Site News

ExcelWraps Selected for European Railway Innovation Award for SmartFleet Digital Platform

Tue, 29 Jul 2025 07:52:00 GMT

UK digital solutions provider selected as regional winner in prestigious ERCI Innovation Awards 2025

ExcelWraps Limited, a leading provider of digital solutions for the rolling stock industry, has been selected as a regional winner in the European Railway Clusters Initiative (ERCI) Innovation Awards 2025 for its SmartFleet Digital Solutions Platform for Rolling Stock Asset Management.

The achievement was announced by Rail Forum, the UK's national railway industry body, in partnership with the Birmingham Rail Innovation Centre (BRIC). ExcelWraps was chosen from 20 competitive entries across the UK region for its innovative approach to digitising railway maintenance and compliance processes.

Transforming Railway Maintenance

SmartFleet represents a fundamental shift from traditional paper-based maintenance processes to comprehensive digital workflows. The cloud-based platform integrates maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) operations, quality auditing, compliance tracking, and smart tool connectivity into a unified system that serves railway operators, maintainers, and rolling stock owners across the UK.

"We're delighted that SmartFleet has been recognised at the European level," said John Doyle, Director of ExcelWraps. "This award validates our commitment to transforming how the railway industry manages its most critical asset – rolling stock. Our platform addresses real operational challenges while enhancing safety and compliance across the sector."

Industry Impact

The SmartFleet platform delivers measurable improvements including:

Eliminates paperwork - Reduces administration time by 30-45%
Enhanced compliance – Competency management and audit trail reporting
Smart tool integration - Direct connectivity eliminates transcription errors
Real-time visibility - Dashboard analytics enable data-driven decisions
Scalable solution – Immediate startup with pay-as-you-go pricing

With over 30 ready-to-use solutions covering everything from corrosion management to train cleaning scorecards, SmartFleet addresses the full spectrum of rolling stock lifecycle management.

European Recognition

The ERCI Innovation Awards celebrate groundbreaking technologies that advance railway safety, efficiency, and sustainability across Europe. Regional winners from across the continent will compete for the overall European title, with the final ceremony taking place at EXPO Ferroviaria in Milan on 30 September 2025.

Cat Appleby, Membership & Engagement Director at Rail Forum, commented: "ExcelWraps exemplifies the innovative spirit driving the UK rail sector forward. Their SmartFleet platform demonstrates how digital transformation can deliver tangible operational benefits while maintaining the highest safety standards."

The recognition comes as ExcelWraps continues to expand its presence in the UK rolling stock market, working with major maintenance depots, fleet operators, and rolling stock companies nationwide.

About the Partners

Rail Forum is the UK's national railway industry body, representing the entire rail supply chain from global corporations to SMEs, asset owners to manufacturers, and digital solutions providers to passenger and freight operators.

BRIC (Birmingham Rail Innovation Centre) is part of the University of Birmingham's railway research cluster, fostering innovation and collaboration in railway technology development.

ERCI (European Railway Clusters Initiative) promotes innovation and collaboration across European railway clusters, supporting the development of cutting-edge railway technologies.

About ExcelWraps Limited Founded in 2019, ExcelWraps specialises in developing digital solutions for rolling stock activities with a focus on industry compliance requirements. Based in Leeds, the company offers over 30 ready-to-use applications alongside custom development services, serving railway operators, maintainers, and owners across the UK. For more information, visit www.excelwraps.com.

Media Contact: John Doyle, Director ExcelWraps Limited Email: john.doyle@excelwraps.com Phone: +44 771 4291194

DeepDive into ExcelWraps Podcast

Tue, 13 May 2025 13:23:00 GMT

Podcast: Deep Dive into ExcelWraps: Listen to a podcasts discussing ExcelWraps.

ExcelWraps Featured on Leading US Technology Podcast

Leeds, UK – May 13, 2025 – ExcelWraps, the UK-based provider of digital railway solutions, has been featured on a prominent American technology podcast, showcasing how British innovation is transforming industrial maintenance through digital solutions.

The company's appearance on the internationally recognised tech podcast represents a significant milestone for the Leeds-based firm, which specialises in digitising maintenance processes for the railway industry. The episode, titled "Deep Dive into ExcelWraps," explores how the company is revolutionising traditional paper-based systems across the UK rail sector.

Struggling to compile your compliance doc pack?

