Security Checkpoint Optimizer Simulation Tool For Passenger Screening Prototyping

Summary form only given. Northrop Grumman in support of Transportation Security Administration (TSA), part of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS), began development of the Security Checkpoint Optimizer (SCO) discrete-event simulation software in 2001. Since then, a number of security screening simulation models have been developed in support of DHS Science and Technology Branch and TSA studies. In 2007, Northrop Grumman was tasked by the TSA Office of Security Technologies to develop a prototype system demonstrating connectivity of screening equipment with an enterprise screening control and monitoring system. To support the prototype, SCO was enhanced with network capabilities to enable device emulation. The SCO simulation software was able to act as a "stand in" for screening devices, which are not currently network-capable. The initial prototype showed the feasibility of such an interconnected system, and will serve as a basis for future testing. The study also produced valuable insights to facilitate actual implementation.