We have released some new functionality and data elements within the RailState user interface (UI) and would like to provide a brief introduction and overview. They include:
1. Train Tags: Tags (labels) can now be added to trains which will help users within an organization easily identify and call upon trains in terms relevant to their business.
2. New Data Elements: Additional data elements have been introduced (where/when available) which add utility when analyzing equipment or train movements and composition. They include:
- Instantaneous Speed [mph]
- Length [Feet]
- Liquid Capacity [Gallons]
- Cubic Capacity [Cubic Feet]
- Load Limit [Tons]
- Tare Weight [Tons]
- Gross Weight [Tons]
- EPA Emissions Tier Level
- Equipment Type Code
- Equipment Owner
- Equipment Lessee
Further below you will find some explanations, ‘how to’ steps, and definitions.
If you have any suggestions or would like an overview of any existing features reach out to support+UI@RailState.com or click this link: Schedule an Overview
BEFORE WE START -> FINDING THE NEW COLUMNS:
When new Columns are added to the UI you can find them under 'Customize' within the results tables of given screens. Example as shown below:
Click the Customize button, check the columns you wish to see in view (such as Train Tag), and press apply.
Tip: If there are columns checked that you do not care to see in your view, simply unselect them. In the same window, to change the order in which columns appear on your screen, click, hold, and drag the column name and sort the list in the order you want them to appear. (They will appear on your screen left to right based on what is checked, and highest on this list.) At the bottom of the same window you can set your Default Sorting parameters.
After making your changes press Apply and this will set your results table layout. (Next time you return to this screen it will remain as you had it set. These changes flow through to the 'Download' functionality as well - so your downloads will match your preferred layout.)
Now that you are able to see the columns you wish to see lets continue to the new features!
TRAIN TAGS:
While on the Trains screen, with the Train Tag column in view, users can add a train tag to any Train record that RailState presents on the UI. This Train Tag will be visible to all users across your organization, and will stay with that train record.
Users can use these Tags to quickly search, filter, and review Charts with this new custom datapoint. (Note: We are working to have this Train Tag as a label on the Map. We will send an update once that feature is available.)
To add a Train Tag, click on the '+' within the Train Tag column, on the row that includes the train you wish to tag. You can type in a tag, then press enter, or select the 'Create' line to submit, or you can select an existing tag from the list if you want to reuse one.
To change an existing tag, pull up the record, click Change Tag (as highlighted below) and type to replace the text.
To remove an existing tag, pull up the record, click Remove Tag (as highlighted below).
Reminder: Adding, changing, or removing Tags updates that Tag for all users within your organization.
Once you have added train tags, you can easily recall records by typing tags in the Search, and the UI will suggest filter tokens for you (as shown below):
Alternatively, click into the Filters card, and within Train scroll down to the bottom, and you will find additional Train Tag filter options, in which you can select one or more specific tags, or filter for 'Any tag' (which will pull up all records that include a tag), then press 'Apply Filters'.
Context Note: RailState assigns a Train ID to each train sighted at each sensor. Through algorithms we analyze train sightings, and if we determine we have seen the train before we assign the previous Train ID to the new sighting. If we determine it is a 'new' train, we assign a new Train ID.
Train Tag is essentially assigning a label (that has organizational significance for a user) to a RailState Train ID. As long as that Train ID remains the same while in transit (sensor to sensor) then the Train Tag label will remain with that train. If for whatever reason RailState assigns a new Train ID, then the Train Tag will remain on the train it was tagged to, but would not continue going forward.
A suggested best practice would be to create an Equipment List (see release notes email sent March 11, 2024), and monitor for trains that include equipment of interest that do not have a Train Tag, then assign tags as necessary. (The same Tag can be assigned to multiple Train ID records).
Tip: Using Train Tags on unit train type movements may make the most sense, as unit trains will likely travel great distances with the same Train ID. In those scenarios where a Train ID may change frequently (such as in manifest service) utilizing the Equipment List functionality may be a more flexible means of achieving a similar search result for quickly pulling up records.)
NEW DATA ELEMENTS:
We have incorporated numerous new data elements that add additional utility when analyzing equipment, or train movements and composition.
To see these new data elements, follow the steps outlined at the start of this email on how to use 'Customize' to add new columns to the result tables.
The following are some brief explanations or definitions:- Instantaneous Speed [mph]: The approximate speed, in miles per hour, that the train was travelling at time of detection at the RailState sensor site.
- Length [Feet]: The outside length of the equipment, in feet, coupler to coupler.
- Liquid Capacity [Gallons]: The maximum interior capacity of the equipment, presented in gallons.
- Cubic Capacity [Cubic Feet]: The maximum interior capacity of the equipment, presented in cubic feet.
- Load Limit [Tons]: The maximum permissible weight that can be loaded into the equipment, presented in short tons.
- Tare Weight [Tons]: The equipment weight when empty, presented in short tons.
- Gross Weight [Tons]: The maximum permissible weight on rail of the equipment and the load, as presented in short tons.
- EPA Emissions Tier Level: The EPA emissions Tier level assigned to the locomotive equipment.
- Equipment Type Code: The 4-character alpha numeric code that can be deciphered to outline attributes of the equipment.
- Equipment Owner: The railroad or private company owning the equipment, as presented as a reporting mark.
- Equipment Lessee: The company leasing the equipment, as presented as a reporting mark.
IMPORTANT CONTEXT NOTES: These data elements are presented where/when available, and are dependent on a number of factors, including RailState identifying the equipment IDs, and those equipment IDs being present in reference files.
On Cars and Train Composition screens we present the values for each piece of equipment where/when available.
On Trains screens we preface many data elements with 'Est.' indicating that these are estimated sums based on available data and deployed algorithmic logic.
SIMPLIFIED EXAMPLE:
As an example, when we are estimating the total capacity of the Train, where/when available we look at each car type separately, and then we we compute the average value of all the parameters we are able to retrieve from the reference data, and then we extrapolate it to the total car count of the given type. We then SUM the values by the equipment type (plus locomotives for length).
To expand on the capacity example, for a train consisting of 3 gondolas, 1 covered hopper and 1 locomotive, where the first gondola has capacity of 40 tons, the second gondola has capacity 30 tons, and the third gondola has an unknown capacity (equipment id was not read or matched in the reference data), and the covered hopper has capacity 50 tons we will estimate the total capacity as 155 tons: 105 tons for the gondolas in total (the average is 35 ton per gondola, times 3 for 3 cars), pus 50 tons for the covered hoppers.
Note: As is the nature with machine learning and computer vision, functionality, and as such capture rates and classification, improves over time as learning from data sets occur.
Going Forward: In addition to available Column data, many of these elements are already available as Search, Filter, and Charts parameters. Others, such as Train Length, will be added to Charts soon. (We will send an update once available.)
As you work with these new data elements please provide any feedback or suggestions.
We look forward to your feedback and suggestions in general, or as it relates to these newly released and in-development features.
Did you Know? Since our update last month we have brought another 20 new sensor sites online in Canada. Explore the Map to find new sites near you.