Automated Vehicle Inspection System (AVIS) Implementation Support for Rock Rail’s Arterio Fleet

Rock Rail and South Western Railway (SWR) wanted to enhance the maintenance of their Arterio fleet by installing an Automated Vehicle Inspection System (AVIS).

We supported Rock Rail throughout the system’s implementation, ensuring it met all technical specifications and provided reliable, real-time monitoring of train components for the early detection of potential issues.

Home > Case Studies > Automated Vehicle Inspection System (AVIS) Implementation Support for Rock Rail’s Arterio Fleet

Background

Rock Rail and South Western Railway (SWR) wanted to enhance the maintenance of their Arterio fleet by proactively monitoring the condition of train equipment and components. They wanted to maintain the integrity of the assets and aimed to catch potential issues before they escalated, which would not only improve safety but also help avoid costly repairs and minimise train downtime.

To achieve this, Rock and SWR decided to install a depot-based Automated Vehicle Inspection System (AVIS) at two of SWR’s major depots, in Feltham and Wimbledon.

The AVIS system is a depot-based tool that continuously measures and tracks the condition of various train components, identifying deviations from normal operating conditions that could signal potential faults or wear. It provides real-time data that helps spot early signs of damage, allowing for preventive maintenance, reducing the likelihood of unexpected breakdowns, and ultimately improving the reliability and efficiency of their operations.

With the AVIS system identified as a crucial upgrade, Rock Rail turned to us for technical support during the system’s installation and implementation phase. Our role was to ensure that the system was installed correctly and worked according to the specified requirements.

The Brief

Rock Rail approached us with a clear goal: to assist with the witnessing of the site acceptance tests (SATs) and demonstrations required for the successful installation of the AVIS system. SATs are a critical step in the implementation process, ensuring that the system meets all technical specifications and functions as intended in the depot environment.

Our primary responsibility was to act as a technical advisor to Rock Rail during the testing phase. We needed to ensure that the manufacturer’s test procedures aligned with the agreed specifications for the AVIS. It was crucial that the tests were conducted properly, and that the results showed the system was delivering its expected performance, including accurate monitoring of train equipment and component conditions.

The Solution

Our team immediately set to work by reviewing the technical specifications of the AVIS system. This involved a thorough examination of the system’s capabilities and comparing them with the test specifications provided by the manufacturer. We needed to make sure that the tests would cover all critical aspects of the system’s functionality, especially its ability to measure and track deviations in train components accurately over time.

Given our extensive experience with automated inspection systems, we were well-prepared to handle the complexities of the AVIS implementation. This experience allowed us to anticipate potential challenges and ensure a high level of quality in overseeing the tests.

Once we had reviewed and aligned the test procedures with the system specifications, we attended the witness tests and demonstrations at SWR’s Feltham and Wimbledon depots. Our presence ensured that the tests were conducted in line with the agreed test specifications. During these tests, we carefully examined the results to ensure that the AVIS was functioning as expected. This involved verifying that the system could accurately detect deviations in the condition of key components, such as wheels, axles and brakes, and that it could do so consistently over time.

The Result

With our support, the AVIS was successfully installed at both the Feltham and Wimbledon depots. The AVIS has the potential to greatly enhance maintenance processes for this fleet. By identifying early signs of wear, the system may allow for repairs and replacements to be scheduled proactively, potentially improving fleet reliability. This proactive approach could enable SWR to reduce costs, offer passengers a more reliable service with fewer disruptions and delays, and better preserve the condition of Rock Rail’s assets.

Rock Rail entrusted Encompass Engineering with this implementation due to our expertise in automated inspection systems and our proven track record of successful projects. Our experience and meticulous attention to detail provided Rock Rail with confidence in achieving the highest standards throughout the process.

Get in touch!

If you’re considering an Automated Vehicle Inspection System (AVIS) to enhance your fleet maintenance, we’re here to help. With our experience in guiding projects like this AVIS implementation, we can assist you in choosing the right system for your needs and ensuring a smooth installation process.

Get in touch to discuss how we can support your journey toward smarter, more efficient maintenance.

Testimonials

I am very satisfied with the service provided by Encompass Engineering. They reviewed and finalised the Test Specification for testing the AVIS equipment installed in the depot, attended the site acceptance test, and reviewed the test report with professionalism and efficiency. All tasks were completed on time and to a high standard. I was particularly impressed by the expertise and diligence of the individuals who carried out this work. Their concise and thorough approach made the entire process seamless. I highly recommend their services.

— Natalia Slavianskaia, Class 701 Project Manager, Rock Rail

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