Wed, 08 Nov 2023 09:46:07 GMT

ExcelWraps streamlines compliance and certification with our integrated PDF printing engine. For each train unit, we compile a PDF volume containing copies of all completed digital workflow forms. This provides immutable evidence of work performed, measurements taken, and reviewer signatures.

Although we maintain detailed records in our database for analysis, the PDF serves as a universally readable record that can be provided to anyone, even without database access. It acts as a certificate of conformance to hand off to clients or auditors. Our logo certifies that all digital signatures met competence requirements.

One client said this single feature paid for ExcelWraps immediately. By sparing engineers from collecting paper records across the production floor, the digital PDF workflow saved massive amounts of time and effort.

Please contact ClientServices@ExcelWraps.com to learn more.

2023 Rolling Stock Expert Seminar Series

Thu, 31 Aug 2023 09:14:00 GMT

ExcelWraps is delighted to invite you to a series of free Rolling Stock Expert Seminars at our office, conveniently situated next to Leeds Railway Station. The seminars will include rolling stock case studies taken from our engineering team and describes how the ExcelWraps digital platform brings new efficiencies into rolling stock management. Places are limited so we encourage you to contact ClientServices@ExcelWraps.com to secure your spot.

Suspension Expert Seminar - 10:00 am on Wednesday September 6th, 2023. Setting up suspensions systems in the traditional trial and error way feels like you are chasing your tail. ExcelWraps predictive methods brings productivity benefits and improves derailment safety. More details...
Bolt Expert Seminar - 10:00 am on Monday, September 18th, 2023. I have yet to meet a rolling stock engineer who has not had a problem with bolts. The key to solving the problem is understanding bolt mechanics which we have made simple by creating an easy-to-use web app to do all the clever math and explanatory videos. More details...
Fatigue Expert Seminar - 10:00 am on Wednesday, October 4th, 2023. We’ll explain the engineering principles and maintenance of fleet inspection records to ensure the safe running of a fleet with fatigue problems. More details...
Project Expert Seminar - 10:00 am on Wednesday, November 1st, 2023. We’ll show you how our digital solution forces your team to follow company procedures and provides concise weekly progress reports. More details...
Competence Expert Seminar - 10:00 am on Wednesday, November 15th, 2023. We’ll explain how our maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) solutions makes sure that only competent people sign of tasks, how the process is managed and how we provide records to demonstrate compliance to rolling stock regulations. More details...

Project Expert Seminar

Tue, 08 Aug 2023 10:04:00 GMT

ExcelWraps is excited to host a complimentary ISO 9001 AI Driven Project Management Seminar at our office, conveniently located next to Leeds Railway Station, at 10:00 am on Wednesday, November 1st, 2023. The fusion of two ground-breaking technologies, AI and ExcelWraps, has revolutionized the way we approach ISO 9001 compliant procedures. This powerful combination not only simplifies the creation of comprehensive procedures but also streamlines project initiation, adherence to company guidelines, and task assignments. By integrating these two technologies, managing tasks and overseeing projects has reached unparalleled levels of simplicity and efficiency!

📊 Stay Ahead with Automated Weekly Reports!

Get real-time S-curve updates showcasing project progress (planned and actual) hours spent (planned and actual).

🔍Track Every Task with Precision! Monitor the overall project progress with a detailed status for each task. Know instantly if a task is:

🟡 Waiting

🔴 Stuck

🟠 Off-Schedule

🟢 On-Schedule

✅ Done

Bring an example along and put the system to the test. Don't miss out on this opportunity to elevate your project management game. We encourage you to contact us as soon as possible to secure your spot. Please email ClientServices@ExcelWraps.com.

Competence Expert Seminar

Fri, 04 Aug 2023 15:13:00 GMT

ExcelWraps is excited to host a complimentary ExcelWraps User Role Management Seminar at our office, conveniently located next to Leeds Railway Station, at 10:00 am on Wednesday, November 15th, 2023.

Welcome to ExcelWraps' User Role Management system, your one-stop solution for managing user access and responsibilities on the WrapSite. Our system is designed with meticulous attention to detail, ensuring top-notch data security. We assess roles based on criteria set by the UK Office of Road and Rail (ORR), the UK National Careers Office, and our own ExcelWraps accreditation training process.

To uphold the highest standards of competence and compliance, we assign an expiration date to all roles. This prompts periodic reviews by managers to verify the suitability of assigned roles and to organize necessary training for role renewals. Our procedure is key to demonstrating adherence to the competence management requirements of the UK Rail Safety and Standards Board (RSSB).

