Podcast
Questions and Answers
What is the initial step in reporting a failure at the yard?
What is the initial step in reporting a failure at the yard?
What is a crucial action to ensure the state of a channel?
What is a crucial action to ensure the state of a channel?
Why is it important to have route/media diversity and adequate spare equipment?
Why is it important to have route/media diversity and adequate spare equipment?
What is the recommended frequency for scheduling ping tasks to adjacent Routers?
What is the recommended frequency for scheduling ping tasks to adjacent Routers?
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What role does Open Shortest Path First (OSPF) play in the network management system?
What role does Open Shortest Path First (OSPF) play in the network management system?
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What is the purpose of Rake Dissipation?
What is the purpose of Rake Dissipation?
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Which task involves reporting the movements of a light engine?
Which task involves reporting the movements of a light engine?
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What is the primary purpose of Load Planning?
What is the primary purpose of Load Planning?
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Which of the following tasks is related to the handling of rake formations?
Which of the following tasks is related to the handling of rake formations?
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What does the term 'Inward Number Taking' refer to?
What does the term 'Inward Number Taking' refer to?
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Which task is performed when there are changes in planned load destinations?
Which task is performed when there are changes in planned load destinations?
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What is the main function of the Train Run-through task?
What is the main function of the Train Run-through task?
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What does the term 'Rake Merging' refer to?
What does the term 'Rake Merging' refer to?
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What should be readily available at both the divisional and zonal headquarters?
What should be readily available at both the divisional and zonal headquarters?
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What action is suggested regarding the FOIS network?
What action is suggested regarding the FOIS network?
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What should not be done on a reporting terminal?
What should not be done on a reporting terminal?
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Why should access to other networks be restricted on the PC?
Why should access to other networks be restricted on the PC?
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Which of the following is NOT a responsibility of each zone towards FOIS?
Which of the following is NOT a responsibility of each zone towards FOIS?
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What is the purpose of the Operational Control Centre (OCC)?
What is the purpose of the Operational Control Centre (OCC)?
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What is a crucial function of the OCC during day shifts?
What is a crucial function of the OCC during day shifts?
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What does sufficient work charged posts in OCC aim to achieve?
What does sufficient work charged posts in OCC aim to achieve?
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What should personnel NOT do regarding software for a single PC?
What should personnel NOT do regarding software for a single PC?
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What part of the OCC's role involves taking corrective actions?
What part of the OCC's role involves taking corrective actions?
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What is required for a PC to be visible on a LAN?
What is required for a PC to be visible on a LAN?
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How can a user share a file on a LAN?
How can a user share a file on a LAN?
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What should be disabled when configuring network properties for a PC on a LAN?
What should be disabled when configuring network properties for a PC on a LAN?
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What is the primary function of a Hub/Switch in a LAN?
What is the primary function of a Hub/Switch in a LAN?
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What is meant by 'Uptime' in the context of a network?
What is meant by 'Uptime' in the context of a network?
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What must be recorded to maintain Node uptime effectively?
What must be recorded to maintain Node uptime effectively?
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What is the recommended frequency for pinging adjacent Routers to check channel uptime?
What is the recommended frequency for pinging adjacent Routers to check channel uptime?
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What must a user ensure when configuring CAT5 wiring in a LAN?
What must a user ensure when configuring CAT5 wiring in a LAN?
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What is a critical step to take when a failure occurs in the network?
What is a critical step to take when a failure occurs in the network?
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Why is it important to check the health of the secondary channel when the primary channel is operational?
Why is it important to check the health of the secondary channel when the primary channel is operational?
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What does the term 'Consist Reporting' refer to in the context of vehicle guidance?
What does the term 'Consist Reporting' refer to in the context of vehicle guidance?
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Which task involves modifying the estimated time of arrival for a train?
Which task involves modifying the estimated time of arrival for a train?
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What is the purpose of the 'Piecemeal Sick/Fit Reporting' task?
What is the purpose of the 'Piecemeal Sick/Fit Reporting' task?
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What does TSS (Terminal Sub-Systems) refer to?
What does TSS (Terminal Sub-Systems) refer to?
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Which guideline is recommended for power connection to data entry PCs?
