A Computer System for Locomotive Maintenance

The management of the combined Chesapeake and Ohio and Baltimore and Ohio Railway Companies recognized soon after coordination of the two roads the need for information system that would help cope with the complex problem of diesel locomotive maintenance. Past practices of detecting chronic problem areas were inadequate in managing the combined diesel fleets of both roads. Through the joint efforts of several departments, specifications for a comprehensive computer system were documented and submitted to the Data Systems Development Group for implementation. Computer programs were designed, programmed, and installed along with an entirely new system of reporting maintenance activity from the field. Through this system, management-now has rapid access to maintenance related data in a variety of forms, both static and flexible, which enables them to take appropriate action on problems before they become chronic.