East Coast Trains has chosen Interfleet Technology's recently
launched Guru product to help deliver a step-change in monitoring
performance. Interfleet's Guru system will enable the operator to
make real-time informed operating decisions, speeding decision
making and effectiveness.
Guru encompasses remote condition monitoring, energy metering
and interactive software and provides East Coast Trains with a
sophisticated tool which can help deliver reductions in train
maintenance costs and energy usage, increased rolling stock
reliability, improved detection of infrastructure faults and
enhanced overall operational efficiency. It also provides access to
unprecedented levels of live and historic data that can be utilised
to optimise performance. In addition to Guru's energy metering and
reporting module, the service also boasts a remote train
diagnostics system, with bespoke software enabling access to data
from any device with a standard web browser.
The software - provided by Interfleet's partner Nexala - shows
information about fleet and set status, operations analysis, cab
status, live electrical schematics, data channels, fleet location
and energy reporting. The service has also been designed to be
flexible to individual operator's needs, allowing for future
expansion as both user confidence and business operations grow. In
effect, the equipment allows remote viewing of what the driver is
experiencing.
Communications between train and shore is provided by
Interfleet's Wi-Fi partner Icomera AB, whose Wi-Fi system is
already fitted to the whole of the East Coast train fleet.
The energy metering equipment for energy measurement and billing
is being supplied by FAR Systems Spa, specialists in the design,
development and manufacture of onboard train control, monitoring,
diagnostic and communication systems.
East Coast Trains consulted several service providers before
opting for Guru. East Coast's Engineering Director Andy Cope
explains: "Performance improvement is a central objective to all
operators entering into what is set to be a very challenging year
ahead. To ensure service levels to customers are prioritised, we
needed to select a partner that both understood the intricacies of
our business and sector and had a robust solution capable of
delivering tangible results. Based on all of the proposals received
in response to our tender request, it was clear that Interfleet
Technology was that partner."