Industry Focus: Transportation
Modernizing Rail Technology
At BrightBean Labs, we specialize in developing cutting-edge, custom software solutions for the transportation industry, with a particular focus on rail, intermodal, and railyard optimization. Our portfolio showcases our expertise in creating robust, efficient, and user-friendly web applications that streamline operations, enhance productivity, and drive cost savings. Below are detailed examples of our recent projects, reflecting our capability to tackle complex challenges and deliver tailored solutions.
Project A
Challenge: The challenge for intermodal terminal management operations lies in the complexity and inefficiency of handling diverse and critical workflows. Existing systems often struggle with integrating various processes such as Daily Lifts, Driver Transactions, and Inventory Management into a cohesive and streamlined operation. Additionally, manual processes lead to errors, delays, and lack of real-time data, hindering overall efficiency and operational accuracy.
Solution: We developed a custom software architecture designed to streamline complex workflows for intermodal terminal management operations. Our solution integrated Azure Logic Apps, Function Apps, and robust data storage to accommodate a variety of critical use cases. This included development of a custom and sophisticated email handler and seamlessly integrating Daily Lifts, Driver Transactions, Crane/Hostler Summaries, Inventory Management, Employee Billable Hours, Terminal Safety Records, and Work Order Management. The automation not only enhanced and tracked operational efficiencies, but also ensured accuracy and timeliness in managing terminal operations.
Outcome: The system's modularity allows seamless expansion, ensuring uninterrupted operations. As a result, our clients experienced a significant boost in operational efficiency, reduced errors, and improved data accuracy, transforming their terminal management into a highly efficient, data-driven operation.
Project B
Challenge: Create a Minimally Viable Product for a proprietary Rail Operating System with enhanced dashboard visibility and realistic product demonstrations.
Solution: Setup work order screens and filterable lists of work orders with spreadsheet upload functionality. Created a "Container Move Simulator" that included a live data-driven simulation, incorporating appointment, carrier, and scheduler rules. Underlying this was a comprehensive simulation engine to visualize container movements in the Rail Operation System.
Outcome: Delivered a functional prototype that improved operational insights and provided a compelling foundation for key stakeholders and executives to build future initiatives.
Project C
Challenge: Rail yard logistics face significant challenges with the efficient loading and unloading of cargo, often hindered by poor visibility into container locations and origins. Operators struggle with inefficient processes due to the lack of real-time data and optimal move calculations, leading to increased operational costs and decreased productivity.
Solution: Developed advanced tools tailored for Rail Yard Logistics Optimization. Allowed crane operators to streamline the loading and unloading of cargo onto trains. Our innovative solution included a dynamic heatmap of inventory, providing clear visual insights into container origins and destinations. Leveraging real-time GPS tracking, the tool updates with the operator's location, enabling the calculation of the next optimal moves for heightened efficiency. The system also records the number of moves each operator makes within specific timeframes, fostering a data-driven approach to operational management and performance tracking.
Outcome: Client reported substantial improvements in loading/unloading speeds, reduced operational costs, and enhanced productivity, establishing a new standard for rail yard logistics efficiency.
Project D
Challenge: Ensuring safety within terminals is a critical concern, but the process of managing safety reports and integrating them with third-party platforms is often cumbersome and fragmented. Terminal managers need a reliable system to create, submit, and store Safety Incident Reports efficiently while ensuring seamless data flow with specialized safety software.
Solution: Developed a robust system for interacting with third-party platforms to enhance safety protocols. Our custom-built API served as a gateway, supplying vital data to these platforms, allowing terminals to leverage specialized software solutions for optimal safety management. We streamlined the process for terminal managers to create and submit Safety Incident Reports, which are then securely stored in databases that can be retrieved by our API.
Outcome: This seamless integration with third-party platforms ensures effective and efficient safety management. Companies now benefit from effortless data transactions and enhanced safety protocols, leading to a safer and more compliant terminal environment.
The BrightBean Difference
Industry Knowledge & Proven Track Record: Our deep understanding of the transportation sector, particularly in rail and intermodal operations, allows us to design solutions that address the unique challenges of the industry.
Technical Expertise: Proficiency in advanced web application architecture, AI, Azure cloud, and application development to replace outdated systems, provide scalability, and reduce operational costs.
Collaborative Approach: Working closely with in-house teams to enhance existing software, improve integrations, drive efficiency, and deliver continuous improvements.