Streamlined Role Management with ExcelWraps

Our role management system is designed to simplify your tasks. It aids in role administration and evidence gathering, helping railway companies effectively meet the Railway Industry Supplier Approval Scheme (RISAS) standards. This ensures a smooth audit process when auditors visit. Plus, our role management process is seamlessly integrated with ExcelWraps' solutions for Rolling Stock Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul, as well as Train Presentation and Train Audits. This all-encompassing integration ensures compliance across all your business operations.

User Role Accreditation and Privacy

With ExcelWraps, each user can view their own role accreditation information, ensuring individual privacy. Our Role Manager feature grants special privileges to designated users, providing them with access to all role accreditation records. This role is pivotal for coordinating role reviews and managing training requirements, while maintaining the privacy and security of user information.

Our Recommended Procedure

Creating New User Role Records: Navigate to the 'Role-R01-Navigator-V1' wrap and follow the prompts to create a new user role record.
Assigning Railway Company Roles: Use the 'Role-R01-PeerReview-V1' wrap to assign dynamic roles and add peer review comments and certificates against role criteria defined by the ORR and National Careers Service.
Awarding Wrap Management Roles: The 'Role-R01-WrapTraining-V1' wrap allows you to award user roles based on peer review of specific role criteria set out in the ExcelWraps accreditation process.
Awarding Company Specific Roles: Our system is flexible enough to accommodate bespoke roles and assessment criteria specific to your company.
Recording Role History: Use the 'Role-R01-History-V1' wrap to track changes in user roles over time, ensuring full traceability.

ExcelWraps is here to make your role management process as efficient and secure as possible. Let us help you achieve compliance and operational excellence in your business.

Discover the power of ExcelWraps' User Role Management system! Our platform ensures top-notch data security and simplifies role administration, making it easier for railway companies to meet RISAS standards. With features like individual role accreditation visibility and privileged Role Manager access, we prioritize both efficiency and privacy. Plus, our system is seamlessly integrated with solutions for Rolling Stock Maintenance, Repair, Overhaul, and more. Experience streamlined role management with ExcelWraps - your partner in achieving compliance and operational excellence. #ExcelWraps #UserRoleManagement #DataSecurity #RailwayIndustry

Fatigue Expert Seminar

Fri, 28 Jul 2023 08:34:00 GMT

ExcelWraps is excited to host a complimentary Fatigue Expert Seminar at our office, conveniently located next to Leeds Railway Station, at 10:00 am on Wednesday, October 4th, 2023. In partnership with industry giants such as Hitachi, Alstom, and Siemens, our goal is to shed light on the issue of fatigue failures in the UK railways.

An analysis of the UK Railways' National Incident Reports indicates that approximately 12 incidents annually are associated with fatigue cracking issues, making it a common challenge for railway engineers. Upon detection of a crack, several steps must be taken to ensure the fleet's safety. An immediate fleet inspection is required to identify the extent of the problem across the fleet. ExcelWraps facilitates this process using digital record sheets, enabling instant sharing of inspection results with the investigation team. This allows us to determine which trains can continue to operate safely. The train with the longest crack represents the worst-case scenario, but it may be possible to justify the safe operation of vehicles with shorter cracks. Ultimately, an analysis must be conducted to ascertain whether the cracks are harmless or if they will continue to grow and reach a critical length for fast fracture.

John Doyle, CEO of ExcelWraps, is an engineering analyst with extensive experience in addressing fatigue problems in the railway industry. He will share his insights at this seminar. As the event has limited availability, spots will be allocated on a first-come, first-served basis. We encourage you to contact us as soon as possible to secure your spot. Please email ClientServices@ExcelWraps.com.

Bolt Expert Seminar

Fri, 28 Jul 2023 06:40:00 GMT

ExcelWraps is delighted to invite you to a free Bolt Expert Seminar at our office, conveniently situated next to Leeds Railway Station, at 10:00 am on Monday, September 18th, 2023. In collaboration with industry leaders like Hitachi and Wabtec, ExcelWraps aims to demystify the issue of bolt failures on the UK railways.

A review of the UK Railways' National Incident Reports reveals that about 20 incidents each year are linked to bolt problems. Moreover, almost every railway engineer can recount unsettling experiences with bolts. However, the root cause of these issues often remains unclear. This seminar will introduce an application that guides you through a diagnostic process, enhanced by data capture and video explanations (see https://boltexpert.live.excelwraps.com/). This tool will aid in pinpointing the primary problem and devising corrective actions.

