Latest Rail News

22.05.17

Supporting SMEs in the rail supply chain

Source: RTM Apr/May 17

Practical support and policies will enable SMEs to deliver innovation and great operational benefits to the rail industry, explains Roy Freeland, president of Perpetuum.

Supporting SMEs and recognising their value is essential to bringing innovation to the UK’s rail industry. It is a theme I have explored before in RTM and one I am extremely passionate about. During a panel session at Infrarail 2016, facilitated by RTM, I explained that with support, rapid adoption and access to funding streams, innovative SMEs will survive and prosper in a complex industry such as UK rail. This would bring a huge benefit; small, versatile British companies have been responsible for some of the most impressive applications of technology in the sector, driving change and cost savings on train fleets and infrastructure around the world. 

The rail industry is now moving to catch up with the pace of its aerospace and automotive colleagues when it comes to adopting new technology. For instance, the first fully automatic landing of a scheduled passenger flight occurred 52 years ago – a far more difficult challenge than stopping the Heathrow Express at the buffers at Paddington! 

However, there is now a detailed roadmap for full automation of train control. Technology is available to achieve the improvements sought in rail transport to increase capacity and reduce costs. SMEs are the source of many of the innovations and will thrive with support and acknowledgement of the benefits they bring. This will encourage them to put the effort into the rail industry where some can appear quite conservative about innovative and disruptive technologies. 

Working with SMEs 

There are many benefits to working with the SME innovators whose technology can make the digital railway a reality. Perpetuum’s experience is a good example: completely wireless sensors powered by energy harvesters are providing remote condition monitoring (RCM) and intelligence to rail fleets around the world. Innovative ‘in flight’ RCM technology is now a reality, transforming rail asset management, maintaining safety and enhancing the passenger experience, all based upon rich, secure and actionable information. 

There is great value and fast payback for investment in the ‘in flight’ analysis of train fleets, track, bearings, wheels, gearboxes and bogies. It helps eliminate the unnecessary purchasing of replacement parts and prolongs train life, not to mention the fact that it monitors the condition of the track itself to ensure maintenance is focused correctly and trains are not damaged. Thanks to Perpetuum technology and information, TOCs are now asking how they can make better decisions with the conclusive, real-time evidence from their fleets. 

In Perpetuum’s case, it has taken many years of development and unique technical achievements to translate raw data into the rich information that identifies problems and provides solutions. The early movers now recognise the value of information and are achieving large cost benefits and operational improvements. Good collaboration accelerates progress and encourages the obvious benefits to passenger services with improved reliability and reduced operating costs. 

Sharing costs and benefits 

In the UK rail industry, there is a fragmented structure that needs to be navigated to produce the business and growth plans from which SMEs can progress. The structure includes TOCs, ROSCOs, FOCs, Network Rail and the DfT. Government and the rail industry need to work together to ensure that there are good policies in place to manage the gaps in this structure.  

Transport secretary Chris Grayling has long recognised the hurdles to innovation caused by the franchising system. He expects South West Trains to work even closer with Network Rail following the recent franchise award. Policies need developing to share the costs and benefits of new technologies, where an investment transcends the boundaries between the entities above and to recognise the residual value of investments in new technologies, even when franchises come to an end. This would go some way to creating a long-term environment for innovation which is not affected by shorter franchise periods. 

There is a great opportunity, with the massive new investment planned for rail in the UK, for SMEs to create world-class innovative technologies. Successful installations in the home market will strongly support export growth. SMEs are enthusiastic about bringing a digital revolution to the rail industry that will benefit its passengers, reduce costs and boost safety. Support and encouragement will ensure that innovative SMEs find rail a rewarding marketplace for their efforts. Government policy and the rail industry must work to recognise the ambition and value of SMEs and accelerate the uptake of new technologies.

For More Information

W: www.perpetuum.com

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