Digitisation in railway operations
Thomas Hartinger
Jan 12, 2024 | 5 min read
The railway is not immune from the march of digitisation. While the digital transformation may pose a challenge in some respects, the implementation of data-driven applications also opens up a range of possibilities for making railway operations more stable and efficient. Find out about what future challenges lie ahead for railway operators and how new technology can help to overcome them in this blog post.
Future challenges in rail transport
Due to the increasing relevance of factors such as the mobility transition or growing urbanisation, the demand for a comprehensive expansion of the rail network is rising and affects urban, regional and long-distance transport, international connections and all freight operations.
As demand grows, railway operators should already be proactively dealing with the associated challenges, such as steadily increasing capacities and availabilities. When it comes to existing lines, a hardware-based improvement is only possible at a high cost. Data-based approaches can in turn create additional potential for optimisation here. To be able to continue to meet this increased demand and therefore guarantee profitable and cost-effective rail transport, the points for tomorrow need to be set today.
Data platforms as the key to future-proof railway operations
In the course of digitisation, increasingly more data is being generated by railway operators. Data platforms allow this information to be collected, intelligently bundled and used efficiently. This has advantages in various areas:
The status of the rail network and all systems integrated into it can be checked at any time.
Predictive maintenance: critical conditions are detected early which enables a timely response.
Maintenance and repair work can be planned precisely and as required.
The availability of infrastructure is improved.
Restrictions such as line closures can be reduced.
Optimised use of line capacity also offers economic advantages.
Due to the early detection of problems, the need for expensive and at the same time scarce personnel resources can be optimised.
Network stability is increased, which has a positive effect on competition.
One thing is certain: establishing a data platform clearly offers a range of advantages. Although the digital transformation, i.e. the pathway to the intelligent use of data, may be a challenge, the right know-how can bring you success.
The solution: Frauscher Insights
As a technology pioneer in the rail industry, Frauscher also offers the perfect solution to digital challenges: Frauscher Insights. This data platform allows data from railway operations to be collected, processed and made available for further use in other applications, all within a centralised system. With Frauscher Connect as a uniform interface, data is transmitted safely.
It all works as follows: Data is collected centrally in the data platform and made available for various diagnostic procedures, evaluations and other applications. The data is also enriched with additional information from rail transport and other external sources (such as meteorological data). Due to the networking of different data sources and interfaces with diverse applications, Frauscher Insights represents an entire digital ecosystem. Instead of a set of individual modules that are simply bolted on to existing systems, clever stand-alone solutions merge into a comprehensive and holistic digitisation strategy.
The strengths of Frauscher Insights at a glance
Expandable modular structure: Additional information such as status information or meteorological data can be integrated into the data platform at a later time.
Scalable digital applications: Railway operators can optimise operations and the associated infrastructure through the intelligent use of data.
Diagnostics: The Diagnostics application displays all data collected on the track on a user-friendly dashboard and sends a notification where necessary. This allows negative changes in the condition of components to be detected early.
Task management: With the Motion application, maintenance and service work as well as commissioning can be planned and organised efficiently, with tasks even being assigned to specific employees. The dashboard also uses real-time data to show which maintenance tasks have already been completed or are still open.
A digital ecosystem for the rail transport of the future
The seamless integration and consolidation of various data sources into a single central platform allows railway operators to intelligently use their data. At the same time, the implementation of a digital ecosystem paves the way to a safe digital future. Not only does such a solution keep the flood of data manageable and useable, but it also delivers advantages relating to the safety, reliability, efficiency and profitability of railway operations. With the Frauscher Insights data platform, a successful digital transformation for the challenges of the future can be achieved: the data-driven future of railway management.
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Frauscher Insights
You want to find out more about Frauscher Insights and all its benefits?
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You want to find out more about Frauscher Insights and all its benefits?