While the railway industry mainly uses torque tightening methods, our seminar will explore advanced bolting procedures involving Smart torque wrenches. These wrenches are directly linked to our electronic workflow data capture applications. We'll show how smart torque wrenches can be programmed using our record sheets and how they can verify the correct execution of the bolting procedure. Adopting these techniques will provide you with greater control over the clamping loads in your bolts, thereby increasing resistance to vibrational loosening, reducing the risk of bolt shearing, and enhancing fatigue load resistance.

The seminar will be conducted by David Hutchings and John Doyle from the ExcelWraps client services team. As availability for this event is limited, spots will be assigned on a first-come, first-served basis. We urge you to contact us promptly to reserve your place. Please email ClientServices@ExcelWraps.com.

Suspension Expert Seminar

Thu, 27 Jul 2023 10:13:00 GMT

ExcelWraps is hosting a complimentary Suspension Expert Seminar at their office, conveniently located next to Leeds Railway Station, at 10:00 am on Wednesday September 6th, 2023. Collaborating with industry giants like Hitachi, Siemens, and Eurostar, ExcelWraps is addressing the challenge of adjusting suspension when vehicles undergo re-bogie-ing after an overhaul.

The accurate shimming of secondary suspension components in railway vehicles is vital for derailment safety, axle balance, and vehicle levelling, all of which contribute to a safe and comfortable journey. The traditional method, a time-consuming process of trial and error, is being revolutionised by ExcelWraps. They've introduced a predictive approach that relies on wheel weight and vehicle height measurements.

This innovative, data-driven method accurately calculates the shimming requirements needed to rectify imbalances and level the vehicle correctly on the first attempt. This streamlined process is ten times quicker than the conventional method, resulting in significant time and labour savings.

Moreover, it boosts accuracy and consistency, leading to enhanced safety, superior vehicle performance, and improved passenger comfort.

Availability for this event is limited and spots will be allocated on a first-come, first-served basis. We encourage you to reach out to us promptly to secure your spot. Email ClientServices@ExcelWraps.com.

Enhance Derailment Safety and Reduce Suspension Set Up Time

Tue, 20 Jun 2023 14:47:00 GMT

Our cutting-edge prediction method for suspension shims revolutionises the traditional trial-and-error process, significantly reducing suspension setup times and bolstering derailment safety. This process is streamlined through a specially designed web application, which also provides access to historical data on vehicle weight and levelling. As a result, a task that previously took six days is now accomplished in just half a day. By adhering to this proven procedure, we not only enhance ride quality and reduce wheel wear but also, most importantly, improve derailment safety. See more...

Redelivery Inspections when a Fleet Moves from One Operator to Another

Tue, 06 Jun 2023 14:36:00 GMT

ExcelWraps offers a fleet redelivery solution that streamlines and simplifies the comprehensive assessment of trains being returned to the owner at the end of a lease period. This digital solution ensures that the units being returned are in the same condition as when they entered the lease and meet all contractual requirements. Key features of the ExcelWraps fleet redelivery solution include:

Centralised database: The platform provides a centralised, cloud-based database where all relevant information about the fleet, including maintenance records, inspections, and modifications, can be stored and managed. This enables easy access and visibility for both the owner and the lessee throughout the lease period.
Mobile inspection app: ExcelWraps offers a mobile app that allows inspectors to conduct redelivery inspections efficiently, recording observations, taking photos, and documenting any discrepancies directly within the app. This ensures a consistent and accurate inspection process.
Customisable inspection checklists: The solution enables organisations to create bespoke inspection checklists that reflect the specific requirements of the lease agreement and the owner's expectations. This ensures that all relevant aspects of the trains' condition are assessed during the redelivery inspection.
Real-time data collection and analysis: The platform allows for real-time data collection and analysis during the inspection process. Inspectors can input data directly into the system, enabling immediate evaluation of the train's condition and the identification of any issues or deviations from the lease requirements.
Integration with maintenance and asset management systems: ExcelWraps' fleet redelivery solution can be integrated with existing maintenance and asset management systems, ensuring seamless communication and data exchange between all involved parties.
Customisable reporting: The platform offers customisable reporting options, allowing organisations to generate detailed reports on the redelivery inspection process, findings, and any identified issues or concerns. These reports can be shared with relevant stakeholders, such as the owner and the lessee, to facilitate a smooth and transparent redelivery process.

