Railway System

Problem and Solution Summary

The client faced critical challenges in managing and optimising their operations. Limited time for processing extensive data volumes, a tight project schedule and a lack of proper documentation posed significant hurdles. These obstacles hindered the client's ability to collect and analyse data related to train movements and infrastructure efficiently.

Computools addressed these challenges by implementing a robust technological solution. The team developed a platform that seamlessly collects, stores and analyses data from sensors placed in railway infrastructure. Strong analytical tools were integrated to derive valuable insights, and a customisable reporting system was implemented for enhanced data visibility. Computools applied technology solutions to automate routine tasks, significantly improving overall system efficiency.

About the Client

The client is a railway transportation company with a significant presence in the industry. Specialising in the logistics of railway operations, the client faced challenges in managing and optimising their data processes.

While the client faced limitations in processing extensive data volumes and lacked proper documentation, their strengths lay in well-defined project tasks and rapid response to implemented solutions.

Outcome

Computools successfully delivered a web development solution ensuring the stable and secure operation of the platform. The system efficiently monitors, handles, and stores information about trains, railway schedules, load and speed. We implemented strong analytical tools and a convenient and customisable reporting system. We also applied technology solutions to automate routine tasks. All that work resulted in:

+65%

Throughput, Users

+62%

AVERAGE ORDER VALUE

+58%

INCREASE IN PRODUCTIVITY

+54%

INCREASE IN REVENUE

-48%

REDUCTION IN COSTS

70%

BUSINESS PROCESS AUTOMATION

Business challenge

weaknesses

Limited time for processing large data volumes
Tight project schedule
Lack of proper documentation

strengths

A clear vision of the future finished product
Detailed tasks at each stage
Rapid implementation of completed solutions

Project Completion Details and Current Arrangements Why Computools?

Business challenge

Project Completion Details and Current Arrangements

The project was completed within the framework of Agile and Scrum methodologies, ensuring flexibility and iterative development. The team worked collaboratively using communication tools such as Skype, Slack, email and Jira for task management. The absence of a fixed algorithm for the project's phased development was compensated by the adaptable Scrum methodology.

Business challenge

Why Computools?

Computools was chosen for its expertise in business intelligence and IoT development services. The company's ability to innovate, coupled with a strong team of Java developers and technology experts, made them the preferred partner for addressing the client's challenges.

Contact Computools' experts to learn what we can do for your business!

Story in depth

In the process of selecting a contractor for their railway logistics project, the client considered various options in the market. Faced with the critical task of automating data processes within a constrained time frame, the client prioritised expertise in the industry and technological prowess.

The decision-making process involved a comprehensive assessment of potential partners. The client sought a vendor with a proven track record in business intelligence and IoT development services, which is crucial for the successful implementation of their project.

Computools stood out as the preferred choice. The decision was influenced by Computools' strong reputation in the industry, particularly for our expertise in Java development and proficiency in technologies such as Apache Spark and MongoDB.

Project Description

The project's technical blueprint featured a systematic algorithm for the incremental development, testing and implementation of distinct platform components. Executed within the Scrum methodology, the development process embraced continuous adaptation, rendering a written fixation of the algorithm unnecessary.

The overarching objective was to craft a seamless and dependable system for monitoring, processing, and storing comprehensive data on trains, railway schedules, load and speed. The workflow encompassed multiple stages. Sensor-generated information from railways and stations was channelled to storage facilities and visualised through tables or a tailored method;in-depth data analysis ensued, with results meticulously documented in reports and disseminated through predefined channels to specified recipients or systems.

Digital Platform & Technology

To build a state-of-the-art platform, that provides automation of the data collection, we have carefully chosen a set of technologies with exceptional performance and security characteristics. Our chosen technologies were also highly efficient in terms of the total cost of ownership and support.

Java

Chosen for its portability, ease of use and ability to facilitate modular and reusable code.

Apache Web Server

An open-source, highly customisable server providing stability and security, crucial for web applications.

Apache Spark

Employed as a robust data processing framework, capable of handling large datasets and distributing tasks across multiple computers.

Mongo DB

A document-oriented database that organises data as JSON documents, offering flexibility, compatibility with modern JavaScript frameworks and efficient real-time data analysis.

Communication Framework

Working on projects, we specialise in creating a transparent and convenient communicative ecosystem. For this web development project, we chose several communication methods, including Skype, Slack, and email, and defined a schedule of discussions on the project.

Skype

Slack

Jira

Team

The successful realisation of the railway logistics project was made possible by a dedicated and skilled team assembled by Computools. The team's composition included.

Business Analyst

Viktoria Ruban

Viktoria is a Business Analyst at Computools. She's known for her attention to detail, effective research approach and strong collaboration skills. She's skilled in technical specification development and modelling techniques.

Team Lead

Oleg Svet

Oleg began to code in middle school, obtained an MBA degree in Computer Science, worked on commercial IT projects in 2011 and worked as mobile developer, start-up, enterprise and full-stack developer. He joined Computools in 2013 as a Co-Founder and, firstly, CTO, then CDO. He’s interested in airsoft, cybernetics, fantasy and MMO computer games.

Technical Lead

Igor Ryadinsky

Igor successfully started to lead the team by demonstrating strong soft and hard skills. He’s into football, adores Formula 1, and always looks for ways to improve at work and in daily life.

