Integrated Solution Offers 'Intelligent' Infrastructure Reporting
10 October 2006 10:19
ADT Rail Systems, Transmitton's expert consultancy that specialises in the specification, design and manufacture of asset condition and event monitoring technologies, is working in partnership with Network Rail's Western Territory on a project at Swindon Integrated Control Centre, which could lead to a truly integrated turnkey solution for asset reliability.
In February 2006, a suitable trial site was identified. In a collaborative testing programme between ADT Rail Systems and the Network Rail team, ADT Rail System's OnTrack controller has now been fully integrated with cromos, Transmitton's proven suite of Network Management Utilities, as used in the cromos software.
Cromos is already installed in most electrical control rooms, including Swindon, throughout the UK's rail infrastructure so adding the OnTrack system as a reporting tool is a cost-effective improvement. Combining these two proven technologies gives the control teams a much more efficient way of monitoring events. Richard Shaw, Account Manager ADT Rail Systems explains, "Using 'intelligent infrastructure reporting' is a more effective approach for managing faults. Historically the rail industry has operated a "find and fix" approach, where points failures or fault conditions are reported and logged, then rapid response teams are sent out to repair them. Installing an OnTrack system at a junction gives an early warning of potential faults - effectively predicting the need for maintenance before a fault occurs and then carrying out preventative maintenance in advance. The performance of the railway is improved and the need for potentially hazardous trackside visits is dramatically reduced."
ADT Rail System's solution for Swindon is repeatable and scalable, allowing many junctions to be monitored by a single control terminal. The trial site has been a great success and will spearhead the roll out of seven more interlockings in Network Rail's Western Territory in the next six months. Richard Shaw added, "ADT Rail Systems and Network Rail have developed a very good relationship during this project. By working closely together in this way, we are improving the efficiency of fault reporting systems and ultimately these will deliver tangible benefits for rail passengers."
For more information on this company:
Transmitton - Integrated Control and Asset Management Solutions for the Rail Industry
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