By implementing ExcelWraps' fleet redelivery solution, owners and lessees can efficiently manage the end-of-lease inspection process, ensuring that trains are returned in the required condition and that all contractual obligations are met. This ultimately leads to a more streamlined and cost-effective fleet management process for all parties involved. another digital solution free to any ExcelWraps clients.

Rolling Stock Damage App

Tue, 23 May 2023 07:55:00 GMT

ExcelWraps proudly presents its cloud-based solution, Rolling Stock Damage - an innovative application designed to efficiently manage, track, and apportion costs related to railway vehicle damage and vandalism. This cutting-edge app enhances damage identification and cost management amongst the partners involved in the service.

Key features of the Rolling Stock Damage App:

Damage Heat Maps: The app provides visually intuitive markup maps of damage on the train's layout, such as underframe, roof, or bodyside drawings. Each unit of damage is highlighted for easy identification and processing.
Detailed Damage Reporting: With an integrated system of traction and rolling stock codes, the app identifies and categorises the damage. It allows users to select the relevant subsystem for precise location, supported by our easy-to-use drilldown navigation features.
Dynamic Scorecard and Reporting: Particularly concerning damages trigger penalty points that are automatically populated into a scorecard, providing critical areas for targeted analysis.
Cost Management: Damage repair costs are assessed and managed effectively. Lower-cost repairs can be authorised immediately, while more costly ones can be routed for approval.
Automatic Updates: As the damage is rectified, the corresponding markers on the map automatically vanish, keeping the system updated in real-time.
Live Damage Summary: The application showcases a live damage summary in the first tab, making it simple for users to view individual damage details or raise new damage items.

The Rolling Stock Damage App not only revolutionises the way railway damage and vandalism is handled but also provides comprehensive features such as photographic evidence capture, a summary table of damage, and seamless updating of labour rates and material mark-up costs. Offered as a flexible and scalable subscription-based service, Rolling Stock Damage is tailored to meet your specific needs. You can choose from different plans based on your requirements and usage, and even request a free trial or demo to experience the app's functionality first-hand.

If our Rolling Stock Damage App aligns with your needs, please don't hesitate to reach us at info@excelwraps.com. Our team is always available to answer any queries you may have and assist you with the setup and implementation process.

Rolling Stock Damage and Vandalism Policy Framework

Executive Summary

This policy framework establishes clear responsibilities, procedures, and cost allocation mechanisms for managing damage and vandalism across the UK rolling stock ecosystem, involving ROSCOs (Rolling Stock Companies), TOCs (Train Operating Companies), maintainers, and other stakeholders.

Key Stakeholders and Responsibilities

1. ROSCOs (Rolling Stock Owners/Lessors)

Primary Responsibilities:

Asset protection and insurance coverage
Setting maintenance standards and damage thresholds
Monitoring asset condition and residual values
Approval of major repairs and modifications
Recovery of costs from responsible parties

Policy Requirements:

Maintain comprehensive insurance for catastrophic damage
Define "fair wear and tear" vs. chargeable damage
Establish damage cost recovery mechanisms
Regular asset condition monitoring and reporting

2. TOCs (Train Operating Companies)

Primary Responsibilities:

Day-to-day operational care and custody
Immediate damage reporting and temporary mitigation
Security measures and vandalism prevention
Passenger safety during incidents
Liaison with British Transport Police

Policy Requirements:

Implement robust security protocols
Train staff in damage assessment and reporting
Maintain incident response procedures
Coordinate with emergency services when required

3. Maintainers/Depot Operators

Primary Responsibilities:

Professional damage assessment and repair
Cost estimation and work authorisation
Quality control and compliance with standards
Documentation and photographic evidence
Spare parts management and sourcing

Policy Requirements:

Certified damage assessment procedures
Standardised repair methodologies
Digital documentation systems
Quality assurance protocols

4. Network Rail

Primary Responsibilities:

Infrastructure-related damage coordination
Trespass prevention and security
Incident investigation when track involvement
Coordination with British Transport Police

Damage Classification Framework

Category A: Criminal Damage/Vandalism

Definition: Intentional damage caused by external parties Examples:

Graffiti and vandalism
Stone throwing incidents
Arson attempts
Forced entry damage
Deliberate obstruction damage

Cost Responsibility:

Primary: Criminal/insurance recovery where possible
Secondary: TOC operational insurance
Last resort: Shared cost arrangement

Category B: Operational Damage

Definition: Damage resulting from normal operational incidents Examples:

