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Although some railroads have a highly integrated, single-vendor system for their train control and operations functions, most train control and operations centers must make do with a set of disparate legacy information technology (IT) systems. This article discusses some general principles that may be helpful in streamlining these operational systems. Most railroads are highly computerized, but the IT systems could be considered "islands of information." Effective IT solutions can break down the functional silos that develop in most companies and support the service delivery cycle as a whole, without compromising the integrity of the real-time safety-critical control systems. The key is a service-oriented IT architecture where functional modules are able to communicate via interfaces. Interfaces must develop between long- and short-term planning, short-term planning and day of operations, and performance monitoring and planning functions. These interfaces can help boost productivity and reduce costs by improving the flow of information through the operational business cycle.

Availability:
- Find a library where document is available. Order URL: http://worldcat.org/oclc/49957551
Authors:
- Richardson, James
Publication Date: 2007-2

Language

English

Media Info

Media Type: Print
Features: Photos;
Pagination: pp 32-33
Serial:
- Rail Professional
- Issue Number: 119
- Publisher: Cambridge Publishers Limited
- ISSN: 1476-2196
- Serial URL: http://www.cpl.biz/ourwork/general/rp.htm

Subject/Index Terms

TRT Terms: Automatic train control; Control centers; Information systems; Information technology; Integrated systems; Long range planning; Performance; Railroads; Short range planning; System architecture; Train operation; User interfaces (Computer science)
Subject Areas: Data and Information Technology; Operations and Traffic Management; Railroads; Terminals and Facilities;

Filing Info

Accession Number: 01046578
Record Type: Publication
Files: TRIS
Created Date: Apr 1 2007 9:52PM