Abstract: The present invention is a web-based rail yard inventory system. This invention provides a user with the ability to access the rail yard management information from any computing that can access a computing network. This invention provides the capability to monitor and modify railcar locations in a rail yard, generate email alerts and rail car reports that are shown on a display screen to a client. In the configuration of this invention, a server device contains software applications for clients with equipment in a particular rail yard. The rail yard is the manager of the inventory system and maintains in the system software related to each client with equipment in the rail yard.

Abstract: The present invention is a method and system that automates the process of locating and identifying railcars in a rail yard. The method and system of this invention creates an electronic record of a railcar identification number that is stenciled to the side of the railcar using digital camera technology and an Optical Character Recognition (OCR) device and software applications. The method and system of the present invention eliminates the need for using the AEI portable reader.