Media centre

Thursday 8 Jul 2004

‘GISMO’ IS HIGHLY COMMENDED

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A high commendation for ‘Most Effecive Use of Mobile and Wireless’ was bagged by Network Rail at the Effective IT Awards 2004.  Network Rail was nominated for the award by COMIT (Construction Opportunities for Mobile IT), a Department for Trade and Industry-sponsored project following the development of GISmo, a system designed to improve the process of examining earthworks, which include embankments, cuttings and natural slopes, on the rail infrastructure. Historically, examinations were recorded using pen and paper.  The information would then be transferred to a database.  This system meant that, at times, there was double or even triple handling of records.  There was also the potential for human error.  Network Rail’s earthworks team was keen to find a more efficient way of recording and managing their earthworks asset data – the result was the development of GISmo, a mobile solution.  Data are collected electronically and associated with the relevant structure using GPS (Global Positioning System).  Photographs of the fault or structure can also be captured.  This data is then synchronised with a central database, which is used to proactively plan maintenance and inspections of earthworks. - more - Gismo - 2 The benefits of GISmo were realised within the first year.  Network Rail found the accuracy of examinations to be much improved and delivered to the engineering office more quickly.  And costs were saved.  The safety of examiners was also improved. David Anderson, Territory Earthworks and Drainage Engineer said: “We are delighted to receive this commendation which recognises the hard work of all those involved in improving the accuracy of our examinations while reducing costs by 70% and risks to the examiners carrying out their work.”