Industry Sector / Mobility Division
On the safe side with SAATS – Siemens signs license agreement with Fraport and Fraunhofer IML for the marketing of a patented air cargo security system
Joint press release of Siemens Mobility, Fraport and Fraunhofer IML
Erlangen, Germany, 2009-May-12
Siemens Mobility, Fraport AG, Frankfurt, and Fraunhofer IML have signed a license agreement for the marketing of the security lock SAATS (Secure Advanced Air Cargo Transfer System). This patented checking system enables the speedy and secure transfer of ULDs (Unit Load Devices) into the sensitive apron area (critical parts) of airports. Siemens will be the exclusive supplier of this system worldwide.
The SAATS security lock enables the simple and secure transfer of ULDs from the landside to the critical parts of the apron or airside.
It is standard practice at airports to use so-called dolly trains to transfer cargo containers and pallets from the landside area to the critical parts. First, the incoming trucks are unloaded on the landside and the cargo is placed in a temporary storage location. Then, the dolly train driver and the cargo have to pass through a security lock on each trip to the aircraft and likewise undergo a security check each time. The procedure is not uniform at all airports but is handled in a many different ways.
This new SAATS system—a solution jointly developed by Fraport AG and Fraunhofer IML—now enables the easy and secure transfer of ready-for-flight ULDs into the security area of the airport apron or airside. Traffic on the landside is ‘disconnected’ from traffic on the airside. Flight-ready ULDs delivered by truck from the landside are checked immediately and are then either stored temporarily or taken directly to the aircraft by dolly train as explained above. The user benefits from an improved cargo transfer process and a high security standard. Moreover, the number of personnel is reduced and the previously customary, recurring and cost-intensive personnel and vehicle checks are no longer necessary. As a result, the hourly cargo throughput between critical and non-critical parts is increased. This process involving a clearly defined transfer interface has been patented as a procedure.
Security features such as particle scanning, thermophotography or measuring and weighing functions can also be integrated into the system.
“SAATS makes it possible to combine the stringent security checks of the worldwide cargo hubs with an efficient process for secure and low-cost container transfer,” said Bernd Ruppert, head of the Cargo & Parcel Business Segment in Siemens Mobility.
All airports that want to process ULD units quickly and securely can use this system. SAATS can be designed as a central facility in the airport or for separate use by individual cargo handlers.
Photos relating to this press release can be found at: http://www.siemens.com/mobility-pictures/SAATS_Fraport
Fraport AG is one of the leading companies in the international airport business and operates Frankfurt Airport as one of the world's busiest and most important air traffic hubs. With its experience in airport management, Fraport is working with various partners to develop Frankfurt Airport into “Frankfurt Airport City” as an outstanding location in terms of mobility, real-estate qualities and the atmosphere of excitement it generates. In addition to covering the full range of airport services, Fraport AG is a competent partner in airport retailing and real-estate development. As a full-service provider in the field of airport management, Fraport AG is active on four continents through investments and subsidiaries.
The Fraunhofer Institute for Material Flow and Logistics (IML), located in Dortmund, is part of the Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft zur Förderung der angewandten Forschung e.V. (Fraunhofer Society for the Advancement of Applied Research) in Munich. Established in 1981, the Fraunhofer IML carries out research and development work and creates solutions for companies in all areas of logistics – both inside and outside companies and industrial facilities. Its Airport Logistics Project Center at Frankfurt/Main Airport has been in existence for 20 years as a center of competence for specific logistics research and development tasks in the air traffic industry. It possesses comprehensive consulting competence not only relating to the logistics processes and facilities in airports but also serving air operators as well as their service providers and partners wherever consulting competence is required.
The Siemens Industry Sector (Erlangen, Germany) is the worldwide leading supplier of production, transportation, building and lighting technologies. With integrated automation technologies as well as comprehensive industry-specific solutions, Siemens increases the productivity, efficiency and flexibility of its customers in the fields of industry and infrastructure. The Sector consists of six Divisions: Building Technologies, Drive Technologies, Industry Automation, Industry Solutions, Mobility and Osram. With around 222,000 employees worldwide Siemens Industry posted a profit of EUR3.86 billion with revenues totaling EUR38 billion in fiscal year 2008 (ended September 30). http://www.siemens.com/industry
The Mobility Division (Erlangen, Germany) is the internationally leading provider of transportation and logistics solutions. With its "Complete mobility" approach, the Division is focused on networking the various modes of transportation in order to ensure the efficient transport of people and goods. “Complete mobility” combines the company's competence in operations control systems for railways and traffic control systems for roadways together with solutions for airport logistics, postal automation, traction power supplies and rolling stock for mass transit, regional and mainline services, turnkey systems as well as forward-looking service concepts. www.siemens.com/mobility
Reference Number: I MO 200905.027 d fp
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Contact
Mr. Franz-Ferdinand Friese
Mobility Division
Siemens AG
Werner-von-Siemens-Str. 67
91052 Erlangen
Germany
Tel: +49 (9131) 7-46032
Mr. Christof Schneider
Head of Innovation Management
Fraport AG
Tel: +49 (0) 69 690 71 360
Mr. Ralf Neuhaus
PR Officer
Fraunhofer Institute for Material Flow and Logistics (IML)
Tel: +49 (0) 231 / 97 43-274