Which guideline is recommended for power connection to data entry PCs?
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What happens when there is no proper earthing for PCs?
What happens when there is no proper earthing for PCs?
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Which of the following is NOT a listed task related to detentions?
Which of the following is NOT a listed task related to detentions?
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What is the main function of the UPS (Uninterrupted Power Supply) for a PC?
What is the main function of the UPS (Uninterrupted Power Supply) for a PC?
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In which situation is it essential to report indents for a good shed type of loading?
In which situation is it essential to report indents for a good shed type of loading?
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Which aspect of the guidelines emphasizes using separate sockets for equipment?
Which aspect of the guidelines emphasizes using separate sockets for equipment?
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What data is primarily controlled by the interchange owning division regarding PAM?
What data is primarily controlled by the interchange owning division regarding PAM?
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Which of the following statements accurately describes the data feeding process in COIS?
Which of the following statements accurately describes the data feeding process in COIS?
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Which type of data does the common master database for PAMs and COIS NOT include?
Which type of data does the common master database for PAMs and COIS NOT include?
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What is the primary function of the Time-tabling Module in ICMS?
What is the primary function of the Time-tabling Module in ICMS?
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What distinguishes the RDBMS backend of the ICMS from typical database systems?
What distinguishes the RDBMS backend of the ICMS from typical database systems?
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What is the first step to take if a PC breaks down and does not respond?
What is the first step to take if a PC breaks down and does not respond?
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Which factor is NOT considered when prescribing spare maintenance practices?
Which factor is NOT considered when prescribing spare maintenance practices?
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What challenge does the suspension of the parallel manual system present?
What challenge does the suspension of the parallel manual system present?
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What is the recommended approach for handling PC breakdowns at each site?
What is the recommended approach for handling PC breakdowns at each site?
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What is a key function of NMS software in the maintenance process?
What is a key function of NMS software in the maintenance process?
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Why should fixed time reports be minimized in operations?
Why should fixed time reports be minimized in operations?
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What should be regularly reviewed to ensure data stability during transitions?
What should be regularly reviewed to ensure data stability during transitions?
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What is a crucial requirement for replacing defective PCs efficiently?
What is a crucial requirement for replacing defective PCs efficiently?
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Which of the following best describes 'in-house skills' regarding equipment maintenance?
Which of the following best describes 'in-house skills' regarding equipment maintenance?
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In what way should reports diverge from fixed timing during system transitions?
In what way should reports diverge from fixed timing during system transitions?
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What must be done to ensure other PCs can access files on a computer in a LAN?
What must be done to ensure other PCs can access files on a computer in a LAN?
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Which of the following actions should NOT be taken when configuring a PC for a LAN?
Which of the following actions should NOT be taken when configuring a PC for a LAN?
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What is the ideal way to ensure uptime records are maintained effectively?
What is the ideal way to ensure uptime records are maintained effectively?
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What equipment is required to connect PCs in a LAN configuration?
What equipment is required to connect PCs in a LAN configuration?
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How can Node uptime be effectively recorded?
How can Node uptime be effectively recorded?
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What indicates that both Modems are functioning correctly during a connection test?
What indicates that both Modems are functioning correctly during a connection test?
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What should be preferably checked before reporting channel availability to the Zonal OCC?
What should be preferably checked before reporting channel availability to the Zonal OCC?
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What should be done if all loops show positive results but the line protocol remains down?
What should be done if all loops show positive results but the line protocol remains down?
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What must be disabled in Network Properties when configuring a PC for a LAN?
What must be disabled in Network Properties when configuring a PC for a LAN?
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What is route diversity in network connectivity?
What is route diversity in network connectivity?
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Which of the following statements is true regarding the sharing of files on a LAN?
Which of the following statements is true regarding the sharing of files on a LAN?
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What action must not be performed when checking leads connected to the Modem?
What action must not be performed when checking leads connected to the Modem?
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What functionality does pinging provide in network monitoring?
What functionality does pinging provide in network monitoring?
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What type of cable is primarily used for wired connections in a LAN?
What type of cable is primarily used for wired connections in a LAN?
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If a channel is down and data transmission stops, what is the risk associated?
If a channel is down and data transmission stops, what is the risk associated?
