Aparion Limited are specialists in the Transport industry and we have provided customised connectivity and improved functionality for large transport companies in the UK. For example:
National Public Transport Operator (£10 million turnover, 500 employees)
- Systems upgrade and Windows Server network deployment across 8 sites, nationwide
- All sites connected using internet connections and Virtual Private Network (VPN) technology creating a contiguous data storage system, and highly available email system
- Deployment of new PC based workstations for 80 users across the network
- Custom software development for complaint and accident report handling - Komplie Transport
- Install IP CCTV system with digital recording across 5 sites. The system includes remote viewing to allow management to view their staff and assets from any location.
- Implementation of Wayfarer wireless bus ticketing system
- Aparion continues to provide strategic consultancy for this bus operator.
Large Midlands-based Transport Company
Aparion were contracted to supply IT services including supply and support of new and existing hardware to a PLC in 2004. Our involvement with this company continues currently. Aparion were involved in several projects at the depots around the UK.
The main projects were:
New Server systems
The company's servers were in need of updating when Aparion began their involvement with the company. Aparion replaced all the servers with modern machines and configured them to run the company’s functions across the national WAN.
The functions provided by the new system were:
- Email provision to all users across all the depots
- Shared folders and files between staff nationally, allowing all staff to refer to and work from the same set of documents.
- Electronic fax transmission and receipt. This received faxes and forwarded them to a designated mailbox for distribution to their intended recipient
- Firewall and web security.
- Backup system for company data
- Centralised antivirus system
Deployed National Computer Network
The company’s regional structure meant that interconnectivity between the staff nationally presented a challenge.
Aparion implemented a system of remote servers at each of the eight depot locations and connected them to each other using a WAN (wide area network) which consisted of low cost ADSL broadband links, and VPN hardware to ensure the data communication was secure.
The result of this was that all the users throughout the country were able to communicate with the central mail server and share documents over the WAN as well as keep their own documents local to ensure maximum network performance for the documents they needed most regularly.
Replaced or reconditioned all computers
Aparion replaced or reconditioned 70 of Dunn-line’s computers during the initial stage of the network redevelopment so that all users had a new or higher performing computers.
All the servers were also replaced and configured to provide the company with a reliable email and file system.
Provided support arrangement
Aparion supplied a custom made support package to Dunn-Line to ensure support was available to its critical systems 24/7. A helpline was available to staff during office hours for day to day support issues.
Installed Digital CCTV at 5 depots
With some depots being relatively remote and staff not always around all night; vandalism and fuel-theft became a real concern to Dunn-Line’s management.
Aparion installed a digital CCTV system at 5 depots to watch and record. The footage from the recording system was also made available over a secure link on the internet. This meant that management could watch live and recorded footage from any internet connected computer from any or all of the camera locations.
Wayfarer Implementation
Dunn-Line’s buses used Wayfarer® ticketing systems for the many of the council routes. During Aparion’s involvement with the company the old Wayfarer® 3 machines were upgraded to the new TGX150 devices.
These 150 machines were ordered and configured with a wireless LAN module that through the use of 802.11 Wi-Fi, information can move directly between the vehicle and the depot computer without the use of driver modules.
Once the vehicle comes within range, the transmitter communicates with the Depot Computer to upload operating data, and at the same time the Depot Computer can download configuration, hotlist data, fare tables etc from the computer system to the on-bus equipment automatically. The Wireless LAN device is installed integrally to the Wayfarer® 150 ETM and transmits and receives data from the Depot Computer via the Local Area Network. No driver interaction is required in the process. The net effect to the operator of all this technology is that Wireless Networks can save time, speed the flow of information, and improve the accuracy and security of data.
During this project, Wayfarer performed the installation of the machines on the buses, and Aparion were contracted to install the Wireless receiver devices at a considerable cost saving compared to the Wayfarer quote. Aparion installed the wireless system at 4 depots.
The receiver equipment consists of a discreet wireless panel or panels mounted at a point overlooking the bus parking area. When the buses are parked, the data is transferred via the structured cabling and onto the company network.
This system was found to be extremely reliable and continues to be used by Veolia Transport after their acquisition of Dunn-Line.
Komplie Transport - Operator Logging System
As a response to a requirement from the company for a logging system for passenger complaints and vehicle accidents, Aparion developed database system to allow staff to log this data for investigation and management.
Aparion redeveloped the system in 2007 and renamed it Komplie Transport. This system allows the operator to log details for:
- Accidents - including all details relevant for insurance purposes
- Complaints - logs complaints raised by customers for resolution by company staff. Including email notifications to management
- Lost Property - logs lost property found onboard company vehicles
- SMS communication - The SMS communication module of Komplie allows an operator to send SMS text messages to designated staff member from within the system and a rate lower than is typical with most mobile providers.
- Driver details - The Drivers module allows the operator to store details about the drivers, their contact details, driver licences, conviction records and drug/alcohol test results.
Aparion have trusted relationships with some of the largest software and systems vendors in the transport industry, and are confident we can help you get the most out of your transport IT system
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