DECEMBER 2024AEROSPACEDEFENSEREVIEW.COM9The Need for RegulationThe sensitivity involved in airport screening means that there are complexities when seeking regulatory approval. The main hurdle relates to the certification of various screening systems and third-party detection algorithms, as unauthorised connections and interfaces with certified equipment are not guaranteed to be compliant. Due to these complexities, the regulatory process is likely to take longer than usual due to the different systems that would need to be approved in tandem. Therefore, for OA to be viable, a more flexible certification processes, such as certifying the system in its entirety, needs to be considered. Airports have other considerations when evaluating the viability of OA, which range from technical barriers to commercial realities. One of these is which supplier needs to take accountability of the overall performance of the system. Currently, OEMs are responsible for the supply and maintenance of certified screening equipment, providing classified data protection and ensuring electrical and mechanical safety as well as electromagnetic compatibility (EMC). However, with OA, there is a risk of software upgrades of individual components having an adverse effect on the rest of the system. In cases such as this, it is unclear which company would be responsible, and therefore it needs to be specified who is accountable. Furthermore, there must be a someone appointed to vet potential third party algorithm developers.Moving ForwardThe benefits of OA are clear; it provides greater flexibility to airports to integrate the latest technologies into one screening solution, that can tackle new threats and amplify current technology solution so they can meet new operational requirements, such as the current shortage of labour. However, with the new platform, comes the risks of implementation, and questions of regulation. To address these risks and ensure the smooth implementation and secure operations, it is essential that a common set of standards is established.The European Organisation for Security is actively involved alongside regulators to establish an agreed approach to OA. At Smiths Detection we are facilitating the coordination of stakeholders and utilising our system interfacing experience to advise on best practice. We have seen that it is only through working closely together that an industry-wide set of standards will be agreed, so that the risks can be mitigated and the benefits of OA fully realised. Only once this has been set, can OA pave the way to a more integrated and secure airport network. OA PLATFORMS CAN FACILITATE OPERATIONAL EFFICIENCY BECAUSE THE SYSTEMS ACROSS DIFFERENT FLEETS CAN BE UPDATED WITH THE LATEST ALGORITHMS, SUPPORTING THE SHARING OF X-RAY IMAGES AND RELATED DATA
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