RAPIDcollation of maintenance and status data can be achieved through the use of SmartPoint technology developed by ESA SrL of Casssari.
SmartPoint uses miniature memory buttons developed to withstand extreme environments, which are attached directly to rolling stock or infrastructure components requiring monitoring. These can accommodate up to 488 digits in a miniaturised Eeprom encased in stainless steel. A fixed data field provides component identification, and the recordable data fields are updated with the latest performance or maintenance status.
Inspectors and field technicians are equipped with a hand-held computer with an interface probe. As this is touched on the SmartPoint, data is read and written in a secure format. Collected data can then be downloaded to a central office computer without any of the risks associated with manual data collection and re-keying.
ESA, Italy
