Case Study: ESC Vehicle Terminal Operation System Deployment

In March 2003, Embarcadero Systems Corporation (ESC) deployed a new vehicle terminal operating system at the Florida East Coast Railway's auto ramp in Miami. This 100-acre rail facility processes over 14,000 rail cars carrying approximately 180,000 vehicles per year. The implementation of ESC's VinTelligent™ software-with supporting wireless, handheld and desktop client networks-has provided FEC and the terminal operator, Auto Resources Group, with an efficient, flexible and scalable vehicle tracking and visibility system.

Florida East Coast Railway (FEC) is a regional freight railroad that operates 351 miles of main line track from Jacksonville to Miami and provides intermodal drayage service at several terminals. Auto Resources Group (ARG), a national vehicle terminal operator, had the opportunity to bid on managing FEC's Miami vehicle operations. However, ARG did not have a vehicle management system to offer FEC. ARG sought an experienced technology partner to complement its hands-on vehicle processing competencies. This partner would provide the system, infrastructure, training, and support that would allow ARG to win the bid to operate FEC's Miami auto ramp.

After reviewing all commercially available vehicle management software products, ARG selected ESC's VinTelligent™. This state-of-the-art, Web based system provided the features ARG required to deliver extremely efficient terminal operations to FEC. VinTelligent also satisfied FEC's requirement for a robust EDI system to communicate with its automobile manufacturers' supply chain systems.

With extensive project management experience, ESC executed a rapid deployment schedule that culminated in ARG turning the key to the new system on February 28, 2003, just one month after ARG officially selected VinTelligent as its software solution.

The Challenges
ARG required a savvy IT partner to provide the software, systems integration and hosting services that would support its ability to serve FEC's vehicle management needs. Once selected, ARG and ESC's primary challenge was to deliver the system in within one month. Smooth migration of FEC's existing data to the VinTelligent system was critically important to ensure minimal operational disruption during and immediately following the migration. Also due to the tight timeframe, training the ramp staff was vital to FEC maintaining operational efficiency.

How ESC Helped
ESC empowered ARG with the technology expertise that positioned the auto terminal operator to prevail in their bid to operate the Miami auto ramp. ESC provided the system deployment plan and worked with ARG at the FEC auto ramp to set up the VinTelligent system, including desktop clients, a wireless network, handheld devices, and both portable and stationary printers. Using its proven processes for efficient data conversion and migration, ESC successfully converted over half a million records and populated 70 tables during the 12 hours before the VinTelligent system went into production use.

In addition, ESC's support systems were put in place to ensure all personnel had the resources necessary for a smooth transition of systems and processes during and after the migration. These systems are in place today and tailored to meet ARG's continuing operational needs, ensuring proper system maintenance and support.

The Result
The VinTelligent system was in production at the terminal within only four weeks of FEC choosing the ARG and ESC team. The network setup, training, and software deployment proceeded smoothly, with no significant down time or data migration issues. Ultimately, the system increased FEC's supply chain visibility, allowing the railway to provide even better customer service.

ESC Contact
Ed Schriger
Embarcadero Systems Corporation
1701 Harbor Bay Parkway
Alameda, CA 94502

Email:	edsc@esystem.com
Phone:	(510) 749-7436