Digital Solutions to Reshape the Future of Rail Travel

Digital transformation in the rail industry is no longer a nice-to-have – it’s a necessity.

Given that global passenger and freight rail activity is projected to more than double by 2050, operators need to become more efficient, agile, and sustainable.

Indeed, many rail companies are meeting these challenges by focusing on digitalization. Typical examples include:

• Improving employee and customer experience through mobile applications.
• Enabling end-to-end tracking of cargo through smart data capture software.
• Facilitating the inspection of trains and routes using technologies like augmented reality.
• Using AI to schedule employee activities and tasks.

These projects can be complex and lengthy. But it doesn’t have to be that way.

Rail companies can access easy-to-implement solutions and generate immediate benefits for customers, employees, and the company.

Here, we will demonstrate why Scandit Smart Data Capture is an easy-to-implement solution and how it can reshape rail travel.

A passenger’s experience can often hinge on simple contact points. These include being able to easily obtain the right information or navigate the processes like ticket purchase and inspection.

The smart devices carried by train attendants, customer service, and onboard service staff can be enabled for a number of these tasks.

One device – many tasks

• Scan digital and analog tickets. Even in poor lighting conditions, reflections, smartphone displays that are set too dark, and crumpled or otherwise damaged tickets. Scandit’s high performance makes scanning hard-to-scan tickets a breeze.
• Issue digital tickets or vouchers. This includes reservations for connecting trains or tickets for bicycle transport. Passengers then download the ticket to their own devices via QR code scanning.
• Retrieve information on connecting trains and alternative connections, which are also transferred to passengers’ devices via QR code.
• Register snacks and drinks in the on-board restaurant and mobile on-board service.
• ID checking. This is useful for cross-border trips, or to record the ID details of fare evaders. Here Scandit’s ID scanning comes in.It can securely extract data from 2000+ identity documents worldwide.

There are other supplementary benefits. For example, a smart device’s ability to relay real-time information can provide opportunities for additional revenue streams.

Scandit’s Barcode Scanner SDK has made it easier for the crew to scan tickets. The switch to smart devices has resulted in a faster and more accurate service. And we’ve had really positive feedback from the crew who previously couldn’t scan tickets with the former equipment.

Karin Harrius, IT administrator for Portable Equipment – BKU

There are many opportunities to make existing apps more versatile and user-friendly for passengers.

Scandit’s augmented reality feature can be used on the customer app to highlight coupons or provide travel information. In either case, the customer just needs to scan the barcode with the device camera, and the relevant information is displayed on-screen.

Single scanning can be used with QR codes to participate in surveys, enrol in loyalty and bonus programs, or let passengers download train schedules.

Case Study

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Cargo by rail is becoming increasingly important in alleviating pressure on the road network.

The basis for reliable and cost-effective freight and logistics services is digital end-to-end processes.

Railroad companies can simplify these processes by eliminating the need for employees to scan each item individually. Scandit’s MatrixScan can scan multiple packages, pallets, or other freight items at once, saving time, enabling seamless tracking, and reducing errors.

Railroad companies can use Scandit-powered smart devices to automate, simplify and accelerate their processes in a wide range of areas.

These include reducing costs, shortening processing times, improving fix rates, and taking care of employees’ tedious tasks.

Tracking servicing tools

Tools and technical equipment can be tracked in detail when and where are used in depots and workshops. An engineer’s smart devices, equipped with a Scandit-based app, can be used to scan any barcodes on the tool.

As a result, companies can determine the duration of use and utilization in order to plan lifecycles, repairs, or new acquisitions.

The removal of parts or supplies such as protective equipment from warehouses can be similarly documented. The information can also be used to trigger re-orders.

Tech ops and train maintenance

The same technology helps in the maintenance of equipment and systems. For example in proving that maintenance cycles have been adhered to or in recording service cases.

Technicians can also use barcode scanning to display inspection intervals, identify and order replacement parts, or confirm completed maintenance.

Switzerland’s national rail operator, SBB, uses Scandit across several web apps to increase operational efficiency in train maintenance.

Scandit’s SDK for the Web delivers high-quality scanning in challenging conditions, such as low-light environments and varying material conditions. It is integrated into various employee-facing apps to support a wide range of tasks, from goods receipt and storage to stock counting and tracking.

This has resulted in:

• Enhanced mobile employee working with a unified high-performance scanning experience across multiple Scandit-powered web apps.
• Greater accuracy of serial number decoding, saving time and money on stocking, finding, and re-ordering of parts.
• Improved efficiency of train maintenance scanning workflows.

Case Study

How SBB Keeps Switzerland Connected With the Help of Scandit

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Smart device technology has now evolved to the point that, with the right software, they can become excellent data capture devices.

The advantages of Scandit-powered smart devices include:

• A touchscreen for features like augmented reality.
• Haptic feedback for scanning notifications.
• The ability to scan multiple barcodes at once.
• Scandit SparkScan comes with a ready-made user interface that can be inserted over the top of your application with just a few lines of code.
• Scandit Express adds barcode scanning functionality to the keyboard. It can then be used to scan and log items.

Perhaps as importantly, they provide the ability to run multiple apps on the same device.

So, if you are looking at the digitalization of your rail business then Scandit can help make it easier for you. What to know how? Contact us for more information.

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