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10East provides a mobile information management
system built on sophisticated hardware and software that securely
simplifies the workflow and helps to manage a railroad’s transportation
infrastructure. Sharp Electronics Corporation's Zaurus is the hardware
solution in this system.
CSX Case Study
Value of a Mobile Strategy
For many, a handheld computer is viewed as a simple PIM (Personal
Information Manager) device that enables the user to keep tabs on
daily activities. This mini-case study details how field force automation,
using the Sharp Zaurus and RailDOCS, produced actual cost reductions
and provable gains in efficiency of one of America’s largest
Fortune 100 transportation companies. For more detailed information
and the entire Sharp Zaurus/10East Case Study go to www.myzaurus.com/indexenterprise2.asp
Scenario
CSXT expressed a desire to eliminate the massive amounts of paperwork
and manual labor required for documenting Federally mandated tests.
They also identified the need to be able to automate management systems
to provide real time data relating to compliance. They asked 10 East
to research the possibilities and develop a strategy that supported
these initiatives.
The Solution
The entire solution is based on three key components, the Zaurus,
the communication infrastructure, and the data center. Maintenance
workers enter the data on their Zaurus handheld as they are doing
inspections. At the end of the work day, they simply plug in the CompactFlash
modem or network card and synchronize the data through 10 East’s
nationwide ISP network to the RailDOCS data center. The entire syncing
process takes about 2-3 minutes to complete. The solution is simple
and elegant.
Data Collection Tools
After extensive research on finding the right hardware and the right
partners that could support that hardware, 10 East became an official
VAR for Sharp Electronics. The Sharp Zaurus represents the most technologically
adept tool for handling complex corporate problems, and Sharp’s
solutions strategy is in perfect synergy with 10 East’s needs.
Sharp’s solutions strategy “helps our company provide
our customers with the right technology at the right time” said
Lester Hightower, 10 East’s Chief Technology Officer.
Cost Savings: Previous Work Practices versus
New Electronic Practices
Previously, all FRA tests and inspections were recorded on paper forms.
With the new electronic system, the paper, printing, and distribution
cost is virtually eliminated. And although filing should be a clerical
function, it was being performed by skilled management and maintenance
personnel at significant cost. This too was eliminated.
Now management reporting of FRA compliance is simply a consequential
result of performing FRA tests, rather than an expensive and laborious
activity. FRA compliance can be reviewed by every level of management
in near real time. Maintenance workers now have a sophisticated
work scheduling tool that enables them to plan their workload, and
see their daily progress.
With the advanced capabilities this system brings to bear, we have
the core components that will enable significant features to be
added at very little additional cost. Features that result in savings
measured by orders of magnitude. Features such as: asset management,
configuration management, distribution of time sensitive material
(such as hardware service bulletins and safety initiatives), operations
and equipment manuals, direct communication with field hardware
supporting next generation automated testing and reporting, and
a number of other innovations.
Full CSX Case Study PDF
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