Following a successful initial implementation, Network Rail North and East is now expanding the use of Tended’s geofencing technology to its Leeds and Sheffield Delivery Units (DUs). This strategic rollout builds upon the proven benefits showcased in the initial implementation at Retford and Scunthorpe, which successfully demonstrated how geofencing could support the safety and efficiency of the route’s operations, including:
- How geofencing brings safety enhancements for track workers carrying out works next to an open line
- Safety enhancements and improved management of worksite maker board (WSMB) and possession limit board (PLB) placement, supporting their correct placement and recovery.
- Enhanced visibility of on-track plant (OTP), such as Road Rail Vehicles (RRVs), including their real-time location and movements onsite.
- Faster checks during the line clear verification process to identify any objects still on the line prior to handback.
- Reduction in risk of incorrect or unsafe track access, improving team safety and helping OTP and individuals access the track when it was safe to do so.
- Reduction in risk of points run throughs by monitoring movements around points.
- Demonstrating how teams quickly became familiar with geofencing so that it could be effectively rolled out into the route’s business-as-usual operations.
With evidence of the benefits of geofencing, Network Rail North and East will continue to use the technology to further enhance operations across its maintenance teams. Specifically, geofencing will be used in environments where teams are working separated from open lines, helping them to maintain a safe distance from those lines, as well as supporting individuals working alone, two-person teams (COSS+1) and aiding the Site Warden in loud or complex settings.
Tended’s system will also support operations within worksites, including maintaining visibility over OTP, WSBMs and PLBs to check they are in the correct location and clear of the line before scheduled train traffic, helping Network Rail North and East complete faster checks during the line clear verification process.
To maximise the technology’s impact, the route will actively explore expanding its use cases to other high-risk activities, considering factors like line speed, sighting distance and working patterns.
To support familiarisation and seamless adoption of the technology, Tended will deploy the technology using a phased section-by-section approach. Each section will undergo a preparation stage to introduce the technology and its benefits, and incorporates behavioural science insights. This lays the groundwork for a comprehensive change process, setting each section up for success before handover and full integration into business-as-usual operations. A dedicated Tended implementation manager will be embedded with teams on the ground, guiding them through the change process and providing hands-on technical support.
Trevor Barkas, Project Manager for Network Rail North and East said "Tended’s products and service provides really strong assurance of placement, location monitoring and safe removal of assets on the infrastructure, along with staff awareness devices to assure staff are made aware if nearing LB/possession limits.”
"We're incredibly proud of the successful rollout of our geofencing technology with Network Rail North & East," says Matthew Cummins, Tended’s Head of Delivery. "The positive impact on safety and efficiency, particularly in challenging operational environments, underscores the value of our solution. We look forward to continuing to expand its application and further enhance their maintenance operations on this important route."
