Rail Transportation Signal Testing Case Study
Mobile command center with remote signal simulation reduces field personnel by 60% and testing time by 70%.
Industry: Transportation & Logistics
Quick Facts
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Customer | Herzog (leader in railroad services) |
| Application | Railway signal testing and commissioning |
| Personnel Reduction | 60%+ |
| Testing Time Reduction | Up to 70% |
| Communication | Ethernet real-time |
| Components | Wayside System Simulator (WSS) + Mobile Command Center |
The Challenge
Challenge: Testing and commissioning railway signal systems was labor-intensive and error-prone, requiring multiple field personnel during cutover phases with limited visibility of overall control systems.
Specific pain points:
- Several signal personnel required in field during cutover phase
- Manual manipulation of signal inputs and outputs
- Time-consuming and costly process
- Testing engineers had limited visibility of overall control system
- Potential errors and delays in cutover process
- High costs for manpower, overtime, lodging, and overhead
Impact: Labor-intensive testing created safety risks, increased costs, and delayed commissioning timelines.
The Solution
Architecture
| Component | Location | Capabilities |
|---|---|---|
| Wayside System Simulator (WSS) | Field | Simulates train movement, switch operations, signal responses |
| Mobile Command Center (Cutover Trailer) | Central | FrameworX HMI for remote control and testing |
| Ethernet Communication | Network | Real-time data exchange between WSS and command center |
System Components
Wayside System Simulator (WSS):
- Simulates real-world signal behaviors
- Simulates train movement
- Simulates switch operations
- Simulates signal responses
- Collects input from field
- Sends data to mobile command center
Mobile Command Center (Cutover Trailer):
- FrameworX-powered HMI
- Centralized control unit
- Remote signal control and testing
- Eliminates need for field personnel
- Multiple display monitors
- Complete control point visibility
Signal Behaviors Simulated
| Simulation | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Train Movement | Track occupancy testing |
| Switch Operations | Turnout control verification |
| Signal Responses | Aspect change validation |
| E-Lock Controls | Electrical lock testing |
| Track Circuits | Occupancy detection |
Key Enablers
FrameworX capabilities that made this solution possible:
| Capability | Application |
|---|---|
| Real-Time Connectivity | Ethernet communication between WSS and command center |
| Flexible HMI | Mobile command center visualization |
| Remote Control | Signal I/O manipulation from central location |
| Scenario Simulation | Test scenarios difficult to replicate in live environments |
| Centralized Monitoring | Complete control point system visibility |
The Results
60%+ Field Personnel Reduction — Most field personnel eliminated from testing process
70% Testing Time Reduction — In-service testing time cut dramatically in many cases
Increased Accuracy — Human error significantly reduced with centralized control
Improved Safety — Limited personnel exposure to field environment
Cost Reduction — Manpower, overtime, lodging, and overhead costs reduced significantly
Higher Quality — Engineers can simulate scenarios difficult to replicate live, resulting in fewer errors
Comprehensive Testing — Controlled environment allows more careful pre-testing and commissioning
Complete Visibility — Engineers focus on entire control point system, minimizing error risk
Resources
Download case study: CaseStudy_RailTransportation.pdf
This case demonstrates mobile command center signal testing with remote simulation reducing field personnel and testing time for railway commissioning.
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