Schiphol selects consulting partners for core system transformation

Dutch airport Schiphol has commenced one of its most impactful digital transformation programs of the past year, setting out to replace its Airport Operational Database. Boston Consulting Group, PA Consulting Group and Cognizant have been selected as transformation partners.

The 4th largest airport in Europe, Schiphol last year welcomed around 62 million passengers, connecting people with the Netherlands and nearly 300 destinations around the world.

Nearly every step of the process needed to bring passengers from check-in into the skies is supported by the Airport Operational Database (AODB), with Schiphol now embarking on a multi-year transformation to replace its core system with a next-generation successor.

In a statement, Schiphol said the new AODB system will enhance the airport’s digital capabilities, improving efficiency of processes, effectiveness of passenger flows and operations, and boost agility. The program is a key pillar of the airport’s mission to become the “world’s leading digital airport”.

While Schiphol already ranks among the industry’s leaders, Skytrax last year named the Dutch airport the ‘World’s Best Airport Website & Digital Services’ at the World Airport Awards for the second year in a row, the airport’s leaders are convinced that the new AODB system will lift its performance into the next level.

Airport Operational Database System

To achieve the on-time performance of flights, a variety of tasks should be completed and a variety of stakeholders and other systems should be fed with the right information. This is in essence what the AODB system does – it stores and manages all key data needed for operating an airport in one place, and provides integration to other systems.

The system helps ensure that passengers get through the airport check-in, complete security processes, and that they board on time. The system also keeps track of the terminal and ramp activities that ground handlers need to perform, and the aircraft checks that cabin crew and pilots must carry out before the flight.

All these are interlinked: if one step gets delayed, it could down the chain impact take-off time. With all data in one place, the AODB enables airport operators to detect and share the issues causing delays in real-time so that they can be quickly considered and fixed, to guarantee a stress-free passenger journey.

The AODB also plays an integral role in the broader information flows needed to run an airport, such as information such as daily flights, seasonal schedules, available resources, and flight-related information like billing data and flight fees.

Known as the ‘brain of an airport IT infrastructure’, AODB’s data is utilised by all systems and sub-systems that need access to the information, for example, various departments within Schiphol, airlines, ground handlers, security, apps for passengers.

Controlled switch-over

The replacement of an AODB is a major overhaul and risky endeavour for any airport, and as a result, Schiphol has decided to follow a ‘controlled switch-over’. This means that the new system will be built and for a period of time operate alongside the existing system. Parts of the new system are then gradually put live, after thorough testing on quality and stability.

The program kicked-off last month and will take multiple years for completion.

The consultants

Supporting the program’s delivery are three global consultancies, who all have been selected from its pool of trusted advisors. Cognizant has been tasked with building the new system and the technical realisation, while PA Consulting is responsible for overseeing the business implementation process.

Boston Consulting Group (BCG), one of Schiphol’s three strategy consulting partners, is responsible for setting up the program including its governance, and the overall quality assurance ensuring results are delivered on time and in line with design requirements.

All three consultancies rank among the leading aviation consultants in the Dutch market, with Boston Consulting Group and PA Consulting even sharing the top spot, alongside Schiphol’s other strategic partner, McKinsey & Company. Two of the three consultancies are also trusted advisors to the nation’s flagship carrier, KLM.