6 Benefits to Using Data Observability Tools for Your Business

What if you could see and understand the health and performance of your data systems in real-time, ensuring their accuracy, availability, and performance?

Data observability can help you do this. Data observability platforms are becoming increasingly essential in the aviation and parking industry as they offer a comprehensive approach to managing and using data. Unlike traditional monitoring tools, which typically focus on isolated data points, data observability tools provide a complete view of your data system.

They include several key components:

• Metrics: Numbers that give insights into how well systems are performing. For example, tracking the number of flights handled per hour or the average time taken for valet services.
• Logs: Detailed records of events within the system, providing a close-up view of operations. This includes tracking security incidents or system errors that could impact operations.
• Traces: Data that follows the flow of operations across various systems, helping to find where issues arise. For instance, tracing a passenger’s journey from check-in to boarding can identify bottlenecks. Likewise, potential crowding can be identified in venues and entry/exit issues for parking operations.
• Data lineage: The history of data as it moves through the system, ensuring transparency and accountability. For example, monitoring the lifecycle of maintenance records to verify compliance with safety regulations and identify any modifications or updates made over time.

These components work together to provide a detailed and actionable view of airport operations, helping you be proactive in resource management and optimisation. Let’s look at some of the benefits of using data observability tools for your airport or paring operations.

Key benefits of using data observability platforms

1. Increased trust in data

Data observability platforms provide transparent and verifiable data processes that build stakeholder confidence. They ensure consistent monitoring and validation of all data, from passenger information to flight details, minimising the risk of operational mishaps and security breaches. This reliable handling of data helps maintain operational licenses and ensure passenger safety, which enhances the your reputation as a secure and efficiently managed facility.

In addition to improving reliability, data observability tools enable regulatory compliance, meaning that data handling meets industry standards and regulations. For example, GDPR compliance in handling customer data requires personal information to be securely processed and stored, preventing potential data breaches. Identifying and resolving data discrepancies in real-time through data observability helps prevent potential data breaches, thereby maintaining the integrity and security of your systems.

2. Improved data quality

Data quality is a major concern for organisations. The Drexel University’s LeBow College of Business 2023 Survey of Data and Analytics Professionals report highlights that 70% of people believe the quality of their data is the biggest reason they don’t trust it. Data observability tools help combat quality issues as they consistently monitor and validate against errors, inconsistencies, or discrepancies, identifying them in real-time. By catching these issues early, data observability tools help maintain the integrity and accuracy of the information that businesses rely on.

This process involves several key activities:

• Real-time monitoring of data as it is generated and used across different systems. This includes tracking flight schedules, passenger or customer information, parking movement data, and more. By observing data in real-time, these tools can immediately detect anomalies or irregularities.
• Validating data against predefined rules and criteria to ensure its accuracy. Monitoring the interactions between different systems, such as the online pre-booking system and onsite CPMS (Car Park Management Systems) / PARCS (Parking Access and Revenue Control Systems), is critical. Detecting any communication failures or delays early can prevent operational issues at critical points, such as build-ups at entry or exit gates.
• When an error or discrepancy is detected, data observability tools can trigger alerts or automated responses to address the issue. For instance, by replacing traditional contact forms with a real-time feedback mechanism linked to operations via QR codes and SMS alerts ensures that customer feedback reaches the operational teams instantly.
• In some cases, data observability tools can automatically correct minor errors. For more complex issues, they provide detailed information to help staff quickly identify and fix the problem. This reduces the time and effort required to maintain data quality.

These capabilities translate into fewer disruptions and smoother operations.

3. Improved system reliability

Data observability tools help keep systems reliable by providing real-time information and predictive analytics to spot and fix problems early. They continuously check for issues like system overloads or equipment failures and use AI and machine learning to predict when maintenance is needed and prevent system failures. For example, by analysing patterns and historical data, they can forecast when specific equipment is likely to require repairs. This proactive approach helps airports plan maintenance activities during less busy times, avoiding delays and expensive emergency fixes.

Data observability solutions also detect and address data anomalies before they escalate. For example, for airports, if it identifies unusual patterns in passenger check-in times that suggest a potential system slowdown, it can trigger an alert for immediate action, preventing long queues and delays at check-in counters. A similar scenario can be imagined across other industries. The advantage of being proactive rather than reactive in system management is significant. By catching potential issues before they escalate, data observability platforms help avoid disruptions, maintain efficient operations and reduce downtime.

4. Improved customer satisfaction

Data observability platforms enhance customer satisfaction by enabling airports to customise passenger experience based on insights from observed data. For example, airports can identify frequent flyers and offer them expedited services such as faster check-ins, priority boarding, and access to exclusive lounges. Parking operators have the same tools at their disposal and can, given their product availability, nurture loyal customers by offering them services like valet packages to improve their experience. This personalised approach makes the journey smoother and more enjoyable for these valued customers.

Data observability tools can enable a seamless experience across all phases of the passenger journey. They help airports track and respond to passenger needs in real-time, from the moment they check-in to when they board the plane. If there’s a delay, the system can automatically update passengers and provide alternative solutions like rebooking options or vouchers for airport amenities.

Sticking with airport examples for a minute, in the baggage claim area, data observability can help track luggage more accurately, reducing instances of lost baggage and ensuring that passengers receive their bags promptly. By improving the efficiency and reliability of these processes, airports can significantly enhance the overall passenger experience, making travel less stressful and more enjoyable.

5. Better decision-making and informed strategic oversight

There’s no doubt data is vital to making informed decisions, and business leaders agree. According to a recent study, 80% of business leaders see the increasingly important role data plays in making strategic decisions. Data observability platforms enable strategic decision-making by offering a complete view of all operational elements. They provide data-driven insights that help businesses with strategic planning and resource allocation. For instance, airports can analyse passenger flow data to determine the best times for staff deployment, ensuring there are enough staff members during peak hours without overstaffing during quieter periods.

They also support strategic planning for future developments and operational enhancements by giving management a clear picture of current operations and potential areas for improvement. For example, data observability can highlight which parts of the airport or venue consistently experience bottlenecks, guiding decisions on where to invest in infrastructure improvements or additional resources.

Additionally, data observability tools enable quick identification and response to immediate challenges. When unexpected issues arise, such as a sudden increase in passenger or visitor numbers or a technical glitch, these tools provide real-time data that helps management respond swiftly and effectively.

Bring the benefits of data observability to your business with Rezcomm

Data observability tools enhance data quality, improve system reliability, and increase customer satisfaction by providing real-time insights and predictive maintenance. They also support better decision-making and strategic planning through comprehensive data analysis.

Implementing Rezcomm’s data observability suite can bring these advantages to your airport, venue or parking operation. Rezcomm’s tools provide the insights needed to optimise operations, enhance customer experiences, and make data-driven decisions.

To learn more about how Rezcomm’s data observability suite can benefit your airport, download our brochure or get in touch with us today.