Ten seconds instead of two hours: macros automate recurring data management tasks
Following a data import from the timetable planning system, numerous steps are often required before the data is ready for the operations control system. Names, numbers, announcements, destination texts, flags and attributes on route sections need to be checked and adjusted. Many of these tasks follow recurring patterns, so ebblo has developed a function to support them: the new macros in the LIO-Data data management application make recurring tasks exceptionally quick to complete.
Recurring data maintenance at the click of a button
General, network-specific and route-section-specific macros enable public transport operators to carry out recurring data tasks in a targeted way. For example, they can automatically determine line route names, assign stop announcements and destination texts, or set correction points and traffic signal systems on defined route sections. One or more macros are launched through a workflow, usually immediately after the planning data has been imported.
The key advantage is that, instead of editing numerous data records individually, changes are implemented quickly and consistently across all affected lines, line routes or route sections. Every change is logged, ensuring transparency and traceability.
Turning hours into seconds
Feedback from our first users shows just how much time can be saved in day-to-day work. They have shared their experiences with the macros with great enthusiasm. The following particularly striking example illustrates this.
Michael Schönborn is responsible for transport planning at ViP Verkehrsbetrieb Potsdam GmbH and is pleased with the considerable time saving in his daily work. He sent us the following message:
“The macros are AMAZING! They really save a huge amount of time. Depending on the import volume, every import includes 180 to 200 pull-out, pull-in and depot trips. With complex timetable changes, twice that number of trips may be new and unprocessed in LIO-Data! I used to need at least one to two hours to maintain all these non-revenue trips because I had to open each route individually to add its attributes, such as destination texts. Today, at least this task is completed in ten seconds! Seriously!
There is enormous potential for savings in this new tool. So far, I have only used a very small proportion of the available possibilities offered by the macros. I also had to familiarise myself with how the macros work. As a data provider, you also need to build confidence in technical aids like these and be able to rely on them working correctly.
I have now gained several weeks of experience with macros and have built confidence in this new tool. Even so, I still approach expanding its field of application with great respect. My next project is to use a macro to post-process route sections, including traffic signal maintenance. And that certainly will not be the last application for the macros.”
Further benefits of macros
The macros not only reduce manual effort, but also support consistent data maintenance and minimise errors. Once created, macros are available centrally in LIO-Data and can be reused for future data imports. They also make it possible to update affected data quickly and precisely when short-notice changes arise, for example because of roadworks or diversions.
What are macros in LIO-Data?
Macros in LIO-Data automate recurring data management tasks. They can be used generally, for a specific network or for specific route sections. This allows changes to be implemented quickly and consistently across affected lines, line routes or route sections, rather than editing numerous records individually.
When are macros in LIO-Data typically launched?
One or more macros are launched through a workflow, usually immediately after the planning data has been imported. This allows recurring follow-up work to be carried out as a batch before the data is ready for the operations control system.
Which data tasks can be automated with macros?
Macros can automatically determine line route names, assign stop announcements and destination texts, and set correction points and traffic signal systems on defined route sections. They can also check and adjust names, numbers, flags and attributes on route sections according to recurring patterns.
How much time can macros save in data maintenance?
The example of ViP Verkehrsbetrieb Potsdam GmbH shows the scale of the time saving. Depending on the import volume, every import includes 180 to 200 pull-out, pull-in and depot trips. Michael Schönborn previously needed at least one to two hours to maintain these non-revenue trips. According to his feedback, macros now complete this task in ten seconds.
How do changes made by macros remain traceable?
All changes implemented using macros are logged. This keeps automated changes transparent and traceable, supports consistent data maintenance and helps minimise errors in recurring manual tasks.
Can macros be reused once they have been created?
Yes. Once created, macros are available centrally in LIO-Data and can be reused for future data imports. Recurring changes therefore do not need to be configured again for every import or carried out manually record by record.
Do macros also support short-notice changes?
Yes. When short-notice changes arise, for example because of roadworks or diversions, affected data can be updated quickly and precisely. Macros therefore support both regular follow-up work after a data import and changes required by altered operating conditions.
