Smiths Detection is one of five operating divisions of Smiths Group, a global technology company listed on the London Stock Exchange. Employing over 23,000 people in more than 50 countries, Smiths Group is a world leader in the practical application of advanced technologies, delivering products and services for the threat & contraband detection, medical devices, energy and communications markets worldwide.
Smiths Detection is a global leader in threat detection and screening technologies for aviation, ports and borders, urban security and the military. With more than 40 years of field-tested experience, we deliver the solutions needed to protect society from the threat and illegal passage of explosives, prohibited weapons, contraband, toxic chemicals and narcotics.
Our goal is simple – to provide the security, peace of mind and freedom of movement upon which the world depends. For more information visit www.smithsdetection.com
What makes your products / services stand out?
From passenger checkpoints to hold baggage and air cargo screening, Smiths Detection aviation solutions offer the highest levels of security, exceptional detection capabilities and maximum performance. They are designed to help control the flow of people, suitcases and freight through airports in an efficient and safe manner.
The comprehensive product portfolio ranges from standard, off the shelf products to complete, systems individually tailored to meet specific business and regulatory requirements. Flexible, futureproof systems which not only deliver optimum security standards but also bring significant operational benefits – and feature the most advanced technologies including Computed Tomography (CT) and millimetre wave people scanners.
In addition to the necessary hardware, Smiths Detection also supplies the IT infrastructure needed to transform security equipment into a single, integrated and intelligent solution. Sophisticated software platforms which can network both checkpoint and hold baggage systems and deliver the real-time data needed to support instant operational decisions; as well as the historical data and reports required for resource planning and general administration.
As a global authority in the field, Smiths Detection provides everything needed from analysis and solution assessment to deployment, integration and outstanding after sales support for the full life of the equipment.
Which technology or trend do you think will have the biggest impact on the air transport industry in 2019?
The air transport industry forecasts a doubling of passenger traffic over the next 20 years. Biometric technology and Risk Based Screening approaches are recognized to be solutions for processing more passengers through existing infrastructure and providing a more seamless passenger journey. Broadly, they offer an opportunity to enhance security, improve operational efficiency and increase passenger satisfaction.
The future of aviation security is the integration of passenger data, border control systems, and screening operations. The goal is to enable free flow of passengers, belongings and cargo through the use of risk based screening (RBS) processes at departure, transit and destination airports – increasing the security and operational efficiencies and effectiveness across the global aviation network.
This is reflected in a number of global initiatives, such as ACI’s Smart Security and IATA’s NEXTT.
The goal of RBS is to apply appropriate levels of screening to passengers and their belongings using technologies and processes that can adapt to changing requirements. RBS varies the process based on risk assessments made by combining a unique identifier (e.g. biometrics) with information gleaned from criteria such as destination or region, ticketing or routing data, ‘watch lists’ or membership of traveller programmes. The benefits of this approach relate to improving security outcomes and operational performance by applying resources where they are most needed.