Door mechanism failures from heavy use
Interior damage from passenger incidents
Collision damage from operational errors
Environmental damage (flooding, extreme weather)

Cost Responsibility:

Determined by fault analysis
Insurance coverage primary
Contractual arrangements secondary

Category C: Fair Wear and Tear

Definition: Expected deterioration from normal use Examples:

Carpet wear patterns
Seat fabric deterioration
Paint oxidation and normal weathering
Component lifecycle expiration

Cost Responsibility:
- Maintenance contract provisions
- Lifecycle replacement planning
- No additional charges to TOC
Category D: Accident/Collision Damage

Definition: Damage from accidents, derailments, or collisions Examples:
- Collision damage between trains
- Derailment structural damage
- Platform strikes
- Level crossing incidents
Cost Responsibility:
- Fault-party liability insurance
- Cross-industry insurance arrangements
- Catastrophic event provisions

Policy Implementation Framework

1. Immediate Response Protocol (0-4 Hours)

TOC Actions:

Secure scene and ensure passenger safety
Initial damage assessment and photography
Report to ROSCO, maintainer, and authorities
Implement temporary repairs if safe to do so
Submit incident report via SmartFleet system

ROSCO Actions:

Acknowledge receipt of damage report
Authorise emergency repairs if required
Mobilise insurance assessors for major damage
Coordinate with TOC on service implications

2. Assessment Phase (4-48 Hours)

Maintainer Actions:

Detailed damage assessment and photography
Repair cost estimation and methodology
Spare parts availability check
Timeline for return to service
Digital documentation via SmartFleet platform

ROSCO Actions:

Review and approve repair proposals
Determine damage category and liability
Coordinate insurance claims if applicable
Authorise repair work to proceed

3. Repair and Recovery Phase (48 Hours+)

All Parties:

Execute approved repair plans
Monitor progress and quality
Document actual costs vs. estimates
Coordinate return to service procedures
Complete SmartFleet documentation

Cost Allocation Matrix

Damage Type	TOC Liability	ROSCO Coverage	Insurance Recovery	Shared Costs
Criminal Vandalism	0-25%	25-50%	50-100%	Case dependent
Passenger Abuse	50-75%	25-50%	0-25%	By agreement
Operational Error	75-100%	0-25%	0-50%	Fault-based
Force Majeure	0-25%	75-100%	50-100%	Shared risk
Fair Wear/Tear	0%	100%	0%	Contract provisions

The cost allocation matrix needs to be agreed with the various stakeholder at the start of a fleet damage repair contract.

Severity Scoring Methodology (1-10 Scale)

Severity 1-2 (Minor): Cosmetic damage, routine maintenance items, no operational impact

Examples: Filters, fluids, labels, minor trim items

Severity 3-4 (Moderate): Some operational impact but service can continue

Examples: Individual seat damage, minor lighting faults, routine component wear

Severity 5-6 (Significant): Notable operational impact, may affect passenger comfort or service quality

Examples: HVAC defects, door malfunctions, communication system failures

Severity 7-8 (Major): Safety implications or severe service disruption

Examples: Brake system faults, safety system failures, major traction equipment

Severity 9-10 (Critical/Catastrophic): Immediate safety risk or complete service failure

Examples: Main transformer failure, diesel engine failure, major structural damage

Penalty Point Correlation:

Items with penalty points (100-300) typically score 3-8 on severity
300-point penalties align with severity 7-8 (major safety/service impact)
Criminal/vandalism items vary 1-8 depending on safety implications

Digital Management via SmartFleet Solutions

Damage Documentation System

Visual mapping with precise location recording
Photographic evidence with timestamp and geolocation
Cost tracking from estimation through completion
Heat mapping to identify recurring problem areas
Real-time updates accessible to all stakeholders

Performance Monitoring

KPI dashboards for damage frequency and costs
Trend analysis to identify systemic issues
Benchmarking across fleet and industry standards
Predictive analytics for prevention strategies

Workflow Management

Automated notifications to relevant parties
Approval workflows for repair authorisation
Progress tracking from report to resolution
Document compilation for insurance and auditing

Prevention Strategies

Security Measures

Enhanced CCTV coverage at vulnerable locations
Improved lighting at stations and depots
Physical barriers and access control
Regular security patrols and monitoring

Design Considerations

Vandal-resistant materials and finishes
Protective films and coatings
Secure equipment housings
Easy-clean surfaces and materials

Operational Protocols

Staff training on damage prevention
Passenger education and awareness
Collaboration with British Transport Police
Community engagement programs

