency of the IT landscape.
The next step in the IT modernization focuses on cargo handling. This complicated logistical process runs from the unloading of the aircraft, through temporary storage in special warehouses (such as refrigerated rooms and even an animal hotel), to the loading of trucks. At the same time, the process takes place in reverse: while the aircraft is being unloaded, the new cargo is already being prepared for the next flight of the same aircraft. MAA carries out this process in-house, handling it from start to finish within an impressive 2 hours.
The application that supports cargo handling has also been developed in-house. To support a future "make or buy" decision for this application, Itility is helping with an RFI process in which a limited number of vendors have been selected to demonstrate their solution. This allows MAA to make a well-prepared choice based on objective criteria. Which means it is not just a project for IT: significant attention is being paid to stakeholder preparation to ensure their needs and requirements are translated into the final solution as effectively as possible.