The SPM concept is based on a modular design, which allows easy expansion to include additional monitoring and integration with existing railway and IT systems on a number of levels. The system consists of sensors to measure physical or electrical parameters, field units including loggers and network equipment to collect, format and transmit the real time data and a back office server to analyze the accumulated data, announce alarms as required and host the web based user interface. The sensors are powered directly by the logger and do not require a separate power source. Usually everything is located inside control cabinets or equipment rooms.
Intelligent analysis of the data collected enables the system to identify deterioration in condition and allow intervention – crucially before a failure occurs. This advance warning provides a vital timeframe in which maintenance work can be scheduled to restore normal operation.