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What is the recommended practice to ensure the CAT5 cable installation is safe?
What is the recommended practice to ensure the CAT5 cable installation is safe?
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What does the term 'Channel' generally refer to in this context?
What does the term 'Channel' generally refer to in this context?
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What could be a reason for a Modem not executing 'LL' successfully?
What could be a reason for a Modem not executing 'LL' successfully?
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What is the primary purpose of keeping all leads firmly connected?
What is the primary purpose of keeping all leads firmly connected?
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What could indicate a problem beyond the Modem's location?
What could indicate a problem beyond the Modem's location?
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Which of the following tasks automatically modifies the load and consist of wagons during transit?
Which of the following tasks automatically modifies the load and consist of wagons during transit?
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What is the primary purpose of the Interchange Forecast task?
What is the primary purpose of the Interchange Forecast task?
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Which guideline must be followed to prevent damage to a PC due to power fluctuations?
Which guideline must be followed to prevent damage to a PC due to power fluctuations?
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When reporting detentions at yards, which specific task captures this information?
When reporting detentions at yards, which specific task captures this information?
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What is a requirement for a safe power connection to data entry PCs?
What is a requirement for a safe power connection to data entry PCs?
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In the context of TSS (Terminal Sub-Systems), which equipment is NOT generally included?
In the context of TSS (Terminal Sub-Systems), which equipment is NOT generally included?
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Which task is performed to report on the status of sick or fit wagons?
Which task is performed to report on the status of sick or fit wagons?
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What should be done to ensure that a PC is not connected to the mains directly?
What should be done to ensure that a PC is not connected to the mains directly?
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Study Notes
Tasks for Real-Time Reporting
- Rake Dissipation: To generate piecemeal wagons from a rake or eliminate rakes with no wagons left.
- Rake Formation Details: Forming or modifying the composition of rakes.
- Movement Order: Assigning advance placements for rakes.
- Rake Placement/Release: Reporting the load/empty cycle of rakes.
- Rake Merging: Transferring wagons from one rake to another.
- Load Planning: The initial activity following rake assignment for loading goods.
- Load Stabling: Reporting the run/ordering termination of loads.
- Inward Number Taking: Validating the consist of arriving loads at their destination.
- Load Diversion/Termination/Extension: Reporting changes in planned load destinations.
- Load Yarding: Similar to stabling, but not reflecting in the stabled position.
- Cut-in by Arrival/Departure: Useful for reporting in non-computerized territories.
- Train Ordering: Reporting TO/Call between two crew-changing points.
- Train Departure: Reporting departure of trains.
- Train Arrival: Reporting train arrival.
- Train Run-through: Reporting through runs.
- Attachment/Detachment of Loco: Reporting locomotive failure on run.
- Loco Reporting: Reporting shed activities of loco.
- Light Engine: Reporting light engine movements.
- Attachment/Detachment of Wagons en route: Load and consist are automatically modified in this task.
- Piecemeal Placement/Release: Reporting piecemeal activities.
- Piecemeal Sick/Fit Reporting: Reporting wagon health (sick/fit).
- Clearance of Detached Wagons: Clearing detached wagons.
- Demand: Reporting indent for loading goods at a shed.
- Consist Reporting: Reporting summary details of a consist at the originating station.
- Train Detention en route: Reporting unscheduled stoppages.
- Pre departure Detentions: Reporting detentions encountered by loads/trains at yards/stations.
- Interchange Forecast: Reporting daily targets that should be frozen by noon.
- BPC & Crew Details: Reporting these details.
- Modify ETA: Changing the estimated time of arrival for a train.
- Re-routing: Changing the path of a train while on run.
TSS (Terminal Sub-Systems)
- TSS is a generic term for PCs, Printers, and UPS used in FOIS (Freight Operations Information System).
- Data entry PCs or "Reporting Terminals" should remain ON at all times.
- Power is supplied through a 5A dedicated socket, avoiding multi-plug adapters.
- Proper earthing for all PCs and Printers is essential to prevent equipment damage.
- An MCB attached to the main power supply point/board is recommended.
- Separate phases should be used for AC connections and PC supply to prevent fluctuations.
