Evolving technology is constantly changing the way we travel, but it's connecting that technology that's perhaps most critical to changing travel for the better, especially when it comes to airports.
"The traditional processes that are in place to retrofit or build a new airport with the goal of being smart are really not working," Johnson Controls' Vice President of Building Wide Systems Integration, Jim Nannini told TravelPulse.
Johnson Controls has lent its expertise to hundreds of airports across North America, from major transportation hubs like Atlanta's Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport and Denver International Airport to some emerging airports such as Austin.
"We're seeing a lot of traction in the South," Nannini added. "Our secret sauce is really understanding the workflow and the operation and then looking at the technology and the intelligent infrastructure as holistic. Then you're able to tie in various systems that normally aren't talking to each other."
Smart airports like Denver International Airport are able to optimize efficiency and improve the passenger experience through shared data and communication.
One example Nannini gives of connected technology at a smart airport is an unused gate being powered down in the event of a late-night flight delay.
"Why can't we connect the flight information system and connect the data to the building management system. If we know the flight isn't leaving until noon the next day, we're able to power down the monitors, dim the lights and put everything in a sleep mode," he said.
"Multiply that over many unoccupied gates and that starts driving the savings."
Powering down digital signage can also reduce cleaning costs and help airport officials put their resources to better use. Passengers stand to benefit when airport systems exchange information as well.
Nannini points out that "wayfinding apps can leverage data to make it easier for passengers to navigate through an airport."
That's good news for travelers regardless of whether they're simply seeking to get from point A to point B the fastest or looking to make the most of a lengthy layover at their favorite restaurant.
However, there are still plenty of obstacles standing in the way of smart airports, starting with an antiquated mindset.
"Technology has drastically evolved over the last 10 years but we continue to construct buildings the same way and not take those systems and intelligent infrastructure into consideration in the design because we're so focused on the physical appearance of the airport," Nannini points out.
"We're looking at the building as an object rather than who is using the space."
Budget restrictions are also a notable factor.
"A lot of airports are public entities so there are procurement rules that get in the way of picking the best team to enable a smart building outcome," notes Nannini. "There are so many different stakeholders, and being able to get the owner and each functional team-from physical security, IT, maintenance and finance-all on the same page is the biggest barrier."
As air travel continues to take off and airports transform from transportation hubs to small cities, there's no doubt that getting every key system on the same page will be vital for the passenger experience as well as savings and sustainability from the industry's perspective.
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