AKRA - Turning potential into code

The world of trains, digitized

VPI European Rail Service GmbH

2020

How to capture data today

For the Association of Freight Car Owners in Germany (VPI), we developed documentation software that allows the data of rail freight cars and wheelsets to be recorded easily and digitally using a tablet. This was intended to replace the often still paper-based recording, promote digital data exchange and reduce incorrect entries.

The Client

As an association, the VPI represents the interests of private owners of rail freight cars in Germany and takes care of good technical, legal and operational framework conditions. As part of the VPI, VERS (VPI European Rail Service GmbH) is responsible for the "VPI European Maintenance Guide", which supports the keepers in the maintenance of the wagons, for which they have been responsible themselves since 2006.

The Challenge

Before a wagon or wheelset is processed in a workshop, numerous technical data and photos must be recorded. Workshop employees also record comprehensive data for documentation purposes during the repair. In smaller workshops, this is usually still done on paper. With a new tool, this process should now be digitized.

The Solution

The new VERS-Tool app simplifies the digital transfer of data between workshops and customers. This data is now entered and edited directly on the wagon or wheelset using a tablet or smartphone. A clear structure and suggestions support the workshop employees and prevent incorrect entries. The application runs on many devices such as smartphones (e.g. Android or iOS), tablets or PCs (e.g. Windows or Mac) and is currently available in 12 languages for use throughout Europe. Thanks to the simple installation and operation of the backend in the cloud, even small workshops without their own IT department can quickly and easily get started with electronic data exchange.

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