Java Engineer

Vitalii Proskura

Vitalii’s skills extend to management, XML, Git, MySQL, and he is well versed in social media. He has developed proficiency in Java, team management, coaching, Hibernate, JSON and SQL. His expertise also includes unit testing with JUnit and project management with Maven.

Java Engineer

Roman Tsykalo

Roman is experienced in all stages of the development cycle for complex web projects. He’s interested in computer games, reading and playing football.

1. Computools team 2. Railway System

Business Analyst

Viktoria Ruban

Team Lead

Oleg Svet

Technical Lead

Igor Ryadinsky

Java Engineer

Vitalii Proskura

Java Engineer

Roman Tsykalo

CEO

Project Coordinator

Story of a Team Decision Backstage Communication Flow

Story of a Team Decision

Computools curated a team with members possessing the requisite technical skills and a deep understanding of the railway transportation industry.

Backstage

The backstage of this project was characterised by a dynamic and collaborative environment. Regular activities, such as sprint retrospectives, planning sessions and sprint demos, were crucial in shaping the project's success.

Sprint Retrospective

After each sprint, the team engaged in a retrospective to reflect on the work done, discuss what went well and identify areas for improvement. This iterative feedback loop allowed the team to continually enhance their processes, address challenges, and optimise their workflow for subsequent sprints.

Planning Session

The planning sessions were strategic gatherings where the team, in collaboration with the client, defined the goals for the upcoming sprint. These sessions involved setting priorities, estimating workloads, and determining the tasks to be accomplished. These planning sessions' agile and adaptable nature ensured that the team remained aligned with the project's objectives.

Sprint Demo

At the end of each sprint, a demo was conducted to showcase the completed work to stakeholders, providing a tangible representation of the project's progress. This iterative demo process allowed the client to actively participate in the development cycle actively, ensuring that the delivered solutions met their expectations and requirements.

Communication Flow

The communication flow was facilitated through various channels, including Skype, Slack, eEmail, and Jira. These tools were strategically employed to assign tasks, provide status updates and hold regular meetings, ensuring that all team members were on the same page and aligned with the project goals.

Project Management Methodology

The successful execution of the railway logistics project was orchestrated through a thoughtfully selected project management methodology. Computools opted for a combination of Agile and Scrum methodologies to navigate the intricacies of the development process.

Agile principles respond effectively to the unpredictability inherent in software development. The iterative and incremental approach allowed the team to adapt to changing requirements, ensuring flexibility and responsiveness throughout the project. Regular collaboration with the client and continuous feedback loops were integral components of the Agile methodology.

Within the overarching Agile framework, the Scrum methodology was employed for its structured approach to project management. The project progressed through a series of sprints, each comprising a set time frame and a list of tasks to be accomplished. The Scrum model facilitated planning meetings, where the team committed to specific tasks for the upcoming sprint and sprint demos, providing stakeholders with tangible insights into the project's evolution.

Project timeline

6 months

9 months

4 weeks

Consulting & design phase

Engineering phase

Launch

CONSULTING

Identification of high-level project goals and client requirements
Research and analysis of existing solutions
Definition of main project restrictions and proposed solutions
In-depth exploration of potential risks

Product DESIGN

Selection of basic architectural patterns and tools
Formation of an application stack and work processes with a Version Control System (VCS)
Development of interactive prototypes alongside project specifications
Decision-making on the adoption of Agile and Scrum methodologies

Product Engineering

Calculation of the number of project teams and configuration of technological processes
Establishment of the initial team scope based on the specification and estimate
Calculation of the optimal number of specialists for each role
Introduction of team members
Development of a roadmap and division of the development process into parts
Implementation of the first series of solutions and developed platform elements
Development of a testing plan
Testing of UI & unit
Application of improvements
Stabilisation of code, refactoring, and increasing system stability

Launch

Full-scale implementation of the developed platform
Monitoring and handling of information about trains, railway schedules, load and speed
Continuous refinement of the system based on user feedback and changing requirements
Ongoing monitoring and maintenance to ensure stable and secure platform operation

Design

In the context of this case, the design phase encompassed a range of tasks aimed at creating an intuitive, visually appealing, and efficient user interface. The design tasks included

User persona → Site map → Wireframes → user interface

User persona

Creating detailed fictional profiles representing diverse users for informed design decisions

Site map

Illustrating the platform's structural hierarchy and navigation for intuitive user journeys

Wireframes

Drafting skeletal representations to visualise layout and functionality, guiding subsequent design

user interface

Crafting a visually cohesive, intuitive design for an engaging and efficient user experience

Industry:

Location:

Business size:

Problem and Solution Summary

About the Client

Outcome

Throughput, Users

AVERAGE ORDER VALUE

INCREASE IN PRODUCTIVITY

INCREASE IN REVENUE

REDUCTION IN COSTS

BUSINESS PROCESS AUTOMATION

Business challenge

weaknesses

strengths

Business challenge

Project Completion Details and Current Arrangements

Business challenge

Why Computools?

Story in depth

Project Description

Digital Platform & Technology

Communication Framework

Team

Business Analyst

Team Lead

Technical Lead

Java Engineer

Java Engineer

Business Analyst

Team Lead

Technical Lead

Java Engineer

Java Engineer

CEO

Project Coordinator

Story of a Team Decision

Backstage

Sprint Retrospective

Planning Session

Sprint Demo

Communication Flow

Project Management Methodology

Project timeline

Design

User persona

Site map

Wireframes

user interface

Production Release

ONGOING SUPPORT

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