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Short Line Data Systems ROCS Update – September 2002
Greetings –
Well, it looks like the long, hot summer has finally broken, and with fall comes the beginning of a very busy season for many of us. SDS is no exception, and let’s bring you up to date on what’s going on.
Version 5 Released
The M&E switched over to Version 5 on the 12th, and the Raritan Central will have it installed on the 25th. SRNJ should follow during October. The release version is as described in last month’s update, with one addition. We have added a feature that allows to user to enter adjustment days to the Demurrage report, so the user can go outside the regular computation if needed.
As stated last month, one of the major new features of Version 5 is the FTP Communications system. The system uses the user’s existing internet connection for the connection, eliminating the need for a dial-up connection directly to RAILINC. The data transmission is much faster than the older Compuserve system, bad connections are virtually eliminated. Right now the system is not as automated as we would like, but it does work quite well.
We have also improved the ergonomics of the program. The menus have been modified to improve the flow of the program, and a number of the major functions have been clustered at the bottom of the screens. This makes it easy to go to the functions that are most used in the system.
In-House Car Hire System
Now that Version 5 has been released, we will be turning our attention to the in-house car hire system. The FTP system makes it easier to send and receive TRAINII messages, so we have the first pieces of the system soon.
New Manual
We are in the process of writing a new users guide to go with the new version. This is the second manual we have written for the ROCS system, and we are taking a slightly different approach with the format. We are approaching the instructions from a “How do I do this” perspective, with step by step instructions and diagrams. We will also put the manual up on the website, and update it as new features are added to the system.
Upcoming Events
We will be at the ASLRRA Eastern Region Meeting in Baltimore on October 13-15. If you would like a demonstration or would like to sit down and discuss our services, please give us a call. Also, if you are looking for a different way to get to the meeting, check out the ASLRRA web site (www.aslrra.org) for information about the special rail excursion the M&E is running to and from the meeting.
Well, that’s all for now, and we look forward to seeing everyone in Baltimore.
Steven Friedland President |
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