GS GroundFleet: Maximum Control over the Operation

In line with its constant drive to enhance GroundStar, INFORM has unveiled GS GroundFleet to help control and improve the operation of ground support equipment.

The GPS-based system GS GroundFleet monitors the location, status and use of GSE units. Whether implemented as a stand-alone system or alongside GS RealTime, GS GroundFleet allows for the comprehensive management of GSE fleets, including features such as geofencing, access control, engine operation, general vehicle status, service registration and maintenance-planning information to name but a few. Used alongside GS RealTime, this new system provides the additional benefit of a significantly improved deployment of costly GSE fleets. 

GS GroundFleet consists of a software module which GSE units displayed on the system’s AirportMap showing their current location and operational status. The GSE units are equipped with on-board units (OBUs) powered by the GSE’s on-board electric system and can be linked to other on-board systems. Each OBU connects to the central server via GPRS or WiFi. 

The GSE historical operational data and all other relevant information is saved and may be used to evaluate usage, operating times and distances travelled, as well as to support efficient GSE maintenance plans.

The GS Ground Fleet base features include:

• GPS-based location and tracking
• AirportMap with display of GSE and aircraft-on-stand
• Real-time flight information display
• GSE operational status (availability, travelling, on-duty)
• GSE engine status reports (on-duty, off-duty & running, off-duty not running)
• Reports on usage, availability, engine run-times, etc. 

Additional functionality is provided through modules that complement the base features depending on each user’s needs. In order to increase operational efficiency for example, it is useful to control the condition of certain types of GSE. For this, vehicle’s OBU has appropriate sensors which allow the system to monitor a variety of aspects and issue the corresponding alerts such as low fuel, high oil temperature, low battery level or, for example in the case of high loaders, an engine running without lift operation over a certain period of time.

In combination with GS RealTime, adequate action can then be initiated. If e.g. a warning of ‘low fuel’ is generated and forwarded to GS RealTime, the system automatically generates a fuelling task.

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