Swissport launches mandatory FAIR@Link slot booking for traffic

Swissport Cargo Services Deutschland GmbH put its new air freight hall into operation on November 2, 2020. At the same time, the slot booking of FAIR@Link was introduced as a mandatory system for all traffic. It enables efficient and automated access control and was of central importance for Swissport, as the hall can only be accessed through a single central entry point.

Frankfurt) – “The efforts of the past months have paid off,” emphasizes project manager Mirjam Sladkowski. “It was a challenge not only to complete the construction work but also to establish the new processes in time. The launch was successful. We were able to go into operation as planned on the morning of November 2. Exactly at 6:30 a.m., the first truck registered via FAIR@Link passed our entrance barrier. As expected, there were also vehicles throughout the day for which no slots had been booked. However, drivers were able to catch up on the slot booking at our cargo acceptance, allowing them to be processed with a delay according to their subsequently generated slot windows. “

Through FAIR@Link, Swissport receives timely information about all planned deliveries and pickups, allowing them to plan their resources accordingly and avoid peak situations at the processing counters and ramps. The necessary checks can be carried out in advance, so that only a comparison of the actual and planned arrival times needs to be made when the drivers arrive with the goods.

Processing without waiting times

The procedure is simply explained: Companies reserve slots for processing in FAIR@Link before starting their journey and are processed within these time windows without waiting times. Equipped with a QR code and/or pin, which they automatically receive with the slot confirmation from FAIR@Link, they drive to the entrance barrier, scan the QR code or enter the pin – directly from the driver’s cabin – on a tablet. After an automated check to see if the driver’s arrival time matches the booked slot, the barrier opens, the vehicle can enter, and the handling process can proceed as planned.

“FAIR@Link gives us enormous flexibility in communication with the transporters and ultimately, together with the control modules for ULD and flight replacement traffic, ensures smooth logistics processes along our logistics value chain. It is crucial that all involved companies adhere to the rules. This includes early slot booking and timely arrival at the barrier. Because entry to the site is only possible a maximum of 15 minutes before or after the slot start,” explains Sladkowski.

Corona restrictions as a challenge

For Henning Dieter, CEO of Swissport Cargo Services Deutschland GmbH, the successful commissioning is the result of many factors: “The smooth cooperation and coordination of all areas and project partners were important to achieve a holistic innovative picture. This was particularly challenging due to the Corona restrictions. Another focus was on internal and external communication. Customers needed to be informed purposefully, and the acceptance and support of employees were indispensable. Therefore, we established a change process in which we continuously informed via an internal website and actively involved colleagues virtually in shaping the new processes and workflows. The effort was worth it. The employees are highly motivated. We have a state-of-the-art infrastructure, innovative technology, digitized processes for traffic control, and we see ourselves optimally positioned for the future.”

About DAKOSY Datenkommunikationssystem AG

As one of the leading software houses for logistics, DAKOSY has been offering digital solutions for international freight forwarding and customs processing as well as supply chain management for nearly 40 years. In addition, DAKOSY operates the Port Community System (PCS) for the Port of Hamburg and the Cargo Community System (FAIR@Link) for Frankfurt and Hamburg airports. All companies and authorities involved in export and import processes can quickly and automatically process their transport processes by using the digital platforms.

www.dakosy.de/

Image: © Swissport Cargo Services Deutschland GmbH