Société Nationale des Chemins de Fer Français
Challenge:
French state-owned railway company Société Nationale des Chemins de Fer Français (SNCF), one of Europe's biggest land transportation companies wanted to introduce mobile ticketing inspection.
Solution:
- SNCF staff was equipped with 11,500 WORKABOUT PRO handhelds from Psion Teklogix and ultra light mobile printers from Brother which communicate using wireless Bluetooth®
- The WORKABOUT PRO configuration includes: a Symagery 2D Imager to read an encrypted barcode on the passenger's ticket; an RFID reader to read RFID cards (monthly passes); radio card for data synchronization when the train enters the main stations; and a Bluetooth® connection to a portable printer
- Both the PDA and printer fit perfectly in a specially designed shoulder bag, allowing the ticket inspectors to scan barcodes on passenger’s tickets and RFID chips on monthly passes.
Using the WORKABOUT PRO, the mobile printer and an application designed by Unilog Management, a LogicaCMG company, today an SNCF ticket inspector can also: print price adjustment receipts, sell tickets, offer useful route and pricing information to the passengers, and issue on the spot written fines for non-payment of fares. - SNCF chose the devices for their ergonomics, dual reader functionality, battery life as well as data capture performance for both barcode and RFID.
Benefits:
- The solution has helped with the prevention of fraud as ticket inspection is now more efficient.
- Improved customer service has resulted from fast accessibility to real time and comprehensive information about all SNCF timetables and urban lines. New services such as teleticket have been introduced.
- Information reporting and ticket controls reported by inspectors up to the back office is faster and more reliable.
- The solution deployed has to date met strategic objectives of the SNCF, such as building a more personal relationship with the customer, and the company’s ongoing drive to innovate in the fields of distribution and service.
