IBM introduces software to aid air, rail transportation

IBM unveiled a new software framework designed to transform the way airlines and rail companies track and manage critical aspects of their businesses. Transportation systems are tremendously asset-intensive and use large amounts of energy. Using IBM's advanced information management, analytics, automation and process integration software, airlines and rail companies can model and manage optimal routes, schedules, and capacity in near real-time and ultimately improve the consumer's travel experience while minimizing energy costs.

The new IBM Travel and
Transportation Framework is a combination of IBM software products and IBM
industry assets that provide a platform upon which solutions can be developed,
deployed and managed. Interconnected systems allow a single view into business
operations, saving money and time by allowing a company to be aware of the
location, status and availability of all their equipment and assets. The
framework leverages both industry and open standards to simplify integration,
improve interoperability and enable the delivery of innovative customer-related
services.

Among the capabilities are:

Asset Optimization. Allows
clients to manage capital assets throughout their revenue-producing life cycle.
The types of assets managed include aircraft, passenger rail rolling stock,
locomotives, tracks and equipment located along the right-of-way such as
signals and facilities.

Safety, Security &
Surveillance. Supports the use of sensors, RFID, digital video, biometric
identification and wireless devices. These are coupled with analytic tools to
monitor operations, identify risks to safety or security such as unexpected
events occurring in terminals and along railroad right-of-way.

Operations Control Systems.
Helps improve operational effectiveness and reduce environmental impact through
better planning of schedules, load plans, facilities, crews and equipment. For
railroads, this includes optimizing timetables, assignment of rolling stock and
train and station crews.

The framework could also
have a major positive impact with passenger and cargo rail companies. Managing
and optimizing trains and their network infrastructure is a complex process that
requires sophisticated technologies. The new Travel and Transportation
Framework addresses and delivers the capabilities that rail companies need,
including:

• Predictive maintenance,
utilization and productivity of the train cars, tracks, equipment.

• Scheduling and
dynamically rescheduling of trains’ movements.

• Scheduling and optimizing
assignment of crews to trains and staff to stations.

• Surveillance of tracks
and infrastructure.