British Airways World Cargo implements a new Remote Data Terminal running on INFORM's software

ALERTS, as INFORM's RealTimeControl system is known within British Airways, uses high-level optimisation algorithms to allocate jobs to the drivers who move the freight between the airline's cargo facilities and the aircraft at London Heathrow. This system, is supported by a Remote Data Terminal (RDT) equipment installed in the vehicles allowing for automated, accurate and fast communications means between ALERTS and the drivers.

British Airways then decided to extend the use of RDTs to the entire Heathrow Airport and also to replace the existing equipment. INFORM was asked to help finding the solution that best suited the requirements. The new device had to be robust, able to cope with and manage network congestion, and protect messages. Four different devices were short-listed after the first evaluation phase. As all four of them required a network change from Mobitex to GPRS, a pilot study was designed to assure that GPRS over the GSM network could sustain the operational requirements in terms of network coverage and resilience of the service. The trial was undertaken using test software designed by INFORM and running on the RDTs. In a simulated operational environment users created all sorts of situations that required receiving and sending messages. The results of the test were more than satisfying, with all the pre-established success criteria met or exceeded.

The device finally chosen was the Intermec Pocket PC 2002, a hand-held RDT that can also be carried in the vehicles in a cradle.

"The crucial test came in January when, during a snow storm, the "old" network crashed but the GPRS communications were not impacted at any point but the GPRS communications were not impacted at any point and remained fully operational", said Caroline Ball, British Airways' IM project manager.

Based on the success achieved at the trials, INFORM developed the production version of the client software for the RDTs. This software runs on practically any Pocket PC and it communicates bi-directionally with INFORM's ComControl server and with RealTimeControl. This way, information on tasks, cargo and flights is received and confirmed by the drivers. Because of the GPRS technology used, the system can be operated from anywhere in the world, which ensures the highest level of flexibility.

Julia Hildesheim