VTG and 3Squared bring wagon maintenance into the 21st century
VTG and a Sheffield-based digital software company, 3Squared, are working together on a project to bring the management of wagon maintenance into the 21st century. They are developing a bespoke, web-based online and mobile app called ProActive Maintenance (PAM) to replace existing inefficient paper-based systems.
PAM will improve VTG’s data collation and analysis providing the basis for it to act as a condition-based management tool that will spot trends and predict when things go wrong with the wagon fleet.
VTG’s PAM Project Manager, Sam Hunt said: “There’s a lot of useful information available but is currently very difficult to obtain, especially on a regular basis. We therefore want to capture as much of this information through PAM and then use it to improve our maintenance regime.
“From tracking wheelset wear to following component failure trends, we hope to be able to streamline our maintenance to further improve on our industry-leading wagon availability and reliability, ultimately saving time and money for all stakeholders.
“Having a system that links to existing systems and predicts when a wagon might need attention would be a major benefit.”
Managing Director of 3Squared, Tim Jones said: “PAM is a first for the industry that, through the application of technology and digitisation, will bring VTG closer to its customers and suppliers.
“Currently all maintenance records are written on paper and filed away, which means that no one is using this valuable information to its full potential.
“PAM will enable VTG, as both wagon lessor and Entity in Charge of Maintenance, to provide an even higher quality service to its customers, improving the effectiveness of its operations thanks to better information and insight in partnership with its suppliers.
“It will improve visibility of the maintenance process for all parties, provide an enhanced level of detail and increase the timeliness of information delivery to help individuals make more informed decisions.”
PAM will also provide VTG with a solid and scalable technology platform that can grow and change as the demands of the business change. This will give VTG the capability to move PAM and its data into areas such as predictive modelling and preventative maintenance.
Tim added: “The project itself has got off to a great start thanks to the collaborative nature of VTG and their willingness to adopt agile project management methodology for delivering this project.
“The 3Squared team work closely with VTG UK and VTG Germany and are in constant communication as we work through the process to deliver PAM.
“The rail industry is undergoing unprecedented change. It’s great to see such a renowned and respected brand such as VTG innovating within the sector to stay ahead of those changes.”
For more information visit www.vtg.com
18th Dec 2017
