en.Wedoany.com Reported - PJ Monitoring's WaggonTracker digital system enables real-time in-depth monitoring of all relevant components of railway freight wagons on a single platform, and facilitates rail freight automation. The system has integrated automatic brake testing and is compatible with other applications, screw couplings, and future digital automatic couplers. Facing cost pressures, a shortage of skilled workers, and the expected increase in rail freight volumes driven by European climate targets, this technology offers rail logistics operators a solution that balances cost efficiency, speed, and reliability.
The digital train control functions of the WaggonTracker system have been used internationally for years, with thousands of systems deployed for customers such as SBB Cargo, FS LogistiX, Mercer, Plasser & Theurer, TRANSWAGGON, VTG, and Tatravagónka. The system achieves robust autonomous power supply through axle box generators, and its connectivity and power supply capabilities with customer-specific systems have been proven in practice. Its automatic brake testing function has been in operational use since 2017 and is the only approved system of its kind worldwide. This function has been validated in the commercial test train of Westfälische Landes-Eisenbahn (WLE) under the DAC4EU project framework, and in prototype test train projects, it has been combined with Voith's Cargo-Flex coupler, fully automatic mechanical and pneumatic center buffer couplers (DAC2), connecting automatic brake testing from PJM, Powerline PLUS, and a 400-volt power supply from plc-tec. These features are considered key factors in optimizing and accelerating train formation.
The system can be integrated into digital automatic coupler systems from different manufacturers. Its functionality covers what is planned for implementation in the FP5 Trans4MR basic package of the European DAC Delivery Program, including providing power and data to freight wagons to determine train composition, length, and integrity, and performing automatic brake testing based on this. Once coupler technical requirements are met, wagons can also be automatically uncoupled from the train cab. The WaggonTracker system is suitable for all types of railway vehicles, can be used for new builds, and is often deployed on existing vehicles. Its modular design allows monitoring functions to be selected based on requirements. PJ Monitoring CEO Günter Petschnig stated that the system is highly flexible, can optimize fleet operations and availability, and enhance safety; it is a comprehensive system designed and built for rail logistics operations, proven through years of use from Scandinavia to southern Italy.
In terms of efficiency, each freight train can replace up to 52 trucks, with CO2 emissions 80% lower than trucks. Automatic brake testing saves time, increases capacity and operational speed, and enhances infrastructure capacity. The PJM Group has seven companies in Austria and Switzerland, with approximately 90 employees, and its R&D, hardware and software development, production, and management are all located in Austria. Its subsidiary PJ Messtechnik GmbH is a testing laboratory accredited according to ISO/IEC 17025, PJ Motion focuses on authorized management, RCC Railway Competence and Certification GmbH is an inspection body accredited according to ISO/IEC 17065, INFRATRACK Solutions GmbH operates a testing and innovation center in Austria, EMV Rail Services GmbH specializes in EMC measurements, and PJM Suisse GmbH provides local services in Switzerland.
