Industry Leaders: in search of opinions

17 Aug 2010

Q: With respect to aviation security, to what extent do you feel that we have found the correct balance between technology and human factors?

Andy Blackwell, Head of Aviation Security, Virgin Atlantic: Historically the industry has been heavily focused on technological solutions but it is increasingly acknowledged that human factors play a key role in helping to ensure the integrity of aviation security.  Whether it be Behavioural Detection deployed to support more conventional security methods, or the development of positive security ‘cultures’ within organisations, the more holistic and flexible a security programme is then the greater the chance of it being robust. We need to be as innovative in our approach to security as those seeking to harm aviation and this involves considering technology, human factors and other forms of detection, disruption and deterrent. The more we understand about the methods terrorists use to attack their targets, the greater the opportunity we have of adapting our security defences and getting the balance right. This is a dynamic process requiring industry and government stakeholders working in partnership to create appropriate solutions.

Uwe Karl, Head of Airport Solutions, Siemens: Effective airport security is about striking the right balance between the human element and the contribution to be made by technology. A good example is CCTV where research has shown that after approximately 12 minutes of continuous viewing of two or more monitors, operators can miss up to 45% of scene activity. By employing intelligent software algorithms, potential security threats can be automatically detected and the operator’s attention therefore focused on when and where it is needed. Similarly, in emergency situations Command and Control systems can provide personnel with specific instructions to follow, an invaluable asset in ensuring a swift and consistent response which has been thought through outside the stresses of the actual emergency itself. In some instances, complete automation of a process can be achieved, but in the majority it is about recognising the limitations of the human senses and how technology can supplement and, importantly, enhance them…..MORE ONLINE

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