Flight solutions Overview (acisFlight)
The ACIS suite of airport software offers a complete set of scalable modules that form a fully integrated Flight Information System.
The Airport Operational Database (AODB) is the cornerstone of the airport information system providing a flexible and powerful central data resource that is shared by the entire Airport Community.
Flight Information Display (FIDS) is just one of the modules in the package which is in operation in over 15 international airports throughout the UK and worldwide.
The ACIS flight solutions platform is known as AXIS and is a modular suite of information management software for international airports.
AODB - Airport Operational Database
The AODB provides a resilient central repository of data for use by all members of the airport community. The data model is comprehensive covering all aspects of flight data and related airport resources including Aircraft types, Airports, Airlines, Handling Agents, Registrations, Desks, Baggage belts, Gates, Runways and Equipment etc.. Access is securely managed by the Permissions system and AODB is scaleable according to airport needs and the diversity of data to be managed.
FIDS
Support for all display technologies.
FIDS provides a flexible environment for the management of flight information display with support for all display technologies including the graphical display technologies, LCD/TFT and the character based technologies LED and LCD boards. It includes features to exploit the attributes of each display type. FIDS functions can be flexibly assigned to physical nodes which may be arranged in banks of two or more displays and which can combine more than one FIDS view in a carousel where so required.
FIDS hardware status is monitored automatically and malfunctions can be reported visually or by email. A diagnostic audit trail is maintained.
Flexible display layout
The GUI based display management system allows display layouts to be composed using any combination of data entities so that static and dynamic text fields can be combined with graphical and full motion video objects. Promotional or advertising material can be provided on dedicated screens or in combination with flight information.
Flight status
Each airport manages this differently according to scale and culture. The system supports all modes by allowing control of flight status updates to be performed by one or a number of parties within the airport and provided at any number of locations. It can also be partially automated and can be interfaced to third party Handling Agent systems.
Schedule Management
The schedule manager provides comprehensive facilities for the creation of master seasonal flight schedules with airlines, aircraft and ports drawn from the AODB and with options to pre-assign resources such as desks, gates, baggage belts and stands. Coupled to the AODB the schedule manager includes productivity tools to assist rapid generation of schedules.
SSIM and ACCORD Import
We supports the industry standard SSIM schedule file import format and also includes specific support for ACCORD.
Linked flights
The system includes a powerful flight linking rules set that allows configurable automatic linking of arriving and departing flights with benefits for planning and operational efficiency.
Operational Schedules
Operational schedules are created automatically by the system, based on the master schedule, for a configurable look ahead period. Facilities are provided for handling agents, airlines and airport operational staff to verify and, as required, update the Operational Schedule as events unfold.
Staff Workstation application
This is the Generic client application that is configured by the Permissions system to provide the combination of functionality and views and edit rights that are required for each user. This approach simplifies the task of deploying and managing the user client population. It also ensures that a consistent presentation and behaviour is maintained at all locations.
CUTE
This client is designed to reside on the CUTE passenger check-in terminals at Check-in and at Boarding gates. In addition to providing control of the check-in display it provides views of operational schedules and optional control of flight progress.
Web Integration
This module manages publishing of flight information on the airport web site. It includes an event scheduler and FTP module and provides automated monitoring and logging.
Teletext
This module will allow the airport to publish flight information on public teletext services such as BBC CEEFAX in the UK.
Alerts
Alerts allows any data event occurring in the system to trigger audio and/or visual alarms for users. It could for example be a new ETO entered by a handling agent or by an automated process such as SITAText.
Airport Resource Management
This major module offers powerful tools to support both current and near term operations as well as future planning.
Stand Planner offers the user a fully graphical environment with drag and drop functionality. The flexible and extensible rule-set allows intelligent allocation of stands with clash detection and assisted conflict resolution. The module also integrates ground movements and flight linking.
ARM provides management of Check-in desks and Boarding Gates providing allocation and monitoring with links to billing.
SITATEXT
This module allows a SITA network feed to deliver flight movement and load information directly into the AODB with configurable validation and update rules.
ATC
ATC provides extensive facilities for data capture and reporting. It has been designed in close collaboration with senior air traffic professionals to yield a solution which is geared to the unique ATC operating environment.
Productivity and automation are key attributes of this application which uses the extensive AODB reference data library to cut data entry to the absolute minimum.
AFTN
This module allows automated capture of flight plans, updates and other AFTN data. It is configurable to suit the airport operational preferences.
Reporting Database and Reports Suite
For the professional airport business the availability of accurate and timely information delivered quickly and with minimal effort can make a significant contribution to efficient and profitable operations.
The Reporting Database provides a combination of reference and operational data in a simple to use form and with selected pre-computations to simplify report production.
Airport staff can create their own custom reports using any of the standard reporting tool such as Seagate Crystal Reports. Alternatively users can select from an extensive set of 'standard' reports that address the most common needs of ATC, Operations, Marketing and Finance departments.
We also provide a custom report writing service.
Airbill - Airport Billing and Invoicing System.
Airbill is a powerful, comprehensive and flexible billing and invoicing system designed for commercial airports. Airbill generates invoices to operators based on the automatic calculation of charges related to the movement of aircraft, the load carried by aircraft and the supply of ground based services to aircraft. Airbill also provides reporting on movements, load and income.
Key features include:
- Intelligent validation features
- Comprehensive charges
- Fully integrated with AODB to provide reference data
- Comprehensive Contract and Discount terms
- Multiple options for load capture with validation
- Automated charge generation
- Manual charge and discount controls
- Interface to Accounts Ledger systems for transaction posting
- Nominal analysis
- Income analysis
System Manager and Permissions System
These modules provide comprehensive system configuration and monitoring facilities. The Permissions system allows the system manager to assign view and edit rights to users with controls at both an individual and group level and to manage user PIN and Password security. An audit trail is provided for all system activity.
Third Party Interfaces
The architecture and platform ensures that a number of standard methodologies are supported for interfaces with third party systems. In addition Tandata offers an SDK for third party developers.