Data-Driven Insights

Pattern analysis of damage incidents
Geographic and temporal clustering
Cost-benefit analysis of prevention measures
Industry benchmarking and best practices

Performance Metrics and KPIs

Financial Metrics

Total damage costs per unit per annum
Cost per incident by category
Insurance recovery percentages
Prevention investment ROI

Operational Metrics

Mean time to repair (MTTR)
Service disruption minutes
Repeat incident rates
Customer satisfaction scores

Quality Metrics

Repair quality assessments
Compliance with standards
Documentation completeness
Stakeholder satisfaction

Review and Continuous Improvement

Regular Reviews

Monthly: Operational performance review
Quarterly: Financial and trend analysis
Annually: Policy effectiveness and update
Ad-hoc: Major incident lessons learned

Industry Collaboration

Best practice sharing across ROSCOs
Joint initiatives with TOCs and maintainers
Coordination with industry bodies
Technology advancement adoption

Insurance and Legal Framework

Insurance Requirements

Comprehensive Coverage: All parties maintain appropriate insurance
Coordinated Policies: Avoid gaps and overlaps in coverage
Catastrophic Protection: Major incident coverage arrangements
Liability Limits: Clear understanding of coverage limits

Legal Compliance

Health and Safety: Compliance with rail safety regulations
Criminal Law: Cooperation with police investigations
Contract Law: Clear terms in lease and maintenance agreements
Data Protection: Secure handling of incident information

This comprehensive framework ensures clear accountability, efficient damage management, and effective cost control while maintaining the highest standards of safety and service quality across the UK rolling stock industry.

Managing Train Interior Carpet and Seat Stains

Tue, 09 May 2023 09:40:00 GMT

Use ExcelWraps mark up maps to show the position of permanent stains on an interior floor plan. Set a stain threshold to trigger carpet and seat replacement which may be lower in highly visible areas and higher in less visible areas. A well-maintained train interior creates a positive impression of the train operating company, making passengers more likely to use their services again in the future.

ExcelWraps Scorecard reduces cleaning penalties by 90%!

Wed, 26 Apr 2023 11:29:00 GMT

ExcelWraps has designed a daily scorecard system to enhance the efficiency of train cleaning services. Every night, numerous train cleaners ensure our public transport vehicles remain clean and hygienic. After completing their tasks, a cleaning auditor evaluates their work using a scorecard. The scorecard consists of 50 individual assessments, with varying penalty points based on the severity of each issue. The checklist is utilized to examine all cars in a unit, with the inspections organized into six areas: toilets, passenger vestibules, catering spaces, staff area, and two separate categories for train exteriors. Since the implementation of the scorecard cleaning penalty points have been reduced by over 90%. Consequently, passengers have enjoyed the best possible travel experience with the train operator.

Highlights from 2023 user Conference

Tue, 28 Mar 2023 15:20:00 GMT

The annual user conference was held at the ExcelWraps offices by Leeds Station. We were delighted to welcome guests from across the UK, Sweden, France, Spain and Nepal. The day is summarised in three short 30 second video clips:

2023 User Conference Clip1 featuring alert acknowledgement, data analysis, query loops to keep production going and 'PDF doc packs'.
2023 User Conference Clip2 featuring smart tools and API connection to Wraps, core development work and image grid.
2023 User Conference Clip3 featuring branding, dynamic signatures and server side security checks, simultaneous editing with team wraps and integrated tooling.

If you want to see more than the short clip the full videos are available below:

Our user alert feature to send important safety briefings and collect acknowledge that the briefs have been read and understood. In addition how we ensure that everyone always uses the latest release of documentation. See video clip.
An appreciation of the value of the data you collect in wraps and how they have saved money and prioritised problems. All scenarios discussed are real life problems with rolling stock. See video clip.
Our API connection feature to enable you to transfer data between any systems connected to the internet. Data exchange with a project management system and a Smart Tool system are discussed. The smart tool is programmed by Wraps and the results of torque tightenings are retrieved automatically before the work can be signed off. See Video clip.
Our contingency planning features in Wraps to help when the work does not go according to plan. Technical queries, concessions can all hold up the shop floor we show you how to handle them and provide traceability. We also discuss how we produce PDF 'doc packs' that you can give to your customers. See the video clip.
Understand the difference between free core development work and paid for custom development work. See the video clip.
Our image grid feature creates a graphical user interface. As engineering relies so much on drawings it only seem natural to work with pictures. A couple of examples are shown, one using a car floor layout to mark up damage in a vehicle interior and another showing repair of an axle. We overlay a heatmap to highlight the areas of most interest. See the video clip.
ExcelWraps continuous improvement program and how we rollout improvements to the software. It includes a description of our new dynamic signature feature to optimise the performance of signatures whilst maintaining the security and server side checks. See the video clip.
Streamlining our MRO solution (maintenance Repair and Overhaul) and new dashboard features. See the video clip.
TeamWraps simultaneous editing feature for large teams working the whole length of a train or people collaboration at different geographic locations. See the video clip.
Tools and calibration feature in MRO solutions. Problems with setting torque wrenches and how they can be prevented using wraps. See the video clip.

