AAR Rail Car Maintenance & Billing Application (CRB)
The Problem
Frequently, freight car repairs are recorded on a paper Billing Repair Card. These records are later sent to a central office to be entered into a computer system for billing. When the repair record is submitted to the central office, illegible repairs can result in data entry errors. In addition, inconsistent and redundant repair recording, and an inadequate knowledge of AAR guidelines can result in poor documentation, incorrect repair records, and delayed billing.

The Solution
The Car Repair Billing (CRB) application and state of the art pen-based computer systems allow for "at the equipment" data entry of inspections and repairs. Complex repair requirements and the governing rules of the Association of American Railroads (A.A.R.) are the backbone of the CRB application. Select lists and required fields simplify complex rules and decisions so that repairs are entered correctly the first time.

The Car Repair Billing application provides:
  • The ability to communicate real-time with a central server while in the field through
         a wireless network.
  • The ability to record repairs while connected or disconnected from the central server.
  • User prompts and select lists to ensure repair entries follow A.A.R. rules.
  • Parts selection lists based on Job Code to identify inventory used.
  • Real-time validation of repairs to ensure completeness and correctness.
  • Real-time notifications of errors, so repairs are corrected immediately.
  • Database replication to ensure data changes are immediately available to the field.
  • The ability to send and retrieve repairs between the user and the central server.
  • Access to car lists based on train ID or track number.
  • Key car information including; mechanical status, air brake test date, hazardous
         materials indicator, high/wide clearance and leased car provisions.
  • Access to work orders and the ability to bad order the car from the field.
  • The ability to print work orders and original records of repair on a shop printer while in the field.
  • Automated pricing based on A.A.R. price master and/or negotiated rates.
  • The ability to generate paper invoices, PDF file, and an electronic Railinc file.
  • The ability to generate customized reports for accounting estimates and daily, monthly
         and trended analysis.
  • Complete software support and maitenance.
  • User training and help-desk support.