San Diego Airport Uses Samsung Smartwatches to Enhance IT Communications

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1Q 2017 | IN-4472

In February 2017, Samsung’s enterprise software solutions and IT services company SDS America (SDSA), as well as communications platform Total Communicator Solutions (TCS), announced that both companies are extending their support for Samsung Gear S3 and Gear S2 smartwatches with San Diego International Airport (SAN). The TCS Spark Compass communication platform powers the enterprise wearable solution, using beacon technology for location tracking and communication via smartwatches provided to airport IT staff. The platform integrates with SAN’s current infrastructure. The system also includes the Samsung Knox security and mobile device management solution, and is working on Android- and Tizen-based Samsung devices. Moreover, it improves security, management, and productivity. The aim is to enhance IT communications to improve operation responses.

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San Diego Airport Extends a Partnership with Samsung SDS America and Total Communicator Solutions

NEWS


In February 2017, Samsung’s enterprise software solutions and IT services company Samsung SDS America (SDSA), as well as communications platform Total Communicator Solutions (TCS), announced that both companies are extending their support for Samsung Gear S3 and Gear S2 smartwatches with San Diego International Airport (SAN). The TCS Spark Compass communication platform powers the enterprise wearable solution, using beacon technology for location tracking and communication via smartwatches provided to airport IT staff. The platform integrates with SAN’s current infrastructure. The system also includes the Samsung Knox security and mobile device management solution, and is working on Android- and Tizen-based Samsung devices. Moreover, it improves security, management, and productivity. The aim is to enhance IT communications to improve operation responses. 

What Can Smartwatches Bring to the Airport?

IMPACT


The idea is to use smartwatches to provide a faster way for SAN employees to communicate IT issues, such as flight information display boards not updating, by using Samsung’s enterprise mobility management (EMM) infrastructure. For example, an employee can alert IT staff members via his or her Samsung smartwatch. Following the alert, TCS’s Spark Compass technology will alert IT staff if an IT-based issue arises in the airport. The nearest IT employee will receive the alert, based on the beacon location tracking technology, and will then be able to respond quickly. When the issue is fixed, the employee can update the central database via his or her own Samsung smartwatch, either using voice or text.

Unlike some of its predecessors, Samsung’s latest smartwatches are better-suited for corporate, as well as rugged environments, due to the IP68 certification for dust ingress and water resistance, which allows employees to continue using the devices in inclement weather. Additionally, the Corning Gorilla Glass SR+, which provides a scratch resistant screen that will withstand general wear and tear while the employee is working, is another factor that makes the smartwatches better-suited for corporate use. Furthermore, smartwatches can also be remotely locked and put through a factory reset for enhanced security in the event that the device has been lost or stolen.

Similarly, from an enterprise standpoint, Samsung’s smartwatches also support SAN’s consumer Spark Compass AWAYYOUGO app, which is used by passengers to receive directions to and around the airport, up-to-date gate information, and alerts as to when luggage reaches the carousel (using GoTag beacons). 

The Future of Airport Smartwatches

COMMENTARY


SAN is the first international airport to use Samsung Gear S3 and Gear S2 smartwatches in parallel with an EMM solution to aid communications between employees. The communications platform allows managers to analyze issues and response times to ensure that the technology is providing the benefits that it sets out to provide. Selected team members can also remotely monitor the use of each smartwatch and update them as and when required, ensuring that the smartwatches are used correctly and have the most up to date technology and information.

The solution has the potential to be used across other areas of the airport, allowing other issues to be addressed faster, improving worker productivity, and ensuring that no major problems occur. It could also be easily combined with other wearable technology solutions, including smart glasses, which can be used to overlay information for maintenance purposes. In the future, TCS, SDSA, and SAN plan to explore ways to further enhance communications with wearables. Other airports will begin looking into forming partnerships in order to provide smartwatches to employees to enhance communications and improve productivity, which will help to drive the smartwatch market.

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