The survey files are stored on a server and made available for the technician to download. The survey file is then loaded into the train's computer which, through the spread enclosure, will open and close the ballast doors, spreading exact amounts, at precise locations based on the survey. The software also gives the train's exact location and speed, satellite availablity, active ballast cars, empty cars and ballast inventory.

Since no ground personnel are required, the "PLUS" train is capable of night and inclement weather spreading assignments. This greatly reduces the potential of injury and exposure to ballast dust. Additional benefits of the "PLUS" system include a reduction in ballast costs and railroad overhead, fewer locomotives, train crews and ballast cars are required, and a reduction in fuel use.

The SMART train has all of the capabilities of the PLUS train with some additional benefits. This train allows for ballast spreading to be done on the outside and the inside of the rail. Every door on the train has specialized sensors that allow the techinian to see, on the computer, that the rock is actually flowing through the door. This keeps the spread as even as possible. The SMART train can be unloaded at speeds ranging from 3 mph to 20 mph making this train excellent for working on new construction or existing track. All of the SMART cars can be unloaded by a computer using GPS coordinates, or by remote control. With the addition of center dumping, we have increased the maximum number of cars that can be unloaded per mile from 10 with the current PLUS train, to 15 cars per mile with the SMART train, thus saving more time, crews and money for the railroads.