TekTracking: Another Class I CTA Rollout

Written by William C. Vantuono, Editor-in-Chief
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CTA Tablet and Workstation. TekTracking LLC photo

Fairport, N.Y.-based railroad asset monitoring, control and management technology development company TekTracking LLC has installed a second Commander Terminal Automation (CTA) system on a Canadian Class I.

CTA, described as “a modern control and communication platform specifically designed to vastly reduce the support costs demanded by legacy radio control technology suppliers,” was given a second green light after an inaugural installation was cut over and fully accepted by the Class I. It was developed, TekTracking says, “to leverage superior, off-the-shelf communication and control products to provide a 100% ethernet-based wireless control system. CTA replaces only the legacy control and communication components found in all yard automation systems. It retains the existing power switch machines and the OS circuits, which makes modernizing yard automation relatively inexpensive.

“The CTA system is simple to set up and includes sophisticated software to assist in network maintenance and troubleshooting. Replacement components are open-source and readily available, even on Amazon. This allows the system to be easily supported by trained railroad personnel, eliminating the need for constant reliance on the system provider.”

Gregory Fogarty

“I am pleased with how efficiently Commander Terminal Automation has begun rollout as a direct replacement to legacy yard systems at this Class I,” said TekTracking CEO Gregory Fogarty. “Utilizing existing yard infrastructure, we can easily integrate our next generation hardware and software solution to maximize switching capabilities while keeping maintenance and repair simple for the railroad.” 

TekTracking LLC describes itself as “an Asset Management Technology Provider servicing passenger and freight rail operators throughout North America. Our products and solutions address asset management issues universally faced by railway operators. Through strategic relationships with ‘Best-in-Class’ technology providers, TekTracking has assembled a comprehensive solution set to meaningfully reduce railroad operating costs. Additionally, we offer railroad technology OEMs our expert product ideation* and development services and North American market development services.”

*Editor’s Note: Yes, this is a real word! Ideation, according to Wikipedia, is “the creative process of generating, developing, and communicating new ideas, where an idea is understood as a basic element of thought that can be either visual, concrete, or abstract. Ideation comprises all stages of a thought cycle, from innovation, to development, to actualization.” – William C. Vantuono

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