Critical rail track renewal processes have been transformed with the leading workflow automation provider Intoware, paving the way for future deployment with frontline maintenance teams.
Created to work on a 10-year programme to positively impact track design, deployment and renewals, the CRSA partners together with Network Rail R&D are accelerating rail infrastructure regeneration across the London North West, London North East and East Midlands routes.
This latest digitalisation trial based at Network Rail’s Aston Depot, has brought existing innovative solutions together to help standardise data collection and reporting for safety critical renewals from legacy paper-based processes into one, easy-to-use and adaptable ‘connected worker’ solution.
Network Rail’s Accelerated Innovation programme approached Intoware last year as information on its track renewals was not being fully captured and utilised efficiently across the business. By digitising data and processes of its frontline teams it aimed to deliver high-quality data, improvements in track safety and reduce costs.
The digital automation platform WorkfloPlus was specified as it converts paper-based workflows into easy to follow, step-by-step digital work instructions that are accessible via wearable head-mounted tablets (HMT’s) featuring augmented reality from RealWear as part of a connected-worker solution.
“Workers can go completely hands-free via voice-controlled headsets and collect data supported by images, video, emergency calling and GPS integration for reliable referencing enabling a consistent approach to renewals.” Said, Chloe Denham, programme manager – innovation & continuous improvement, the Central Railway Systems Alliance.
Intoware’s business development director, Hannah Bailey, said: “We’re really pleased to be partnering with Network Rail, the challenge for the trial was to reduce print costs and avoid lengthy delays incurred by paper processes. But most importantly, improvements in data quality were critical, as incomplete intelligence would necessitate further inspections to recapture missing information to ensure track safety and compliance.
“WorkfloPlus improves the quality of data captured as it auto generates data reports in ‘real-time’ from inspections and is instantly shared with colleagues and supervisors to deliver significant performance improvements. While ‘hands-free working’ also meant better situational awareness so it’s easier for the workforce to pick up on any potential hazards.”