Equipment trial monitoring and optimization at Zurich Airport
Equipment trial monitoring and optimization at Zurich Airport
Zurich Airport validates future security configuration through tailored, data-driven equipment trial
Services provided
Development and coordination of the comprehensive trial program
Deployment of data collection and monitoring approach
Trial performance dashboarding integrating omni data sources
Structured operator feedback collection and qualitative analysis
Key results
Configuration-specific reports with concrete recommendations for final lane setups
Optimised checkpoint procedures tailored to Zurich’s operational needs
Real-world validation of theoretical capacity models
Tangible improvement points for design and software enhancements
Client reference
“With a project of this complexity, we needed a partner who could translate operational challenges into structured, data-driven insights. Point FWD not only brought the right tools and expertise, but also the ability to align stakeholders, interpret performance with nuance, and guide us toward confident roll-out decisions.”
- Roman Jung, Senior Programme Leader, Zurich Airport.
Project description
As part of a broader security upgrade program, Zurich Airport (ZRH) initiated a six-month operational trial of a Smiths Detection dual-lane checkpoint configuration, including a Smiths Detection CT scanner and a Rohde & Schwarz QPS 201, at the Level-0 departure area. The trial period ran from June to December 2024 and aimed to validate the system’s performance in a live operational environment including various CONOPs, ultimately informing decisions for full rollout.
Challenges
Zurich Airport initiated the trial to gain clear, data-backed insights before committing to a full-scale security checkpoint upgrade. The goal was not only to evaluate operational throughput, but to build confidence in the chosen solution’s long-term viability. This required consolidating diverse data sources—including sensor outputs and system logs—into one intuitive performance dashboard. In parallel, both quantitative system data and qualitative operator feedback needed to be translated into actionable conclusions. Operational complexity added further challenge, with seasonal effects, varying configurations, and staff behavior influencing performance. To enable meaningful comparisons, Zurich Airport combined real-time performance data with static scenario modelling, allowing for structured evaluation across all trial configurations.
Our solution
Point FWD provided end-to-end support throughout the full trial cycle—from program design through to final reporting.
1. Trial program development
A comprehensive trial plan was created covering four checkpoint configurations and corresponding CONOPs. To monitor performance effectively, a set of specific KPIs and required data sources was defined. Point FWD developed a performance dashboard incorporating data from the CIT, Smiths CT systems, metal detectors, and Xovis people flow sensors. Operator feedback was captured using structured surveys, ensuring direct input from the users.
2. Trial execution and coordination
During the execution phase, Point FWD supported Zurich Airport with bi-weekly on-site observations and CIT measurements. These were complemented by weekly data analyses and dashboard updates. Regular performance meetings were held to discuss findings and identify optimization opportunities, several of which were implemented and monitored for measurable impact.
3. Reporting
Each configuration was evaluated and documented in an individual configuration report, covering achieved capacity and performance, overall system functionality, human-machine interaction, reliability & maintenance and operator feedback. A consolidated final report summarized all findings, enabling a comparative assessment across configurations and supporting future decision-making.
About Zurich Airport
Zurich Airport (Flughafen Zürich) is Switzerland’s largest international airport and one of Europe’s most highly regarded hubs. Known for its precision, cleanliness, and exceptional passenger experience, Zurich Airport consistently ranks among the top airports worldwide. With a strong emphasis on operational quality, sustainability, and traveller satisfaction, the airport serves as both a vital international gateway and a benchmark in airport management.
Get in touch
Curious how this could work for your airport? Let’s talk.
Robin van Gemert
Lead Consultant
Planning and Design →