Dexterra Group
Elevating Facility Management with Integrated Data-Driven Approach

Efficient airport management is more than just handling air traffic and passengers, and maintaining runways. It includes the airport building and its components, which are assets that generate large amounts of data. Often, airports outsource building operations and maintenance piecemeal to heighten operational efficiencies. A more effective way is to adopt an integrated, data-driven approach to facility management to capitalize on the economies of scope.

Dexterra Group, an integrated facility management provider, is the much-needed solution provider for managing complex facilities like airports. It leverages a data-driven perspective that goes beyond assessing air traffic data to encompass all aspects of airport terminals and buildings to streamline and optimize operations.

Bringing over 75 years of experience, Dexterra offers technology-based solutions customized to meet the distinct needs of each airport environment. Its services include facility and asset maintenance, janitorial services, energy management, customer care and baggage cart management, comprising total facility management solutions from curb to gate.

“We guide clients in transitioning from an unbundled to a more integrated approach to facility management,” says JD MacCuish, executive vice president of strategy and corporate planning at Dexterra Group. “We are centered on leveraging data in a much more integrated way across multiple service lines to optimize airport operations.”

Firm in the belief that integrating data across airport buildings is the next frontier in managing airport facilities, Dexterra offers effective resource allocation, improved efficiency and enhanced passenger experience.

Deploying advanced technologies like Bluetooth Beacon and camera-based AI tools for conducting headcounts and heat mapping, the company tracks real-time passenger movements across the airport. This enables optimal resource redeployment in an automated manner.

It also employs predictive analytics to forecast patterns of foot traffic within airport buildings, incorporating data from sources like air traffic and weather conditions. Based on this information, it optimizes energy management, plans cleaning schedules, and efficiently staffs retail and food outlets according to anticipated demand.

In engagements with clients, it creates a detailed asset register with an audit and condition assessment covering major assets and the airport building itself. The process includes gathering data and understanding the client’s budget. Subsequently, its team crafts a multi-year optimization plan incorporating interior asset management and lifecycle planning for the facility within budgetary limits.

An instance that best exemplifies Dexterra’s process is its impactful journey with a major North American airport, which began with soft services, specifically janitorial services. The company proposed data optimization aligned with the airport's goal of minimizing operating costs in its cleaning services. Through integrating databases, deploying AI tools, leveraging Bluetooth technologies and air traffic flow data, the airport has seen cost savings up to 30 percent per passenger. The partnership eventually expanded to various service lines and a full management contract for the airport’s ancillary buildings.

To enhance productivity, quality and data reporting, Dexterra uses a variety of computerized maintenance management systems (CMMS) and other tech tools. It explores information processing, enterprise resource planning systems and master data strategies to analyze existing information for greater efficiency in regular asset assessments. It also leverages building information systems, including existing hardware such as monitors and sensors, to optimize data access and integration with its CMMS systems and tools. This enables it to develop bespoke solutions for facility maintenance.

As Dexterra shapes its present and future services, it aims to optimize productivity while prioritizing energy and utility management for buildings to achieve net-zero carbon. It is also keen on delivering top-tier solutions for efficient resource management, assisting clients as they move toward carbon neutrality.

Positioned as a trusted integrated facility management partner, Dexterra Group stands out with its forward-thinking airport management solutions. The seamless integration of technology and a focus on operational efficiency position it as the go-to option for clients seeking resilient and adaptable facility management solutions in the aviation sector and beyond.