Data Extraction by Train Companies Analysis Essay (Research Paper Sample)

Data Extraction by Train Companies
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Introduction
Effective monitoring is considered to be an essential part of any operating system that requires active management. Monitoring ensures the control of the operation gets detailed information about ongoing operations, key weaknesses and strengths, and necessary adjustments if performance is to be improved. For example, effective management of a railway network requires consistent data collection about different aspects of the network, which can enable management to identify problem areas and make changes that can improve the network's overall efficiency. 
Existing companies that do it
The London network rail is a significant railway network that uses data extraction and analytics to improve its operations. According to Deloitte (2016), the London network rail has to deal with the growing demand that has led to overcrowding. This critical problem needs to be closely monitored if the network's services are to be delivered efficiently. Data collection and analysis of one of the main techniques used by the network to improve the efficiency of its operations. Data collected aids in creating much more effective timetables that can meet existing demand at different points of the network. Data collection in most points of the London Network Rail is automated as information is collected directly by computers that then analyze it and present management with detailed reports about ongoing operations. 
According to Thaduri, Galar, and Kumar (2015), Numerous railway networks in Europe use big data analytics to understand their operations better and identify areas that need improvement. The Dutch railway network is among these that automatically extracts data from the railway track that is then analyzed to get information that can be used for decision making. The data collected is used for self-learning by investigating incidents that take place on the network, after which changes can be implemented that improve overall performance. According to Cai (2019), the New York subway rail network also continuously collects automated data collection and analysis. Data is collected from different points of the network used to create operational reports that can aid in decision-making and improve overall efficiency. 
How data is extracted
Data collection and analysis are usually automated and are carried out remotely using devices that monitor people traffic, the movement of trains along the track and other factors such as the time it takes for a train to cover certain distances and the cost associated with maintaining trains on a particular route. According to Lou, et al. (2018), laser scanning using computers is one of the most common techniques used by rail networks to collect data about movements at different points of the track. The speed of the train between specified destinations is analyzed in-depth, and the volume of human traffic is recorded at different points of the line. Data collected is then analyzed immediately by specialized software that then provides decision-makers with information that can be used to assess the efficiency of operations on the network. Data that cannot be automatically extracted is manually collected by staff at the railway network before being entered into a computerized system for processing. According to Cai (2019), the staff at different points of the subway record the real-time status of different operational aspects of the railway line that are then entered into a computerized system for analysis. 
Data that is extracted
Data is collected about different aspects of a railway network that can affect the efficiency of operations either positively or negatively. Critical among these is the current condition of the infrastructure used by the network. Due to the fact that a railway network is continuous, management needs to be aware of the status of different assets and installations that facilitate the operation of the network. Data is also collected on the energy used by the network on a daily basis, which aids in explaining the total cost spent in operating the network for a certain period of time. By determining the total energy used at different points of the line, managemnt6 can identify ways of reducing the total cost of operating the system. Data collected can also aid in track control and signalling. Management can be able to plan which trains will be using each section of the track at different times of the day. The onboard operation of a train is also improved by the data collected. Effective ways of improving the on-board signalling system can be, for example, be identified by the analysis of the performance of existing signalling systems.
Data collected is also about the movement of traffic on the network. The management of the rail network can be able to determine the total number of people that use the network at different stations, which aids in creating a suitable timetable that serves all stations efficiently. Based on the analysis of the network's performance, the data collected is also used for maintenance by identifying facilities and assets that either need to be repaired, replaced or improved with new technology—this aids in improving the performance of the entire network. 
How data extracted is used
Data collected is used to manage the total costs of operations in a railway network. Data collected can indicate the total energy spent at different points of the network, which can aid in determining the total cost of maintaining specific routes on the network. As a result, management can create a timetable that results in the lowest prices possible for the entire network. Data collected is also used to evaluate the condition of different assets and infrastructure held by the organization. According to D'agostino, Ablitt, and Carr (2016), Data collection and analysis is a standard method used by railways line to either replace existing technology or repair and improve its performance based on changes in traffic on the network. This improves the overall performance of the entire network in terms of both service delivery as well as minimizing operating costs. Data collected is therefore used to improve the overall condition of the railway line. 
Data collected is also used in scheduling. Based on the total number of people that use the network at different stations, the management can create a timetable that best serves clients but at the same time minimizes the total cost of maintaining the network. Management can, for example, increase the number of trains that serve high traffic areas and reduce the number of trips to low traffic areas. The data collected is also used to improve the overall efficiency of operations of the network by identifying key operational weaknesses that management can then address. 
How the data extraction helps improve the company's efficiency and effectiveness
Data extraction can aid in improving the overall efficiency and effectiveness of a rail network's operations by providing information that can be used for cost reduction. Areas of the organization's operation that are creating waste can be identified, and adjustments made that will reduce total operating costs while still maximizing the organization's total revenues. Despite the high operating costs, most rail networks barely profit and rely on government support to remain operatio