- A UPS (Uninterrupted Power Supply) should be used to protect PCs from power fluctuations, providing battery power for up to 20 minutes in case of power failure.
- LAN is achieved using network cards, defining an identical work group for visibility.
- While defining Network Properties, only one Gateway (IP address of the Router) should be defined with DNS disabled.
- Shared resources like files, folders, drives, and printers must be explicitly shared by the owner.
- LAN wiring consists of CAT5 structured cabling from the Router/Hub to an I/O box and a flexible cable from the I/O box to the PC.
- Connections on LAN are mandatory at every location, ensuring proper cable mounting and I/O box placement.
- Hubs/Switches are used for connecting additional PCs to the Router.
Uptime
- Channel Uptime refers to the time a channel is available for data entry.
- Node Uptime refers to the time a node is operational.
- Daily Node availability should be recorded, along with reasons for failure for analysis.
- It is important to monitor the status of the secondary channel even while the primary channel is operational.
- Pinging (sending and receiving test data packets) should be scheduled every 4 hours to adjacent Routers and the results recorded to determine channel availability.
- Record channel uptime and report any failures to Zonal OCC.
- A system for reporting failures should be established for quick troubleshooting.
- Contact information for service providers should be readily available at divisional and zonal headquarters.
- Time taken by various service providers to repair breakdowns should be documented.
Other Applications and Network Security
- Using the FOIS network for regular data transfer programs can cause virus threats, slowdowns, and disruptions.
- Only occasional sharing of information is permissible within the LAN; regular heavy programs should be avoided.
- Downloading software should only be done with genuine copies and never on "Reporting Terminals."
- The FOIS network should not be connected to any other network, including Railnet, to prevent hacking and viral threats.
- Internet connectivity is strictly prohibited.
Operational Control Center (OCC)
- Each zone should have an OCC to manage FOIS implementation and ensure system availability.
- Roles include:
- Real-time system data updating
- Network management
- Equipment maintenance (PCs, Printers, UPS, RAS, LAN extenders, Routers etc.)
- Replacement of manual information systems
- In-service training
- OCC should be manned round the clock to manage NMS, provide proactive support to field reporting units (helpdesk), and manage maintenance, system efficacy analysis, procedure upgradation, and escalation.
- In case of failures, reporting follows this hierarchy: -Yard level failure: Divisional Control or sub control office will report -Divisional level failure: Zonal OCC will report -Zone-wide failure: Disaster management will come into play.
Network Management
- Network redundancy is essential for continuous operations, ensuring spare equipment is always in working order.
- Zonal OCC monitors network functioning and provides proactive support, including:
- Ensuring primary and secondary data and voice channels are operational.
- Using pinging to monitor channel health, recording the results and reporting any issues to the Zonal OCC.
- Reporting non-working channels and following up for rectification.
- Liaising with both BSNL and Railways for network issues.
- Rerouting and load balancing using OSPF (Open Shortest Pathfinder) on the Network Management System (NMS) as needed.
- Analyzing network failures to identify problematic links for upgradation.
- Monitoring payment processes for communication channel rentals.
- Troubleshooting equipment failures and ordering replacements from the spares.
Roadside/Piecemeal Wagons Related Tasks
- Tasks include the attachment and detachment of wagons en route, which automatically updates load and consist.
- Piecemeal placement, release, sick/fit reporting, and clearance of detached wagons are also handled by these tasks.
- Demand reporting provides indent information for good shed type loading.
- Consist reporting summarizes details at the originating station.
Vehicle Guidance Related Tasks
- Consist reporting, also known as guidance, summarizes details at the originating station.
Detentions Related Tasks
- Train detention en route reports unscheduled stoppages.
- Pre-departure detentions report delays experienced by loads and trains at yards and stations.
Other Tasks
- Interchange Forecast reports daily targets, frozen by noon.
- BPC & Crew details are reported.
- ETA modifications and train rerouting while on run are possible.
TSS (Terminal Sub-systems)
- Refers to PCs, Printers, and UPS within FOIS (Freight Operations Information System).
- Data entry and retrieval are handled by these PCs.
- A dedicated 5A socket is required for each PC.
- Multi-plug adapters should not be used.
- Ensure proper earthing to prevent damage, and have a dedicated MCB for the main power supply.
