Economic benefits of route monitoring: GPS tracking in Kazakhstan's railways

Abstract

In the context of Kazakhstan's railway operations, this study explores the economic advantages derived from the implementation of GPS tracking technology focused on route monitoring. Employing Extreme Programming (XP) principles, a case study within a national railway company details the process, challenges, and outcomes of integrating GPS trackers on mobile phones for workforce location tracking and geo-fencing. Results demonstrate the significant improvement in monitoring workforce activities and precise payroll calculation based on actual working hours. Emphasizing the role of the XP methodology, the study showcases enhanced stakeholder communication, iterative development, and continuous system improvement. Technical aspects of the GPS tracking system, including architecture, data flow, and integration with existing railway management systems, are examined. Moreover, the study delves into encountered challenges such as privacy concerns, data security, and user acceptance during implementation. This case study presents valuable insights for transportation organizations aiming to implement location-tracking and geo-fencing technologies, providing a blueprint for effective project management, iterative development, and stakeholder engagement in pursuit of economic benefits through route monitoring. Key words: remuneration system, GPS tracking, extreme programming, geo-fencing, automated payroll, railways.