This is a quick note to answer some of the more common questions that IT departments sometimes have about installing and configuring the TRACS-RS rolling stock planning system. Email us at support@tracsis.com if you have any further questions.
System Requirements
| Operating System | Windows 10 and later (Windows 7 and 8.1 compatible but not supported) Windows Server 2021 R2 and later |
| Software | .NET Framework 4.7.2 |
| CPU | Modern Intel (i3 and above) or AMD (Ryzen 3 and above) processor |
| Memory (RAM) | At least 8GB |
| GPU | Integrated system graphics |
| Storage | SSD recommended 256GB+ |
| Audio | None |
| Network | Internet access required for TRACS Enterprise connectivity |
The TRACS-RS system in detail
Environment
TRACS-RS is fundamentally a desktop application and needs no server infrastructure to run. It stores its working data in a standalone file and interacts with other systems by reading and writing suitably-formatted files, or optionally via HTTP/HTTPS connections over a TCP/IP network.
TRACS-RS runs on Windows operating systems and we currently recommend Windows 10 64-bit or Windows Server 2012 R2.
It requires no privileges beyond that of a normal user and needs no administrative configuration beyond a simple installation process. Each TRACS-RS rolling stock planning project can only be opened by one user at once, and distinct projects do not interact.
Updates are distributed as MSI installer packages, which can be installed (as an administrator) by double-clicking and then following the on-screen prompts. Installation takes less than two minutes.
Installation and updates
The latest version of TRACS-RS can always be found at the link below. Customer-specific login credentials are required for access. Please contact support@tracsis.com if these details are required.
Updates are delivered via the installer MSI. Updates can be installed (as an administrator) by double-clicking and then following the on-screen prompts. Installation takes less than two minutes.
We recommend updating twice a year at a minimum. Interim updates may be required by users due to changing business requirements/bug fixes – these updates are released on an as-needed basis.
Files and storage
Each TRACS-RS project is contained in a single file which is typically no larger than a few MB. Users are free to manage their files however they wish using standard tools. Backups may be performed using standard file-based backup systems.
Hardware and software requirements
The speed of the TRACS-RS system is largely dependent on the speed of the available processor, so it is worth investing in a reasonably powerful CPU. It does not make use of more than one core in a multicore system. TRACS-RS will run on a remote desktop with no difficulty.
Integration with other systems
TRACS-RS interacts with other systems (such as VoyagerPlan and TrainTRACS) through a file-based interface. It reads its input data from files that other systems have created, and once it has finished its processing it creates a variety of export files for import into downstream systems. TrainTRACS and the VoyagerPlan client can run on the same machine as TRACS-RS, which makes the import/export process simpler. Alternatively the VoyagerPlan client can run on a different machine from TRACS-RS and the files can be transferred via a network share.
TRACS-RS has some optional features that make use of network access over HTTP (TCP port 80) or HTTPS (TCP port 443). It supports the use of a proxy, including proxies authenticated with default credentials.
Licences and support
On first running the application, users will be prompted to request a licence for the application. This involves emailing a block of unique user/machine identification text to support@tracsis.com. Support will then respond with the licence – in the form of a second block of text. The user should then copy and paste this text into the licence manager to gain access to the program. This process requires no administration rights. Licences will need to be renewed when expired, in-line with the companies payment plan.
Support is provided to users and administrators by email at support@tracsis.com. If you have any further questions, please email us at this address.
Summary
- Desktop application
- No server or database component
- Project data is contained in a single file
- Interacts with other system through files
- Windows 10 (64-bit)
- 2-minute installation via MSI packages