Supply Side: Brake-Boss®, Trapeze/Preteckt
Written by Marybeth Luczak, Executive Editor
The “new and improved” Brake-Boss® App allows freight car inspectors to remotely conduct air-brake tests on trains of any length in the yard. (Brake-Boss Photograph)
Brake-Boss® unveils a new app enabling freight car inspectors to remotely conduct air-brake tests in the yard. Also, Trapeze Group EAM and Preteckt collaborate on a predictive maintenance system for transit agencies.
Brake-Boss®
Oconomowoc, Wis.-based Brake-Boss on April 5 reported the debut of its “new and improved” Brake-Boss® App. Compatible with Apple iOS and Android devices, the app integrates with the company’s Brake-Boss® Portable and YardMaster® devices so freight car inspectors can perform air-brake tests within the rail yard on trains of any length using their mobile devices, which is said to save time, reduce costs and increase the accuracy of air-brake testing. Inspectors can also use the app to access and review recent test results and monitor the status of Brake-Boss devices.
Installed in the rail yard and connected to the yard’s air supply, the YardMaster allows simultaneous testing of multiple trains on different tracks. According to Brake-Boss, it not only improves train dwell times but also ensures smooth and efficient operations. The Brake-Boss Portable is said to connect between the air source and the train to conduct comprehensive air-brake tests. Users can control the testing process directly on the device’’s touch screen or through the Brake-Boss App.
Preteckt / Trapeze Group EAM
Trapeze’s enterprise asset management (EAM) software now integrates with Preteckt’s AI (Artificial Intelligence)-powered predictive maintenance software, the companies reported April 5. The combination, they said, provides transit agencies with “predictive maintenance plans for ease of use in diagnosing issues” and allows them to file work orders from a single system.
“Through our collaboration with Preteckt [Memphis, Tenn.], customers can go beyond preventative maintenance using big data and AI insights to prevent failures,” said Steve Sawyer, General Manager at Trapeze EAM of Cedar Rapids, Iowa.
