‘From Hours of Searching to Instant Clarity.’
How Advanced GIS Integration Revolutionised
Melbourne Airport’s Field Operations.
Overview: Enhancing Operational Efficiency with GIS Integration
Industry: Aviation
Solution: Maptaskr Enterprise for Microsoft Dynamics 365
Solution Area: Field Service, Asset Management
Region: Australia
Background
Melbourne Airport, one of Australia’s busiest aviation hubs, faced a pressing challenge: managing complex operational workflows across a sprawling precinct serving over 100,000 daily passengers. The airport’s existing systems lacked the real-time precision needed to streamline work orders and optimise resource allocation. By integrating Maptaskr’s GIS-enabled solutions with Microsoft Dynamics 365, Melbourne Airport achieved transformative improvements in operational efficiency, staff productivity, and customer experience.
Patrick Ancheta, Product Owner for Melbourne Airport’s Work Order Management and Asset Management Systems, spearheaded this initiative. His insights reveal how technology revolutionised the airport’s ability to address operational challenges.
Challenges: Managing Complex Operations Across a Large Precinct
Melbourne Airport’s operations span thousands of assets, from public amenities to critical infrastructure like aerobridges and baggage systems. Historically, teams relied on standalone GIS systems disconnected from work order management tools.
“We had to manually copy and paste location details into work orders,” says Patrick. “Our cleaners, technicians, and maintenance teams often struggled to locate issues because they didn’t have access to GIS maps. Naming conventions caused further confusion, with teams referring to the same locations differently.”
Key challenges included:
Frequent miscommunication: Different teams called locations by inconsistent names, complicating task allocation.
Multiple callouts: Technicians spent up to two hours locating specific assets, resulting in delays and redundant trips.
These inefficiencies affected not only maintenance workflows but also Melbourne Airport’s ability to respond to time-critical issues in a fast-paced environment.
Solution: Maptaskr Enterprise with Microsoft Dynamics 365
To address these challenges, Melbourne Airport implemented Maptaskr, an advanced GIS-based solution integrated with Microsoft Dynamics 365 and Power Platform. This integration transformed how the airport’s teams handled maintenance and asset management tasks by linking real-time location data with work order processes.
Key features of the Maptaskr solution:
Live GIS mapping: Teams could access accurate, up-to-date maps of the airport precinct within the work order system.
Pin drop functionality: Helpdesk staff could pinpoint exact locations for tasks, ensuring clarity for technicians.
Proximity search: Enabled teams to identify nearby assets quickly, reducing search times.
Scalability via Microsoft Power Platform: Ensured reliability and flexibility for Melbourne Airport’s large-scale operations.
Patrick describes the implementation: “When the Helpdesk team receives a call about an issue, they use Maptaskr to identify the location on a live map. They can ask the caller for details like the terminal number or nearby landmarks, then drop a pin and link it to the work order. Personnel know exactly where to go, with no ambiguity.”
Implementation and User Adoption
Patrick played a key role in the project, from concept design to deployment: “As a product owner, I ensured the functionality we needed was delivered. Initially, I just wanted basic mapping functionality, but Maptaskr helped us realise we could do much more.”
Working with Maptaskr’s team, Melbourne Airport adapted the solution to their needs. “The team was excellent,” Patrick says. “They provided the technical expertise to configure the system within our Microsoft Dynamics and Azure environment. By the time I saw it in the test environment, it was already working seamlessly.”
Outcomes: Transformational Efficiency Gains
The integration of Maptaskr has had a profound impact on Melbourne Airport’s operations.
Reduced callouts and downtime: Technicians now locate assets on their first attempt, significantly reducing redundant trips. Previously, a technician could spend 1–2 hours searching for an asset. With Maptaskr, this time has been slashed to approximately 15 minutes.
Operational efficiency gains: The airport handles 100–200 maintenance issues daily, translating to approximately 3,000 tasks per month. Assuming even a 50% reduction in inefficiency per task, Maptaskr saves approximately 1,500 hours of labour monthly—a productivity gain equivalent to 188 workdays.
Data-driven insights: Teams now have access to precise datasets, enabling informed decision-making and improved resource allocation.
One of the most notable successes involved Melbourne Airport’s roof maintenance. Previously, technicians struggled to locate specific assets across a vast roof area spanning multiple terminals. With Maptaskr’s integration, technicians could see their own geolocation alongside the precise asset location, significantly reducing search times.
“This functionality has been game-changing,” Patrick says. “It’s allowed us to complete maintenance works on the first try, saving hours of unnecessary searching and enabling us to resolve issues faster.”
Insights: A Modern Approach to Operational Excellence
The success of the project reflects Melbourne Airport’s commitment to leveraging cutting-edge technology to optimise operations. Patrick highlights the broader impact: “The solution has shifted us to being more data-driven. We now have accurate data available for all business units, which helps them make better decisions and improve their processes.”
A Smarter Operational Future for Melbourne Airport
By integrating Maptaskr’s GIS capabilities with Microsoft Dynamics 365, Melbourne Airport has set a new standard for operational efficiency. The solution has empowered teams to address issues faster, optimise resources, and deliver a better experience for passengers and service providers alike.
“This functionality has been game-changing. It’s allowed us to complete maintenance works on the first try, saving hours of unnecessary searching and enabling us to resolve issues faster.”
Melbourne Airport’s partnership with Maptaskr exemplifies how innovation can address complex challenges and deliver tangible benefits. By leveraging live GIS integration, the airport has not only improved its internal workflows but also enhanced the experience for millions of passengers annually.
“It’s been one of the most impactful changes we’ve made,” says Patrick. “From improving trust in our systems to driving efficiency across the board, Maptaskr has delivered exceptional results.”
As airports worldwide grapple with similar operational complexities, Melbourne Airport’s journey offers a compelling blueprint for success.
Want to learn how Maptaskr can optimise your operations? Contact us today to explore solutions tailored to your organisational needs.