Angle Up

Checkpoint Review

Bottleneck modelling; an essential step towards security process optimisation.

A security checkpoint may seem, by now, as a common process for those who fly every now and then. However, thinking about the setup; there aren’t that many line processes through which we as people move, including the amount of technical components.

As a society we have become known to the high-tech screening equipment, the added or lifted restrictions and also the changing actions to take as a passenger in the checkpoint. Yet, it is always a challenge from start to finish to (re)organise for the most optimal checkpoint solution, to be able to successfully screen passengers and their unique belongings within a limited footprint at the airport.

So how to optimise in such a complex ecosystem of people, technology, cultures and anomalies? Well, we’re happy to meet 🤝. But before having a coffee or call, go through some of our thoughts below first!


Optimal process organisation through bottleneck analysis

Following a bottleneck-analysis approach, we believe that true motivation for process optimisation should result in an ever-present chase to full process understanding. Knowing that the ‘bottleneck’ process in the security checkpoint is subject to changes constantly, and to be able to keep track on actual optimisation potential, we believe it is beneficial to adhere to a consistent optimisation approach. Our What-If module gives airport security stakeholders the opportunity to keep looking at process optimisation scenarios.

On the right-hand side the output capacities of our CIT ‘what-if’ module are depicted. What you see is a bottleneck that shifts by altering the input parameters of the process, usually coming from a baseline performance measurement at the airport.

The calculation runs on a complete model of the airport specific checkpoint situation and includes, amongst others, parameters like:

  • Process performances such as occupancy rates, process cycle- and wait times and availability of operators and machines.

  • Systems and staffing configuration and number of components and space.

Please note that the above representation is a snippet of our module. Beyond capacities, the complete module enables users to focus on system utilisation rates, staff efficiencies and workload KPIs, in order to organise for the changing requirements in security checkpoints nowadays.


Security Process Optimisation Cycle

Security change project cycle.

The so-called what-if scenario modelling is usually the second step in our optimisation approach for airports and security companies. Based on an airport specific data collection, scenario modelling is the basis for setting paths for serious optimisation potential. It provides for a tangible asset to set up the operational business case, and then take it further and test it against operational situations in a simulated environment. The last step is to experiment and operationalise in the real-life checkpoint environment and passenger behaviour in full effect.


We are here to support airports and the aviation security stakeholder.

 
 

Point FWD owns a core capability in the monitoring and optimisation of airport security processes and has developed a highly effective platform for its partners to collect process data, to analyse and identify bottlenecks and to quickly initiate and monitor effective change. Now is the time to start acting.

Checkpoint Improvement Review

Difficult times ask for a solution-centered approach.

Point FWD introduces a short-term consultancy agreement to enable quick identification of operational improvements in security checkpoints.

Read along to find out if this might be something for your airport security checkpoint.

Don’t forget to apply!


The offer

To retrieve a quick review of security checkpoint operations leading to a concrete set of outputs, such as process improvement and direct OPEX reductions. Point FWD is capable of delivering a tangible output against a lead time of approx. 1 month for a fixed price fee.

This offer is subjected to limited availability. Our advise: respond quickly.


What may it entail?

The services provided as part of our AvSec check-up may cover various topics of interest, including, but not limited to:

  • Process / CONOP review and improvement review

  • Checkpoint baseline performance and KPI assessment

  • Checkpoint capacity modelling

  • Business case for change implementation

  • Operator training program review

*All output directions will be substantiated with a cost/benefit analysis, with a focus on potential OPEX reductions or process KPI improvement, such as efficiency level or process capacity.


What do we need?

A few components are needed as starting point for the short-term consultancy agreement, that may include, depending on the focus:

  • Specific and output-driven operational challenge.

  • Situational drawings of the checkpoint situation.

  • Configuration of screening equipment.

  • Work instructions and SOPs.

  • Staff planning and operational schedules.

  • Available checkpoint performance data*

*Point FWD’s in-house data handling tools such as the Checkpoint Insight Tool may be used to gain the relevant checkpoint process data.


What is the investment?

The intention for the short term consultancy agreement is to offer maximum value for a fairly small investment.  Investment can vary per assignment, but the idea is to never exceed EUR 5.000,-. This ceiling amount enables us to keep it straight forward and deliver quick identification of concrete operational improvement points with direct OPEX saving opportunities.


Practical setup

  • A mutual non-disclosure will be initiated, including the common goals, before getting started for the short term assignment.

  • This is a non-binding agreement that ends after delivery of the engagement.

  • To keep it a short term project, we require one dedicated point of contact to be available for the time of the project.


Request your project

Ready to apply for you a quick identification of optimization opportunities for your checkpoint situation?

Request your review via below form and we’ll come back to you ASAP.