- The AC connection and PC supply must be on separate phases.
- A UPS is essential for uninterrupted power and protection from fluctuations, providing up to 20 minutes of backup.
- Power backup should be provided by AT (Overhead Electrical) or a Diesel Generator.
- Modem functionality includes "RD" and "TD' blinking for successful communication, and "RL" blinking for a remote request.
- Modem failure can be identified by the inability to successfully execute "LL".
- If all loops show positive results and line protocol is down, reinitialize the modem.
- Problem with routers should be reported to Divisional Control.
- Always ensure all leads are firmly connected, but do not check them with power on.
Channels
- Leased line dedicated channels for data transmission, including Railway and BSNL.
- ISDN and VSAT connections enhance connectivity.
- Connectivity refers to links between PCs on a LAN at a node.
- Each node ideally has two links for route diversity and continued data transmission even if one link is down.
- Data transmission relies on channel availability.
- Regularly ping neighboring routers to check channel uptime.
LAN
- LAN is achieved using network cards on PCs.
- Each PC on the LAN must have the same workgroup for visibility.
- Only one Gateway (Router's IP address) should be defined, and DNS should be disabled.
- Users can share files, folders, drives, and printers through LAN.
- LAN wiring includes CAT5 structured cabling and flexible cables.
- Ensure all PCs at a location are connected on LAN.
- Hubs/Switches are used for connecting additional PCs to the Router's LAN port.
Uptime
- Node and channel uptime must be monitored to ensure equipment availability.
- Regular records of Node uptime should be maintained.
- Channel uptime can be checked by regularly pinging adjacent routers.
- A schedule should be in place for reporting failures to facilitate fast troubleshooting.
Maintenance of Equipment
- OCC keeps records of hardware components and failures at zonal headquarters.
- Repairs are handled through maintenance contracts.
- PC breakdowns must be addressed, checking power cords, the operating system, and RMS program.
- Divisional HQ should be informed if problems cannot be resolved locally.
- Extra PCs are available on site for immediate replacement during failures.
- Failure reports should be submitted to the concerned vendor or as per the division/zone's maintenance practices.
- Vendor addresses need to be readily accessible.
- OCC should create spare maintenance practices based on factors such as uptime requirement, vendor accessibility, and sourcing of spares.
- In-house skills should focus on troubleshooting and replacement using spares.
- NMS software assists with troubleshooting.
Replacement of Manual Information System
- The biggest challenge is the gradual suspension of the parallel manual system.
- Value of using the application interactively should be emphasized to operations managers.
- Fixed-time reports should be minimized and presented as exception reports.
- Prioritization should focus on Interchange Stock and Demand, followed by Loco inventory.
- OCC, in consultation with COM, should set a schedule for identified manual reports to ensure data capturing stability.
- A mechanism should be developed to analyze system usage and compare it to expected returns.
Time-tabling Module
- Simulates train timings, routes, and rake link utilization.
- Generates time-tabling documents.
- Data input is at the Zonal HQ level.
- Status: Under system study.
ICMS-System Architecture
- User interfaces through a browser (e.g., Internet Explorer).
- Separate URLs for PAMS, COIS, and DATA modules.
- Thin clients are used at locations.
- Back-end: RDBMS (Oracle based).
ICMS-Data Feeding
-
Master Data:
- Common database for PAMS and COIS, containing Infrastructure data (stations, platforms, washing lines) and Other Master Data (rake link, timetable, coach master).
-
Running Data:
- Separate and independent database for PAMS and COIS.
-
PAM:
- Data fed mostly at divisional levels.
- Interchange owning division controls data feeding for handover or takeover.
- Zonal client handles responsibility fixing (deciding punctuality issues).
- Includes originating, terminating, and interchange timings, detention reports, cause-wise logging, and responsibility fixing.
-
COIS:
- No concept of data feeding.
- Station/yard level work generates required data and memos for the operator, providing input for MIS.
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Description
This quiz covers the essential tasks associated with real-time reporting in rake management, including rake dissipation, formation details, and load planning. Test your understanding of the processes involved in assigning and managing rakes, as well as reporting on load transactions. Prepare to explore the complexities of managing train loads and rake assignments.