Digitalization is a hot topic! The wish to completely digitalize our railway system these coming years has been mentioned by many. It may seem difficult in practice, but luckily it doesn’t necessarily have to be so complex.
Due to taking small steps and using handy tools such as our RFID tag, we can partially make this wish come true! The tag is small and robust but the data that is linked to it can be of great importance in regards to the quality and preservation of our rail infrastructure
The purpose of this so-called tracking chip is to map the entire Dutch rail infrastructure as best as possible. By using this passive tag, all assets in track can be registered with reliable data. This data is then stored in a database. By identifying the assets, we are able to create a better insight in our rail infrastructure together.
But how can this be done? Watch our animated video.
We will use the insulated rail joint as an example. This is a critical asset in track and forms part of the train detection system. Wouldn’t it be easy when, during maintenance and/or malfunctions, you immediately have access to the correct information such as type, year of construction, location, and so much more? That is why all new IRJs are equipped with a unique number in the shape of the RFID tag, that is linked to the database.
Further information can be added in the data base, such as type of malfunction or when the most recent maintenance took place. By doing so, the history of that track component is always available. This will come in handy when, for example, wanting to predict the next phase for maintenance in a more efficient way.
Because of the small size of this tracking chip, it can be installed everywhere. This includes all moving switch components, or at level crossings, etc. Small but robust, basically doesn’t need any maintenance, and it has a long service life.
Who doesn’t want to execute fast and effective maintenance? By using the RFID tag, we can create 100% track availability together.
For more information or any further questions, feel free to contact Robbert van der Schaaf.
