Automatic Equipment Identification
One of the newest “high tech” gimmicks to hit the railroad scene is the AEI system (Automatic Equipment Identification). A coded card is mounted on each car and locomotive and trackside reader devices are strategically located to “read” the identifying markings of each piece of equipment as it passes. The data are transmitted to a computer server, which can be accessed as needed to locate a particular car or to list an entire train as it passes.
The Transportation and Information Services have now converted the AEI system such that it feeds data directly to the STARR car movement system, eliminating the need for data entry as trains are received or dispatched from terminals. Data are thus more current and more accurate, highly desirable characteristics in the transportation business.