SmartFleet Demos at Leeds Railway Station

Thu, 12 May 2022 13:41:00 GMT

When you first buy a WrapSite it comes preloaded with template Wraplications written by ExcelWraps covering many rolling stock activities (maintenance, overhaul and auditing). They invite you to two training courses at their offices in Leeds to get you up to speed. The first is a WrapSite Administration course covering driving your WrapSite, user management, competence management, organisation workgroups (internal and external) and web page content. The second course covers Wrap Creation harnessing your proficiency in Excel to create new custom workflows to append to your existing Wraplications. On leaving the course you will be set up Workgroup administrators to look after their own users, to launch any of the template activities on any unit belong to any fleet. This creates online forms that your artisan users complete and digitally sign off to show that the work has been fully completed by competent people using approved techniques. Keeping track of any process KPIs, like % completion, will be fully automated for managers and clients to monitor from remote locations.

Finding the office is easy it is on the third floor of the platform building. Just arrive at Leeds railway station and look for the revolving door adjacent to the M&S store. The trainers are very well inform as they only create software for rolling stock activities and will focus their training using the most appropriate template solutions for you.

SmartFleet WrapSite Launched!

Fri, 06 May 2022 10:28:00 GMT

SmartFleet are digital solutions (Wraplications) to run all rolling stock activities. The list of current Wraplications includes Maintenance (Block based & Plan Based), Overhaul, Task Queries (Technical Queries, Quarantine, Concessions, Additional Arising Work), Train Presentation (Cleaning, Technical, Damage & Vandalism), New Fleet Delivery Inspections, Fleet Lease End Redelivery Inspections, Suspension Setup and Derailment Safety, Engineering Change, Safety Incident Management, Safety Alerts, Workgroup Briefings and Tools & Calibration. Each Wraplication includes Competence Management & Compliance, Document Control, KPI Dashboards and Tracking, Pdf DocPack Solutions and Task Management. ExcelWraps policies to guarantee data security and service level agreement.

Site News

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2023 Rolling Stock Expert Seminar Series

Project Expert Seminar

Competence Expert Seminar

Fatigue Expert Seminar

Bolt Expert Seminar

Suspension Expert Seminar

Enhance Derailment Safety and Reduce Suspension Set Up Time

Redelivery Inspections when a Fleet Moves from One Operator to Another

Rolling Stock Damage App

Rolling Stock Damage and Vandalism Policy Framework

Executive Summary

Key Stakeholders and Responsibilities

1. ROSCOs (Rolling Stock Owners/Lessors)

2. TOCs (Train Operating Companies)

3. Maintainers/Depot Operators

4. Network Rail

Damage Classification Framework

Category A: Criminal Damage/Vandalism

Category B: Operational Damage

Category C: Fair Wear and Tear

Category D: Accident/Collision Damage

Policy Implementation Framework

1. Immediate Response Protocol (0-4 Hours)

2. Assessment Phase (4-48 Hours)

3. Repair and Recovery Phase (48 Hours+)

Cost Allocation Matrix

Severity Scoring Methodology (1-10 Scale)

Digital Management via SmartFleet Solutions

Damage Documentation System

Performance Monitoring

Workflow Management

Prevention Strategies

Security Measures

Design Considerations

Operational Protocols

Data-Driven Insights

Performance Metrics and KPIs

Financial Metrics

Operational Metrics

Quality Metrics

Review and Continuous Improvement

Regular Reviews

Industry Collaboration

Insurance and Legal Framework

Insurance Requirements

Legal Compliance

Managing Train Interior Carpet and Seat Stains

ExcelWraps Scorecard reduces cleaning penalties by 90%!

Highlights from 2023 user Conference

SmartFleet Demos at Leeds Railway Station

SmartFleet WrapSite Launched!