{"id":483,"date":"2021-06-11T08:42:16","date_gmt":"2021-06-11T15:42:16","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/devblogs.microsoft.com\/azure-depth-platform\/?p=483"},"modified":"2021-07-12T14:19:55","modified_gmt":"2021-07-12T21:19:55","slug":"case-study-dnata-digitally-transforms-air-cargo-ground-operations-with-microsoft-3d-technology-and-azure","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/devblogs.microsoft.com\/azure-depth-platform\/case-study-dnata-digitally-transforms-air-cargo-ground-operations-with-microsoft-3d-technology-and-azure\/","title":{"rendered":"Case Study: dnata digitally transforms air cargo ground operations with Microsoft 3D technology and Azure."},"content":{"rendered":"

The aviation industry relies heavily on service providers to efficiently transport cargo between locations. Related processes which are part of what is known as ground operations, are poised to experience tremendous growth, according to Boeing\u2019s World Air Cargo Forecast (2020-2039), \u201cOverall, world air cargo traffic will more than double over the next 20 years, expanding from 264 billion revenue ton-kilometer (RTK) in 2019 to 578 billion RTKs in 2039.\u201d<\/p>\n

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dnata is one of the world\u2019s largest air service providers that serves airlines and airports with everything from ground and cargo handling to inflight catering and travel services. dnata offers services in 35 countries, serves 127 airports worldwide and employs over 46,000 people to help provide a smooth transit experience, with customers such as Emirates, China Airlines and Air France\u2013KLM. dnata\u2019s job is to ensure operational efficiency by minimizing the time an airplane is on the ground and maximizing their customer\u2019s revenue through optimal space utilization and quick turnaround.<\/p>\n

Singapore Changi Airport, one of the largest transportation hubs in Asia, is where dnata maintains a 27,000 square meter state-of-the-art warehouse that allows dnata\u2019s highly trained staff to manage the handling of any type of cargo, from perishables to priceless goods, from engines to pharmaceuticals.\u00a0 The facility manages 5,000 tons of cargo per week.<\/p>\n

dnata employees at Changi are well-trained and experienced in cargo handling processes, as well as knowledgeable of the requirements and regulations required by airport authorities. Replacing or augmenting staff is a continuing and costly challenge because it requires a significant investment in training for those individuals that must first pass a security clearance to work on airport grounds.<\/p>\n

The ground staff is responsible for ensuring that they are receiving and transporting the right cargo received from freight forwarders. They must ensure that the cargo is appropriately handled, matches manifest descriptions, and does not encounter adverse conditions like weather or prolonged storage that could damage the goods. The process is labor intensive and requires a long paper trail that must be precise all while trying to turn cargo around as rapidly as they can.<\/p>\n

“Because we already use Microsoft Azure, dnata is able to integrate its operational systems seamlessly integrate with SPEEDCARGO\u2019s system and allow AI & Predictive Analysis using Azure\u2019s Data lake technology.”<\/span><\/p>\n

Deon Van Niekerk,<\/strong>\u00a0Transformation, Integration & Operational Performance Director for Asia Pacific, dnata.<\/span><\/p><\/blockquote>\n

The cargo services industry is increasingly adopting workflow automation to enable the ease of flow of information between processes, however the inability of existing solutions to digitize the physical process leads to a mismatch between the digital information and the physical world leading to gaps in realizing operational efficiency and improved capacity utilization. A key aspect of the ground handling process is to ensure the correct weight and volume of the cargo that is received and loaded on to the flight. Accurate weight and volumetric information are the critical inputs required to ensure the cargo is planned and loaded in the right manner on ULDs (Unit Load Devices) which is essential to ensure the safety of the flight.<\/span><\/p>\n

Solution\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

A solution that accurately captures the shapes and dimensions of cargo at the terminal can improve capacity handling, optimize cargo handling process, and reduce the resources required for:<\/p>\n