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Case study
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FASTI meets industry
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The FASTI programme has always highlighted the key role which industry plays in deploying new technology, and has encouraged a partnership approach between EUROCONTROL, ANSPs and industry, notably through its Pioneer Projects North and South. This type of collaboration has shown that a win-win outcome can be achieved by working closer together.
Europe comprises a patchwork of suppliers deploying FASTI tools across the network.
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The FASTI programme has always highlighted the key role which industry plays in deploying new technology, and has encouraged a partnership approach between EUROCONTROL, ANSPs and industry, notably through its Pioneer Projects North and South. This type of collaboration has shown that a win-win outcome can be achieved by working closer together. EUROCONTROL is seeking improvements to the European ATM network, while ANSPs aim to improve their quality of service and industry provides the tools to do the job. Promoting tools which are fit for purpose has been the FASTI programmes mantra for a number of years, requiring both industry and ANSPs to focus more on the real need. A commonly agreed concept such as FASTIs helps to reduce the risk of industrys having to tailor each new delivery to various concepts conceived at local level. |
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The critical success factors for ANSPs in their relationship with their suppliers are:
1. the need to have a sound knowledge of ATM; 2. flexibility during the implementation process: 3. the need for costs to remain realistic and for technical support to be available when required. |
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Key questions for industry
Against this background, industry is keen to have a standard product line which can be resold from one customer to another. This can perhaps lead to a lack of incentive to improve the performance of products in the short term. The following are questions which need to be addressed by system suppliers in Europe:
What is their view on developing tools which are fit for purpose? What are the lessons learned from the past? How can we improve system performance to achieve improved operational performance? How can we do things differently in the future? |
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Pressure for cost reductions from the airspace users and the Single European Sky II focus on improved network and ANSP performance will mean that every investment in new systems will need to demonstrate an improved level of service. No longer will we be able to sustain situations in which tools and systems are delivered and half the functionality is not used owing to a lack of changes in controller working methods, procedures or training.
The need for industry to provide or adapt systems to ensure interoperability with neighbours, particularly in the context of Functional Airspace Blocks, is also high on the agenda. Sometimes we forget that the suppliers are selling to a global market rather than being focused on the needs of old Europe. This can lead to the impression that suppliers are slow to change or to improve products, preferring stability in their product lines to making ad hoc adaptations.
The common approach adopted by some ANSPs to defining requirements and conducting procurement while at the same time teaming up with a dedicated supplier can perhaps provide a model for the future, even if some local tailoring of systems is required. So the overall message to suppliers is do not underestimate the role you play in future changes; we need you, and we need you on our side!
You can read the complete FASTI Newsletter by following this link: http://www.eurocontrol.int/fasti/gallery/content/public/Documents/FASTI_FOCUS_Oct2010_final.pdf |
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