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Nexus Alpha News
A Story of a True Partnership in Improving Rail Network Efficiency
Great Western Railway (GWR) is the first Train Operating Company (TOC) to adopt the new Nexus Alpha ARRAKIS App Version 2.0, but this story is not so much about the app, great as it is, but more about the collaboration between Nexus Alpha and Great Western Railway (GWR).
With the new release, Great Western Railway (GWR) has implemented the ‘Your Services’ widget, to make it easier for the Colleagues to find the information they need, and Customer Service Level 2 for Disruption - ‘CSL2 Boards’ for an instant snapshot of what is happening with other Train Operating Companies (TOC’s) that interface with Great Western Railway (GWR). ‘Rainbow Boards’ have also been implemented to give a quick and clear summary of how well networks and routes are operating within Great Western Railway (GWR). These features were in the original ARRAKIS App, which provides a modular approach so users can just select the features they need. Version 2.0 however, now includes new messaging and filtering configurations that have been specifically requested by Great Western Railway (GWR).
‘Filtered Message Lists’ enables users to set up multiple filtered lists that can include different operators and routes, as well as parameters, such as type of message. This feature means staff can customize the app to only display the messages that are relevant to them and that they want to see. Version 2.0 also includes ‘Your Hub’, specifically set up for Great Western Railway (GWR) to enable the launch of Yammer, Microsoft Teams, and Microsoft SharePoint from within the ARRAKIS App.
Nahib Hussain, Train Service Delivery Systems Manager at Great Western Railway (GWR), said: “ARRAKIS has been a Game-changer for how we handle information. It brings together everything from timetable information to real time train positioning. We have worked closely with Nexus Alpha to tailor this highly flexible application to our specific Business needs – and this has been a great success. We have received a lot of very positive feedback from the Colleagues and Trainer’s that are using the app.”
Patrick McDougall, CEO of Nexus Alpha, said: “ARRAKIS was designed as a powerful information and communications tool, but one of its primary goals was flexibility. We wanted the application to be adaptable to the individual needs of our clients. By working in close partnership with Great Western Railway (GWR), we have implemented features based on GWR’s use of the app, that will benefit all TOCs.”
The ARRAKIS App is designed to improve customer experience and, by making relevant and timely information easily available to staff, the overall efficiency of the rail network. The work with Great Western Railway (GWR), however, also incorporated collaborative internal marketing materials specific to how Great Western Railway (GWR) is using the app. These included a User Guide, internal Great Western Railway (GWR) magazine content, desktop wallpapers and posters, all designed to help educate and advise staff on how the app will work for them.
Nahib added: “The level of support from Nexus Alpha has been amazing. The project was more than a software upgrade, it was about ensuring Great Western Railway (GWR) had everything it needed for a smooth roll out of the software.”
Patrick concluded: “We’ve worked really hard alongside Great Western Railway (GWR) to ensure there has been a large range of marketing material available for them. GWR’s support in defining the nature of these materials, and the different methods of staff engagement has been excellent and hugely helpful. The Great Western Railway (GWR) project team have really bought in to the potential that ARRAKIS offers, which is only really limited by the imagination of how information could be used. Their work in advising and ensuring the features provided in Version 2.0 give Great Western Railway (GWR) what they need also benefits the wider transport community – which is great for everyone.”
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