APCOA - Berlin Airport
- Success Story
IT Infrastructure at Berlin Airport: Reliable, Scalable, On Time
Client: APCOA PARKING Deutschland GmbH Industry: Mobility and Parking IT Service Area: Digital Infrastructure
APCOA PARKING Deutschland GmbH operates parking facilities at some of Germany’s most important transportation hubs. For the opening of Berlin Brandenburg Airport (BER) on October 31, 2020, the entire parking infrastructure had to be up and running in time. Under intense time pressure, with complex technological requirements and rapidly changing on-site conditions, Axsos took responsibility for modernizing and restoring the IT infrastructure, ensuring that APCOA was fully operational on opening day.
- The Challenge
Outdated systems, tight deadlines, and an airport that couldn't wait
When IT Infrastructure Becomes a Critical Prerequisite
BER Airport was one of Germany's most closely watched infrastructure projects. For APCOA, the upcoming opening meant that the entire IT infrastructure of the parking facilities had to be brought up to a future-proof standard in the shortest possible time. There was no room for delays.
The existing systems were technologically outdated and no longer met the requirements of modern airport operations. At the same time, it was necessary to integrate new services, adapt the network design to the changed local conditions, and significantly increase the reliability of the entire infrastructure. Manual processes, fragmented system landscapes, and a lack of scalability posed a substantial challenge for APCOA.
Added to this were last-minute changes in requirements and the significant coordination effort required between various technical trades—all while under constant pressure to meet a fixed opening date.
- The Solution
Custom IT Infrastructure for One of Germany's Largest Airports
Scalable, resilient, and tailored to the requirements of BER
Axsos first conducted a comprehensive evaluation of the existing infrastructure. Based on this analysis, a customized solution was developed that ensured both the immediate operational requirements and the long-term scalability of the IT systems.
01
Upgrade of the Server Infrastructure
Working closely with Dell, the outdated server infrastructure was completely overhauled. The new infrastructure is powerful, future-proof, and designed to reliably meet growing demands.
02
Optimized Network Design
The network design was fundamentally revised and adapted to the changed on-site conditions at BER Airport. Particular attention was paid to cable routing and the repair of existing damage in order to create a stable and fail-safe network infrastructure.
03
Integration of New Services
New technological solutions such as FlowANPR (automatic license plate recognition) and a digital taxi management system have been integrated into the infrastructure. In addition, the connection of the drop-off areas to Terminal 1 was successfully implemented as part of another customer project.
04
Flexible adaptation to last-minute changes
All additional requirements and adjustments that arose during the course of the project were consistently incorporated into the new network design without jeopardizing the project schedule.
- The Implementation
Step by Step Toward a Fully Operational Infrastructure
Structured implementation under real-world operating conditions
The implementation took place in several coordinated steps, ensuring continuous operational capability throughout the entire renovation phase. Axsos coordinated all trades and ensured seamless alignment between technological and structural requirements.
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Integration and Commissioning All new services, such as FlowANPR and taxi management, were fully integrated into the overall system and accepted prior to the opening date.
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Network and Cable Infrastructure
Damage to the physical infrastructure has been repaired. The cable routing was redesigned and adapted to the airport’s structural conditions to create a stable, long-term foundation.
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Infrastructure Upgrade: The existing systems were brought up to the current technological standard. Servers and network technology were replaced, modernized, and optimized for continuous operation.
The implementation was carried out in close coordination with the relevant personnel at APCOA. Direct communication on an equal footing was a key factor in the project’s success. Axsos supported the entire process as a reliable partner and responded flexibly to new requirements.
- Project Successes
An airport is set to open, and the infrastructure is ready
01
On-time implementation
All parking garages and parking lots at BER Airport were fully operational in time for the opening on October 31, 2020. APCOA was able to begin operations without any restrictions.
02
Improved reliability
The optimized network design ensures a stable, resilient infrastructure. The systems' reliability has been significantly improved. An indispensable foundation for reliable operation at a
03
Integration of New Technologies
Services such as FlowANPR and digital taxi management improve operational processes and the customer experience in the long term. APCOA now has a modern, service-oriented infrastructure.
04
Future-proof and scalable infrastructure
The upgraded IT infrastructure is not only designed for current operations, but also offers the scalability needed to meet future requirements—without the need for fundamental system changes.
- The Conclusion
Trust as a Foundation: IT Infrastructure as a Source of Freedom
A Reliable Partnership for Complex Infrastructure Projects
The successful modernization of the IT infrastructure at BER Airport demonstrates what professional execution under pressure entails: precise planning, consistent implementation, and communication based on genuine trust. With the new infrastructure, APCOA gained not only technological stability but, above all, the freedom to focus on what matters most: reliable operations for millions of travelers.
Axsos provided more than just technology. As a partner on equal footing, Axsos took responsibility from the initial evaluation through to successful commissioning. The result: a scalable, fail-safe, and future-proof digital infrastructure that meets the requirements of one of Germany’s most important transportation hubs.
"What's important is that we can talk about anything with Axsos, that we can openly address issues, and that we always feel we're being taken seriously."
Andreas Holzhauer, CFO of APCOA PARKING Deutschland GmbH
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Axsos AG, Konrad-Zuse-Weg 1, 72555 Metzingen, 49 711 901196 440, www.axsos.de