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Innovative IT increases the efficiency of the air cargo business
Lufthansa Systems has extended the functionality of its innovative AdvancedCargo Suite by adding new modules e. g. for capacity management and pricing. Based on its IT expertise and in-depth understanding of logistics processes Lufthansa Systems is continuously enhancing its integrated platform which consolidates all core cargo processes of an airline into one system. First customers for this solution are Southwest Airlines, the largest low cost carrier in the industry, and Lufthansa Cargo, the world’s leading cargo airline. The IT platform meets the requirements of cargo airlines of each size and business model.
The AdvancedCargo Suite comprises a seamlessly integrated modular package of applications. These solutions help cargo airlines to improve their overall efficiency and to make better and faster decisions. The AdvancedCargo Suite is oriented on the core air cargo processes and therefore consists of three pillars: Sales, Handling and Accounting.
The Sales component offers solutions for pricing, booking and capacity management. The AdvancedBooking module consistently controls the booking process across all distribution channels and supplies high-quality reliable data. AdvancedCapacity optimizes the complex process of capacity management and fulfils the desire for a high degree of transparency. Additionally, the platform provides a customer database solution (AdvancedCustomer) and a tool to calculate prices and charges (AdvancedPricing).
Handling processes are covered by the AdvancedGroundHandling module. It supports the ground handling and transport processes of cargo including automatic connections to customs and warehouse systems. To fulfil the complex requirements of U.S. and Canadian customs in a fast and cost-effective way, the AdvancedCustoms module enables cargo airlines to conduct reporting to the respective customs authority without the need for paper-based documentation.
AdvancedAccounting is the third pillar of the modular concept simplifying and accelerating accounting and billing processes for both sales and interline.
This integrated IT platform - based on a service-oriented architecture - uses state-of-the-art technology. Each module can be used as part of the AdvancedCargo Suite or as a stand-alone solution integrated with existing IT systems.
LoadControl 2.0: Lufthansa Systems lifts Weight & Balance into the future
Lufthansa Systems is taking an important step towards a more flexible aircraft ground handling. The airline IT provider is launching the development of a new weight and balance IT solution dubbed LoadControl 2.0. Its aim is to cater to the changing needs of airlines around the world. The system is scheduled to be ready for the first implementation by early 2010.
LoadControl, the current weight and balance solution by Lufthansa Systems, has been in use with major airlines such as Lufthansa, Air Canada, Austrian Airlines and LOT for over 10 years. While still one of the leading applications in its area, evolution of business models and operational constraints call for a completely new solution for the next decade. Cost-pressure and quickly changing business rules need to be addressed. The new solution will offer all these options as LoadControl 2.0 will be based on the latest hardware and software technology. It will also offer simpler connectivity to neighbouring systems in order to provide an integrated approach towards departure control. Fast implementation cycles, scalability and easy customization to specific airline requirements will be some of the key aspects of the new development.
In fact, LoadControl 2.0 will be part of Lufthansa Systems’ innovative Integrated Operations Control Center (IOCC) platform offering its full capability in the interaction with Lufthansa Systems’ crew, ops and flight dispatch solutions. Nevertheless the solution will be also available as a stand-alone deployment integrated into customers’ existing IT landscape.
With a number of next-generation features, LoadControl 2.0 will further strengthen Lufthansa Systems’ leading position in the area of airline and flight operations solutions.
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