Logging into PTC is not a long process, usually. Sometimes it takes several minutes to download the train information from whatever server. The login process starts with the engineer logging in his ID number, and PIN. The next item is the track bulletin number. This is needed because PTC protects against temporary restrictions, both speed, and work zones..
The next step is the train consist entry. At the beginning of running PTC, all this information had to be manually entered. It was a pain because the numbers have to be scrolled through, instead of typed in. Now the fields are populated, which saves time. I do not know if someone manually enters the train consist or if it is automatic, based on train documentation. The reason why I say this is because sometimes the field of train type (ie. freight or passenger) is blank. Sometimes the lead locomotive is set up as running in the forward direction, other times it is unknown, and has to be entered. For some reason the number of axles comes up wrong, and hast to be corrected.
The next step is to test the PTC penalty application of the brakes. Sometimes this has been done, and can be skipped. The last item is to check the track bulletins in PTC, vs. the ones in your bulletins, which it to make sure that they agree. All this is not too lengthy of a process, but takes about 5-10 minutes, if everything loads up promptly.