Following a successful implementation on V/Line, Queensland Rail has implemented the Redcat Polygon POS System for its long haul country services.
Queensland Rail is Queensland’s number one service provider, carrying more than 55 million passengers a year and connecting people and destinations throughout the state.
These services include Spirit of Queensland from Brisbane to Cairns, Spirit of the Outback from Brisbane to Longreach, The Westlander from Brisbane to Charleville, The Inlander from Townsville to Mt Isa, The Bundaberg and Rockhampton Tilt Train Services and also the Kuranda Scenic Railway from Cairns
to Kuranda.
Some of these services take up to 30 hours, so catering is an integral part of the journey where they are often serving breakfast, lunch and dinner, as well as light snacks and beverages. On many of these services they also provide a trolley service where transactions take place at the travellers seat. With so much food being served, it was vital that Queensland Rail get real time data to ensure that wastage is minimised, determine the demand for all items on their menu and obviously to manage inventory. In addition, the Redcat POS reporting can assist in managing the performance of staff.
Previously, they had used a Quest till system that had restricted reporting where data could only be accessed when the trains returned to Brisbane. With trains often away from Brisbane for up to four days at a time delays in accessing data was causing issues.
In 2014, Queensland Rail embarked on a comprehensive tender process. They considered upgrading their existing system but felt it better to look at implementing a totally new solution and adjusting their own business processes. Luke Finter, Queensland Rail Manager On Board Product Strategy, explained their requirements, “In particular, we were looking for a proven solution that could meet our reporting needs. We were also looking for hardware that could withstand the vibration and constant movement of train travel. We wanted a system that could give real time information and the ability to conduct transactions from our food trolleys at the customers seat.”
“We looked at a number of solutions both locally and offshore. After a lengthy evaluation process we found that Redcat was by far the best fit for out needs. They had successfully implemented their solution with V/Line in Victoria. They had worked out a hardware solution for V/Line in Victoria and they were able to facilitate the use of tablets for the food trolleys” , he said. “In addition, they are Australian owned and are able to give us 24/7 support and with their remote access facility, they can quickly resolve any issues”.
“The system has been operational now for a few months on eight lines and is meeting all our expectations. In particular, we have been able to fine tune our food and beverage offering and certainly reduce wastage” , he said.
