Kansas City - Systems Integration
 | |
 |
Ultra performed as Systems Integrator and supplied UltraDB, UltraFIDS and selected displays
The project began in April 2001 and the final phase successfully completed in December 2004. The project was on time and on budget, and exceeded customer expectations. Maintenance and support are currently provided.
Handling over 10 million passengers per year through 3 terminals. The ambitious $258 million Terminal Improvement Project at Kansas City International Airport delivered a total upgrade and refurbishment to all three terminals through a series of phased rebuilds and airline relocations.
Scope of Supply
Airport Operational Database
The UltraDB airport operational database provides central resilient data storage and real-time data distribution. Data input is provided via Ultra's GUI client suite in each airline's back-office, and via interfacing to the following external systems:
- Five airline data feeds (AA, CO, DL, NW, SW)
- FAA ASDI service
- Airport flight schedule data (SSIM)
- Real-time airport status messages
- Notice To Airmen (NOTAMs)
- Baggage input devices
- Public Announcement (PA) system
- Public web site
- Helpdesk system
- Parking Revenue system
- Weather data feed
Flight Information and Display System
The UltraFIDS flight information display system provides information on a mixture of LCD, plasma and CRT monitors with over 280 displays being driven. Flight summary information for all airlines is displayed in common airport concourse areas, with airline specific displays at each airline's ticket counter and gate area. Gate displays are provided either from the airport's UltraFIDS system or from the airline's own FIDS on the common LAN, as preferred by the airline. Destination-based weather information can be displayed. The flexibility of the UltraFIDS system allows these gate displays to be driven in the airline's own corporate image. UltraFIDS drives staff information displays in break-rooms and back-office areas and, via the FidsMon display client, on airline's own desktop PCs and is being extended to the new consolidated car rental facility.
Interfaces and Integration
Ultra, as Systems Integrator, is responsible for the integration and operation of the whole new IT provision on the airport. Ultra worked closely with the network supplier, the airport, and the airline customers. The Ultra-supplied systems comprise the UltraDB airport operational database and UltraFIDS flight information display system with separate web server and helpdesk asset management systems.
In order to provide a more cost effective and efficient service to its tenants and customers, the airport's ambition was to move from a situation where each airline maintains its own infrastructure including LAN, FIDS and devices, to a more centralized provision of information and services. This involved detailed negotiation with each airline to be sure their needs of information privacy and security were met, as well as the functional requirements of the FIDS and the service to passengers.
The airport, along with Ultra and others, deployed a SONET OC48 shared bandwidth network throughout all three terminals, the police/communications centre and the Lakefront administration building. All airlines and airport tenants use the airport network for local connectivity. Private VLANs are implemented, to securely separate tenant traffic, within the common network infrastructure. The airlines access the central UltraDB and UltraFIDS flight information system by means of secure system interfaces and user accounts, thus keeping their own information secure from others, while allowing the airport to retain control of the data and provide an airport wide information service. Now, as part of the maintenance phase, when airlines relocate, merge or are added, Ultra's team coordinates the required network changes.
Installation & Support
The system was installed by Ultra engineers with a presence on site for several months overall, in line with construction phases. Display device installation is carried out by local subcontractors under Ultra management. Ultra provides 24/7 helpdesk support, using an asset management helpdesk package, PlanetFM, to track and escalate calls. The Helpdesk is the first point of contact for all tenants for KCAD IT services. The Helpdesk team is Ultra staff with a local sub contractor, backed by remote assistance from Ultra in the UK on a 24/7 basis via an Internet VPN link. Ultra provided a comprehensive suite of training for sub-contract staff prior to the first live operation, including System Admin, User, Network and QA training. User training included a rolling program of training courses for airline users, spanning a 2-3 year period, in conjunction with airline moves and construction phases. Ad-hoc 'on the job' training continues to be provided as needed.
Highlights
- Ultra management of migration to UltraFIDS and AODB into a complex, live airport environment as part of a rolling terminal improvement program without disruption to users and passengers
- Multi-terminal airport using a variety of display types
- Ultra responsible for the overall performance of information delivery -software and display hardware
- Long-term on-site presence managing the complex integration of legacy and new systems, building a good customer relationship with attention to customer needs over a long period
- Development of airline interfaces with Northwest, Continental, Delta, American, Southwest
- Deployment of Ultra's existing software for interface with IED PA system
- Use of XML and legacy system interfaces in a pragmatic approach
- Use of help-desk to provide first line service to the customer and the diverse users
- Deployment of public internet service over Wi-Fi for passenger areas
