We want to digitalize, future-proof and revolutionize the rail processes of this world because it is in our DNA. With the prize-winning application, the Train Check, we have now tackled another element of logistics management and integrated it into the digital chain.
Marcel Lehmann, Senior Business Consultant, ZEDAS GmbH
Railway undertakings and railway infrastructure companies are faced with great challenges: Cost pressure and fierce competition, digital transformation, shortage of skilled labour, documentation requirements and verification. With the zedas®cargo solution, logistics management in rail freight is digitalised, automated and analysed. With the Train Check app, procedures to prepare train departure can be completed right next to the train without paperwork.
Moreover, the project makes it possible to enter and forward information on damaged wagons on mobile devices: If, during inspection, the train preparer detects damages on a wagon, this is documented and the wagon keeper is informed. In addition, the app automatically identifies possible brake positions, calculates the brake weight and takes the path requirements into account. The solution also offers the digitalization of the processes between railway undertakings and railway infrastructure companies: Before the train can depart, it must be registered with its wagon data with the infrastructure manager. The interfaces for automatic data transfer are already integrated in the solution.
Good to know
- From ZEDAS, nine staff members from consulting, software development and quality management were involved in the project, in addition to the staff of our client, of course.
- In 2018, we started planning the app and laying down the specifications for it, together with our client. In 2019, we implemented the idea.
Interview mit Marcel Lehmann, Senior Business Consultant, ZEDAS GmbH
How did you come up with the idea for your project?
Our aim is to continuously improve logistics management. With this app, we have completed our logistics management software for rail freight. Thus, a further piece of the jigsaw has been digitalized and integrated into the ongoing flow of information.
One of our Swiss clients was the co-initiator for the implementation. He was in need of a mobile solution that enables digital train dispatching services directly on the ground and thus helps to save time and costs.
What challenges did you face during implementation?
The greatest challenge was to give a clear and platform-independent overview, on a smartphone display, of the wealth of information required by the wagon inspector to check the trains. Not being a stand-alone app, but an element of the large zedas®cargo system, the app had to be linked up accordingly. For example, the data from the wagon order are used for all subsequent steps. All staff members can thus easily document processes and all the information can be accessed at the train control centre in real-time.
Where do you see your project in five years?
We believe that our app will be widely used as it will help to considerably speed up and simplify a very time-consuming task in rail freight. The app for train inspections will significantly reduce the railway undertaking staff’s workload – both on the ground and at the train control centre – by automating recurring manual tasks, such as performing brake calculation and preparing mandatory documents.
What is your advice for others who have a good idea and want to translate it into action?
We live in the “Land of Ideas” – innovative solutions must be brought to life in order to contribute to shaping the world of tomorrow. Therefore, our advice is: DO IT!