According to the IT Pro Portal, digital transformation is a major priority for airlines, with more than 90% of airline leaders seeking digital initiatives to improve performance and customer experience and stay competitive[1]. Just as a coin has two sides to it, adopting technology in the airline industry has its share of challenges.
In this blog, we will be looking at some of the main challenges faced by the aviation industry in adopting technology.
What are the Main Challenges of Adopting Technology in the Aviation Industry?
1. Endpoint Management for Diverse Endpoints
With a surge in the adoption of advanced technologies and devices, effective endpoint management has become a significant challenge for the aviation industry. Airports and airlines deploy a wide range of devices, from baggage scanners used by ground staff to complex devices and systems in the cockpit. Each device must be managed, updated, and monitored consistently to ensure optimal performance and security.
This increase in endpoints requires a robust endpoint management solution for managing diverse operating systems and configurations, ensuring seamless operation across all touchpoints in the aviation ecosystem.
Additionally, augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) devices are used owing to their advanced capabilities for training and education of airline employees, offering immersive and interactive learning experiences. Effective management of AR and VR resources is also critical to ensure a disruption-free learning process.
Effective endpoint management is crucial for maintaining operational efficiency, safeguarding sensitive data, and complying with industry regulations, improving overall safety and reliability of aviation services.
2. Maintaining a Strong Security Posture
A strong security posture is crucial to prevent vulnerability threats. This includes safeguarding both devices and data. Security threats are constantly evolving, and the aviation industry is a high-value target for malicious actors due to its critical infrastructure, high volume of customer-sensitive data, and vast supply chain.
Gathering, transmitting, and managing data, such as passenger details and flight plans, relies on the physical infrastructure of sensors and servers, making it necessary to monitor them. Advanced security measures, including encryption, multi-factor authentication, and real-time threat detection, are essential for protection against potential breaches. Furthermore, it is important to ensure the security of in-flight Wi-Fi connections to prevent network threats such as man-in-the-middle attacks.
Another major challenge is applying uniform security policies and configurations across all devices and endpoints, from on-ground devices such as boarding pass scanners and digital display screens to in-flight devices such as electronic flight folders and seatback entertainment screens.
Ensuring uniform security across the entire device inventory includes deploying standardized security policies across all endpoints. Implementing mobile device management can help aviation companies achieve this uniformity, allowing for centralized control and management of device and data security policies across the entire device fleet.
3. Access Management and Authorization
Managing a diverse and dispersed workforce poses unique challenges in the aviation industry. Only authorized employees must have access to the appropriate data for maintaining security and productivity. Adopting a strong identity and access management solution for implementing advanced access and authorization policies can address the challenge of managing user access.
4. Compliance with Industry Regulations
The aviation industry is heavily regulated, with stringent data security regulations such as the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) Standards, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Regulations, and the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) enforcing stringent security regulations. Non-compliance with these regulations can result in hefty fines and legal proceedings, hampering the brand image.
For example, IoT devices collect and analyze data to predict potential aircraft maintenance issues before they become critical, thereby maintaining sustainability and customer safety. Effective management of IoT devices is crucial to maintain compliance with environmental protection regulations and ensure the reliability of aircraft systems.
5. Customer Satisfaction
According to Salesforce, 65% of customers expect companies to understand their needs and expectations[2], with 40% switching brands due to poor customer personalization[3]. Technology plays a significant role in improving the passenger experience, from self-ticketing kiosks to seatback entertainment screens. Managing customer-facing devices is essential for providing a seamless travel experience.
Ensuring the reliability and performance of these endpoints requires robust management and regular monitoring and maintenance. Moreover, leveraging data analytics can help personalize the passenger experience, offering tailored services and recommendations based on individual preferences.
| Also Read: Importance of MDM for Airline Services |
Tackling Aviation Challenges With Scalefusion UEM
Aviation challenges are multifaceted and require dynamic and strong security. Unified endpoint management (UEM) solution like Scalefusion offers robust capabilities to address the technology challenges, ensuring robust endpoint management, strong security posture, and efficient workforce management.
Scalefusion UEM facilitates uniform security across diverse device inventories, ensuring compliance with industry regulations while enhancing customer satisfaction. By integrating Scalefusion UEM for managing and monitoring devices in the aviation industry, airline organizations can improve their operational efficiency and enhance security.
To know more about the features and capabilities of Scalefusion UEM contact our experts. Start your 14-day free trial today.
