A Communications-Based Productivity and Safety Solution For Railyard Switching Operations
RailComm provides a wireless Communications Based Yard Control system (DOC®:Yard) that provides remote control for yard switching operations. software-controlled yard switching system combines the most advanced power switches, railcar "presence" sensors, and local area wireless technology with a complete application software package that lets users operate the switches from trackside panels or from a central computer located inside the Yardmaster's tower.
Before ...
The switchman walks from switch to switch and throws each switch to the correct alignment. This manual operation is very slow and has significant risk of injury. After the move is completed, the switchman then starts the process over again, walking from switch to switch, aligning the switches for the next cut. All that walking takes time, dead time, and all that wasted time limits throughput in the yard. Less throughput means reduced productivity and longer yard dwell times. If all that walking could be reduced, both the Top Line and the Bottom Line would be improved—significantly.
After ... Automated Yard Control
With DOC®:Yard, switching productivity increases at the speed of light, even with a reduced crew size. Optimum productivity is achieved with only one crewman on the ground. The Switch Tender and the Conductor ("pin-puller") become one job. This reduces switching labor and provides a safer work environment and all that walking to and from switches is gone—only the pin-pulling operation places a crewman on the tracks. The result is a faster, lower cost, safer operation. In addition, time and date stamped events are instantaneously created for all switching operations and archived automatically. Operational reports are available—any time and any way you want.
DOC®:Yard is installed and routinely improving productivity in rail yards today.
The BNSF, Union Pacific, Canadian National, CSX, Canadian Pacific, Kansas City Southern, San Diego Trolley, LA Metro and others are benefiting right now from IntelliSwitch. Payback times are typically less than six months. That's right—less than six months. How many capital improvement projects can boast those kinds of payback periods? IntelliSwitch is extremely easy to install; one railroad installed 10 switches during an 8-hour shift. There is virtually no disruption during this process, because the system is self-contained. Each switch is controlled via wireless communication and powered from an internal, solar (or AC) charged battery. No trenching, cabling, insulated joints or signal bungalows are required. RailComm will also train your employees to use the system, and provide you with optional preventive maintenance and rapid repair services.
Improve Safety and Productivity
- Operate switches from multiple locations. Panels strategically located in the yard to optimize the operation.
- Operate switches from the tower using a PC computer with event logging and graphical playback.
- No wires, cable or equipment bungalow required.
- Works in third rail and catenary environments.
- Low Maintenance, high reliable, low spares count.
- Systems in operation throughout North America.
The DOC®:Yard, Communications Based Yard Control System was designed to provide economical and highly reliable remote control for new and existing flat yards. The system consists of a PC-based, Windows application that remotely controls radio equipped solar-powered switch machines over a secure radio network.
The system provides control functions ranging from direct switch control to NX style operations and Automatic Routing based on switch lists.
Additionally, the system can be provided with a broad suite of tools to enable the user to easily modify the track layout. This allows the customer to implement future modifications, without overhauling the entire control system.
The system requires no field cabling, thus eliminating the expense of bungalows and trenching. Maintenance efforts are greatly improved through modular construction of the system. Central control of yard routing from the office computer or from local field control panels, improves efficiency, and the power switch operation reduces injuries.
At a Glance
DOC supports a wide variety of integrated solutions for indication, control, access and distribution of critical operational data.
Contact Us
Call RailComm toll-free today to learn more at 877-724-5266.