On Developing NextGen TSA: Faster Interface, Better UX, Less Hassle
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Tomorrow’s aviation security is technology-based. Think of the TSA in tech terms, and it’s easy to see why its users want improvements. The role of any security application is to ensure that no harm affects operations, without slowing down the system’s performance. If the TSA is aviation’s firewall, it’s been a sluggish performer.
But, the TSA recognizes needs for improvement and has crowd-sourced innovation ideas. Introduced this July, a public TSA Contest offered a total of $15,000 in cash prizes to those who designed more streamlined waiting line systems.
“Current queue layouts at TSA Preœ“ airports will need to adapt to support the increasing population of TSA Preœ“ passengers. TSA is looking for the Next Generation Checkpoint Queue Design Model to apply a scientific and simulation modeling approach.”€”TSA
Submissions closed this August, but the TSA has yet to announce winners.
Industry groups have recognized the progress made the TSA. At the AVSEC World Conference, Tony Tyler, IATA CEO and director general, referred to the TSA’s Pre-check program as “a big success,” and suggested it should be “exported to other countries.“
“This year we will conduct airport trials with Smart Security components and assess the impact on operational efficiency, the passenger experience and security effectiveness.”€”Tony Tyler
The NBAA’s senior manager of Security and Facilitation, Sarah Wolf, outlined improvements presented at the 14th Annual Aviation Security Summit. Wolf explains that, “Learning how to adapt under different conditions and applying just the right measure of security are all components of a risk-based security program.” She commended the TSA for “working hard to adapt its security protocols,” allowing for “greater flexibility for both its own personnel and the passengers and companies it considers its clientele.”