Provides Automated and Accurate Real-Time Information for Visual Displays and Public Address Systems
LONDON -- SchlumbergerSema, a business unit of Schlumberger Limited (NYSE:SLB), today announced that it has been named as the UK Railtrack Major Stations' preferred supplier for design, development and implementation of customer information systems (CIS). CIS manages and transmits accurate travel information in real time to passengers via multiple sources, including information screens and public address (PA) systems in stations. This is part of an extensive CIS replacement program for Railtrack Major Stations.
The arrangement with Railtrack, which will be based on a framework contract, follows the implementation of the SchlumbergerSema CIS projects at London Bridge and London Gatwick stations. Customer complaints at the two stations have reduced dramatically since the adoption of the system.
"We recently undertook a review of previous customer information system projects involving a range of suppliers," commented Steven Brown, asset systems manager, Railtrack. "SchlumbergerSema demonstrated a real grasp of our requirements and the capability to deliver solutions that would meet our long-term business needs, as well as the needs of our customers. We have now asked SchlumbergerSema to undertake design and build of CIS at three other major stations -- Kings Cross, Glasgow Central and Euston."
"Delivering high quality customer service to passengers is a key objective of all transport operators," commented Nigel Shaw, general manager, Rail Infrastructure Accounts, SchlumbergerSema. "The selection of SchlumbergerSema by Railtrack confirms our position as a leading supplier of transport CIS and demonstrates once more our experience and expertise in implementing and managing the complex IT systems that underpin the transport industry."
Combining sources of real-time data feeds, the SchlumbergerSema solution instantaneously provides accurate information to both the visual displays and automated PA systems, ensuring that passengers receive constantly updated information, including platform changes, delays or cancellations. This is a significant improvement on the existing customer information system that merely reproduces timetable schedules and has no link to the PA system.
The PA system uses real voices that have been edited to provide a flexible range of "as if live" announcements. Both male and female voices have been used to enable simultaneous announcements to be made on adjacent platforms with minimal confusion for passengers. Ambient noise sensors automatically adjust broadcast volume levels to take account of interference, such as aircraft flying over and trains standing at platforms.
The system can be upgraded to deliver real-time passenger information to mobile phones, personal digital assistants (PDAs), kiosks and the Internet, so that passengers can check that their trains are on time before leaving for the station, as well as at the station itself.
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About SchlumbergerSema
SchlumbergerSema is a leading information technology services company providing consulting, systems integration, managed services and products to the telecommunications, energy and utilities, finance, transport and public sector markets. More than 30,000 employees serving customers in 65 countries, SchlumbergerSema is one of two business segments of Schlumberger Limited, a global technology services company. For more information about SchlumbergerSema, visit http://www.slb.com.
For further information, contact:
Caroline Crouch
media relations manager
Tel: +44 20 7830 4233
Mobile: +44 7733 310 086
ccrouch@slb.com
© Press Release 2006
