Dr. Allan Zarembski (moderator)
University of Delaware
Larry Biess
Director, Business Intelligence, CSX
Joe Palese
Sr. Dir. Engineering, Harsco Rail 
Prof. Nii Attoh-Okine
University of Delaware
Kevin Day
Asst. Chief Eng., Technology
Testing & Standards, Canadian National Railway
Abstract:
Managing Big Data: How to Get More Useful Information from Data
Modern Railways are making increasing use of new generation track inspection technology to obtain more and more data on the condition of the track. This has led to a condition known as "big data" where the volume of data is such that traditional analyses techniques are no longer able to make use of all of this data, and important information is lost. Since railways need to convert this data into useable information to help them plan their maintenance program, there is a need for application of new and improved analysis techniques to make this conversion from data into information. One such area of improved data analysis is the use of "big data" analysis techniques. This panel will discuss the need for and use of these improved analysis techniques to help manage the large volume of track inspection data collected by railways to improve their track maintenance planning.