FOIS, or Freight Operations Information Systems, is a computerized system used in the Indian Railways to manage and monitor freight operations. Here are some benefits of FO IS:
1. Improved efficiency: FOIS has streamlined the entire process of freight operations by automating many tasks, such as booking and tracking shipments, generating invoices and receipts, and managing inventory. This has led to increased efficiency and reduced manual errors.
2. Real-time tracking: FOIS provides real-time tracking of freight, which means that both the railways and the customers can keep track of the shipment's location, expected time of arrival, and other important details. This helps in better planning and scheduling of deliveries.
3. Cost savings: By reducing manual errors and streamlining the process, FOIS helps in reducing costs associated with freight operations. It also provides accurate and timely data, which helps in better decision making and resource utilization.
4. Improved customer service: FOIS allows customers to book and track their shipments online, which saves them time and provides greater transparency. This leads to improved customer satisfaction and loyalty.
5. Data analytics: FOIS provides a wealth of data related to
freight operations, which can be analysed to identify trends, patterns, and
areas for improvement. This helps in making data-driven decisions and
optimizing the entire supply chain.
Overall, FOIS has revolutionized the freight operations of Indian Railways by improving efficiency, reducing costs, and enhancing customer satisfaction.
Here are Point Wise
benefits of FOIS:
A) Benefits of Fois Related to Continuous Cargo Visibility
1. Rake based consignment
tracking and pipeline
2. Invoice based loading –Originating Tonnage & Revenue
3. Information on trains on
the run, the ETA at next point and the work to be performed.
4. Vehicle guidance of all
trains on run.
5. Daily report describing
the performance of all through trains operated in a controlled territory for
the day.
6. Actual / Estimated arrival and departure particulars for a
particular train at any or all the reporting points
7. Yard or
on the run delay information.
8. Train
& stock Interchange
9. Wagon wise Interchange
B) Benefits of Fois Related to Optimised Asset Utilisation
1. Improved Locomotive
Utilization by reduction in Light Engine running and reduced in effectives
2. Statement of missing or
wrongly delivered wagons and finally its elimination.
3. Elimination of unconnected
wagons
4. Increased Availability of
Repair Capacity
5. Stock Holding
6. Loco Holding
C) Benefits of Fois Related to Increased Revenue
Savings in wagon fleet would result in corresponding saving in the recurring cost of maintenance of wagons
1. Reduced Locomotive power
and Rolling Stock Maintenance Cost
2. Savings in Time &
Cost of handling in yards, cost of empty haulage
3. Ensures optimal crew
management and monitors statutory limits for running duty and overtime payments
4. Reduction in staff cost per unit of transportation due to improved productivity of the available manpower
D) Benefits of Fois Related to Improved Productivity per /man Year
Accuracy of reporting –In the Head &Hand system collecting data on telephones results in sizeable error levels, which need to be reconciled &corrected periodically.
1.FOIS data with built in validation
systems has Zero errors.
2. Drudgery of manual processes like maintenance of registers etc. is eliminated.
3. Particulars
of crew on train with hours spent on duty.
4. Re-deployment of major portion of staff involved in wagon
tracing and accounts checking activities.
5. Improved
Customer service and satisfaction
6. Facilitation of acceptance (customer’s Orders), billing and cash accountals from identified nodal customer services centers and not necessarily at the handling terminals
7. E-Commerce will facilitate the customers to operate from their
premises for the above requirements of billing and cash accountal and thus
reduce the burden of logistics management, and in addition drastically bring
down the inventory costs. in the entire
chain of physical distribution system.
8. Quick
settlement of Claims
9. Just in Time Inventory
E) Goods shed Operations
1. Arrival particulars of Wagons
2. Placement and Release Particulars
3.Information on demands registered and pending Indents
4. Preparation of Railway Receipts
5. Information on Demurrage and Wharfage
6. Loading Particulars
7. Goods Shed Earning
8. Information on delayed wagons and Wagons awaiting Placement/Release
