CEO Monthly November 2017

12 CEO MONTHLY / NOVEMBER 2017 , OnTrac specialise in creating bespoke software for the rail industry. Established in 2008, the company have spent almost a decade creating bespoke software that streamlines and digitises paper-based processes across the industry. Spokesperson and public relations manager, Vicki Hayward, reveals more about the company’s success over the years. Right OnTrac to the Digital Revolution The UK’s rail industry has access to an abundance of disparate data that has been, historically, largely underutilised. OnTrac create products that enable the collection and analysis of rail industry data, enabling our customer base to understand and utilise data more effectively. As a result, OnTrac have been successful in using big data to help automate processes and visualise assets for 30,000 customers, across 1200 organisations, enabling them to more accurately predict potential risks in the planning and delivery of work across the sector. RailHub, our flagship product, facilitates the further digital engagement of the rail industry, by making previously paper- based processes accessible via handheld devices. Smartphone technology holds great promise for the future of rail, and is a natural stepping stone in its digital evolution. Martyn Cuthbert, OnTrac’s CEO explains: “We understand the challenges faced by our user community, and over the years, have learned that app-based platforms and smart technologies are key in truly supporting the rail industry’s digital engagement.” Supporting the rail industry’s digital engagement by enabling our userbase to drive better business decisions using data, contributes to the rail industry’s ability to collaborate more successfully on major infrastructure works across the country. What’s more, RailHub streamlines and digitises the industry’s processes, in line with the rail industry’s long-term future goals of a Digital Railway. Having a single digital platform that boosts the efficiency and productivity of an entire industry, while supporting continued efforts to work more safely, allows rail to meet their digital goals sooner. A recent case study, provided by one of Network Rail’s largest suppliers, show that, in the period between May and October 2017, over 75,000 packs have been created within our RailHub platform. These have been rigorously tested in line with the rail industry’s process testing standards, with ‘zero shifts lost’. As a direct result of automating their processes, and removing paper from their procedures, the company saved over £225,000 in printing costs alone. This provided an overall return of investment – including the issue of over 1,000 smart devices – within 10 weeks. RailHub has since been awarded a Safety Integrity Level 4 (SIL4), and we couldn’t be happier with the results this customer has had, since adopting the platform earlier this year. OnTrac’s steadfast – and continued – dedication to the rail industry has resulted in great success over the years. Alongside immense growth, leading to the opening of London offices, as well as a plethora of local and national awards, recently, we have been listed as one of the fastest growing companies in Europe. What’s more, in the latter parts of 2015, we came together with transport provider, Tracsis. This was, not only one of Martyn’s own career goals, but a milestone in OnTrac’s wider company goals too; and a union that everyone at the company warmly welcomed. Over the past two years, we have continued to work and grow alongside Tracsis, working on the successful delivery of major railway projects throughout the group and the country. As a result, the relationship between both companies has been able to flourish, leading to some fantastic opportunities to explore together. We have learned that strong relationships in the exciting arena of disruptive technology is vital. Also, we have excellent connections to other innovative software companies in the 1710CE06 north-east of England and beyond, such as: Nutshell Apps, Geek Talent and Synergi, to name a few. We champion and applaud their successes with ease, because we appreciate that technology is a platform that facilitates positive change in the world – something we feel strongly about here at OnTrac. However, the relationships we champion most, are those we have developed with our customers in rail. The UK’s rail industry has an incredibly rich and longstanding legacy, and to play a part in the fundamental and transformative digital shift in its evolution, is particularly special for us to be a part of. Therefore, our relationship with Tracsis, coupled with customers, including: Network Rail, Siemens Auto Rail, Babcock Rail and many other very well-respected and successful train operators, freight operators and companies throughout the industry’s supply chain, play an integral role in who we are as a company, and the products we create. “The relationships we’ve forged is a vital milestone in the company’s history, and an important reminder of what can be achieved in rail when communication and collaboration are at the forefront of progress.” – Martyn Cuthbert.