SATS Named Winner of First INFORM Aviation Award

Its Innovative, Remote Implementation of Complex Software Cited

INFORM, a leading provider of Hybrid AI-based optimization software that facilitates improved decision-making, processes, and resource management, announced today that it has recognized SATS, Asia’s leading provider of food solutions and gateway services, and the chief ground-handling and in-flight catering service provider at Singapore Changi Airport, with its first INFORM Aviation Award. INFORM Senior Vice President and Head of the Aviation Division Uschi Schulte-Sasse stated that the award was given to SATS in recognition of its innovative approach to implementing a complex software solution completely remote in close cooperation with INFORM’s team across continents. The award was presented to SATS Senior Vice President and Group Head of Technology Donald Lum at INFORM’s recent GroundStar User Conference 2022 in Seattle, Washington.

“As with many things, the global pandemic introduced many restrictions and travel bans which prevented INFORM’s international teams from implementing projects using our normal set-up of joint workshops and training sessions,” said Schulte-Sasse. “Our SATS project was barely signed when the pandemic hit. Thus, there was no familiarity with GroundStar at all, but the SATS team was highly motivated to be up and running when the COVID-19 restrictions lifted. With that said, together SATS and INFORM embarked on a new, pioneering approach wherein all implementation activities would be conducted virtually and fully-remotely, something unheard of before the pandemic.”

Despite the time and cultural differences, the SATS and INFORM teams worked tirelessly and seamlessly to implement the INFORM software. Extensive joint digital sessions, full technical set-up, meetings, and trainings were conducted remotely. Full project and management activities were all done virtually. In the end, SATS even gained further valuable benefits from the remotely implemented project over the traditional method. Specifically, the combination of live and recorded sessions made reviews and follow-up training easier. Additionally, SATS had the option of relying on earlier training content and past configurations for iterations, as well as conveniently tracking them. From a fiscal standpoint, the elimination of considerable travel also generated cost savings.

In addition to proving that remote implementation of complex software projects is not only viable but beneficial, SATS’ fully-integrated and implemented software project has provided the organization with enhanced decision-making, increased productivity, improved performance, and better communications. It is now being used across 17 ground handling business units from pax services and aircraft cleaning, to ramp and tech ramp.

About SATS LTD.
SATS is Asia’s leading provider of food solutions and gateway services. Using innovative food technologies and resilient supply chains, we create tasty, quality food in sustainable ways for airlines, foodservice chains, retailers and institutions. With heartfelt service and advanced technology, we connect people, businesses and communities seamlessly through our comprehensive gateway services for customers such as airlines, cruise lines, freight forwarders, postal services and eCommerce companies. Fulfilling our purpose to feed and connect communities, SATS delights customers in over 60 locations and 14 countries across the Asia Pacific, UK, and the Middle East. SATS has been listed on the Singapore Exchange since May 2000. For more information, please visit www.sats.com.sg.

About INFORM
INFORM develops software for the optimization of business processes using Digital Decision Making based on Artificial Intelligence and Operations Research. The company supplements classic IT systems and increases the profitability and resilience of many companies. While data management software only provides information, INFORM systems can analyze large amounts of data in a matter of seconds, calculate numerous decision variants and suggest the best possible solution to the user for implementation. Today, more than 900 software engineers, data analysts and consultants support more than 1,000 customers worldwide in manufacturing, trade, airports, ports, logistics, banks, telecommunication, and insurance companies. Processes including sales planning, production planning, personnel deployment, logistics and transport, inventories, supply chain management as well as fraud prevention in insurance, telecommunication, and payment transactions are optimized.www.inform-software.com

 About GroundStar
With GroundStar, INFORM offers the most comprehensive software suite for the optimization of aviation processes currently on the market. It fulfills all requirements of the companies involved in airline and airport operations and covers a wide range of solutions, such as Ground Handling, Aircraft Engineering, Airport Operations, and Hub and Turnaround Management. GroundStar helps customers to run their operations smoothly and cost-effectively while improving punctuality and passenger satisfaction at the same time. INFORM has been developing scientifically substantiated optimization algorithms for this purpose. As a global leader with over 200 installations in more than 170 airports worldwide INFORM has proven its effective and long-term capacity for innovation.