General - PJM EN

Tests of the DAC with Powerline Train Backbone & Automatic Brake Test successfully completed

As part of the FP5 TRANS4M-R project, a prototype test train has successfully tested the most important automated functions using the Digital Automatic Coupling (DAC). The tests carried out with a prototype train have shown that the new Powerline PLUS communication technology can be quickly adapted. In view of these promising results, significant developments are now required to achieve a production-ready solution for the digital automatic coupler.

On board the pilot train was PJM's Automatic Brake Test, one of four automated train functions. ‘The system integrated into the PTB communication system worked perfectly. The data was transmitted via PTB and the brake tests were successfully performed using the existing PJM WaggonTracker system,’ reads the summary of the report.

The other three train functions were train composition detection, train integrity monitoring and automatic uncoupling.

Further information

Video

Photo: With courtesy taken from the video "FP5 TRANS4M-R tests and demos"

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General / Waggon Tracker - 04/24/2025

Tatravagónka and PJM cooperate on digital train functions

Tatravagónka, the leading freight wagon manufacturer in Europe, is integrating PJM's digital freight train functions and automated applications into its equipment range. Hence, the efficiency-enhancing monitoring and automation features are now available ex works for wagon purchasers.

Due to its extensive wagon portfolio, the Slovakian manufacturer is the largest in Europe. Wagon types for the transport of all types of products are developed and manufactured in several plants in Slovakia, including tank and bulk goods wagons, flat wagons, intermodal wagons and steel coil transport wagons. In order to make the benefits of automation and digitalization available to the sector in an efficient way, Tatravagónka is now offering the functionalities of the overall digital system WaggonTracker. The monitoring features include real-time brake analysis and brake system monitoring, real-time kingpin monitoring, IDDS derailment diagnostics paired with real-time in-train communication (direct communication with the train driver), load weight monitoring and automatic brake testing. The majority of the functions are offered exclusively by PJM, the Automatic Brake Test is the European reference system, with broad support from railway undertakings and wagon keepers. The technical applications create a number of essential benefits: lower costs, higher availability of the goods train, faster train preparation and, above all, greater safety. By ordering ex works, the PJM system is optimally integrated into the freight wagons and delivered to the customer.

‘Tatravagónka and our overall digital system complement each other perfectly: as a leading manufacturer, Tatravagónka is constantly developing innovations and optimizations. Our monitoring system, automatic brake testing and load weight monitoring are unique functions that make rail transport safer and optimize it in terms of efficiency, availability and cost-effectiveness. For wagon keepers and railway undertakings, the step towards digital train functions and the associated benefits is very simple. Tatravagónka hands over the required equipment ex works,’ says Günter Petschnig, CEO of PJ Monitoring GmbH. ‘This partnership ensures that the rail freight transport sector receives an advanced, reliable and future-proof overall solution’, says Günter Petschnig

In addition to Tatravagónka, leading wagon hire companies also offer intelligent train functions from PJM in their equipment portfolio: VTG, TRANSWAGGON and GATX equip wagons with automatic brake testing, load weight monitoring or other monitoring functions according to customer requirements.

Check out further information in the press release

General / Waggon Tracker - 04/09/2025

PJM tested MPV®-VentuS® of WINDHOFF

WINDHOFF relied on PJM's experience and expertise to test an innovative, modular multi-purpose vehicle within a short time frame.

The German specialist for rail vehicles, railway and shunting technology has developed the next generation of a multi-purpose vehicle. WINDHOFF Bahn- und Anlagentechnik GmbH had commissioned the Austrian system specialist PJM to carry out the test runs for approval on the German rail network. As an accredited test center in accordance with ISO/IEC 17025, PJM carried out vehicle tests in the areas of braking and running characteristics as well as static tests to determine derailment safety and wheelset torsional vibrations.

MPV®-VentuS® is a modular system that can be used to create a wide variety of vehicle configurations. The range of working modules includes various cranes, platforms, contact wire pusher, but also containers or contact wire measuring systems. The power system also has a modular design so that adjustments can be made very easily over the course of the vehicle's service life and, for example, a vehicle that is currently diesel-electric with a generator and electric motor can be converted to all-electric at a later date. The MPV®-VentuS® vehicle family is designed on the basis of DIN EN 14033 and auhtorized with the European TSI homologation. The MPV®-VentuS® type GAF, which was tested together with PJM in Austria last year, is a track maintenance vehicle for Deutsche Bahn (DB). The vehicle was officially presented at InnoTrans 2024, and in February 2025 Windhoff and DB received authorisation to place the MPV VenuS GAF modular ancillary vehicle on the market. The vehicle is approved on the basis of the European TSI from the 4th railway package.

‘It is important to us, to complete our customers’ projects just in time and successfully. For WINDHOFF too, we were able to carry out the vehicle tests and analyses within a short time frame,’ says Martin Joch, CEO of PJ Messtechnik GmbH.

Press release

PJM Tests for Windhoff @Karl Heinz Ferk-klein

General / Presseberichte - 03/14/2025

Polo Logistica FS: 600 intermodal wagons to be upgraded with PJM's digital train functions

Mercitalia Intermodal, a company of Polo Logistica FS, and PJM have signed a new order on further fleet equipment with smart train functionalities. Specifically, approximately 600 intermodal wagons will be equipped with PJM’s overall digital WaggonTracker system as part of maintenance work.

In addition to general wagon monitoring (speed, running direction, geofencing, wheelset performance management, last signal, last movement, etc.), the functionalities also include real-time brake monitoring, real-time kingpin monitoring and IDDS derailment detection system. A local radio system within the train set ensures direct communication in real time between the wagons and the train driver. The in-train communication is based on an encrypted, secure connection and open interfaces. The WaggonTracker system is fully compatible with a future DAC system and can be expanded with customized applications thanks to the powerful power supply. The innovative strength of the overall digital system is evidenced by multiple awards, such as the State Prize for Digitalization.

The Italian wagon keeper has been focusing on the digitalization of its intermodal fleet for several years in order to achieve the optimum in rail logistics between the conflicting priorities of cost-effectiveness, availability and safety. The smart train functions are essential as they bring improvements on several levels. Train preparation is shortened, asset management and maintenance work are optimized thanks to a predictive maintenance strategy, reliability is increased, vehicle-friendly operation is made possible and short-term resulting in cost-intensive repair work is minimized. These economic optimizations are supplemented by an increase in safety.

Sabrina De Filippis, CEO of Mercitalia Logistics, said: “Innovation and digitalization are two of the enabling factors of our 2025-2029 strategic plan, which includes investments dedicated to digitalization, also thanks to innovative projects such as the smart train. We are constantly committed to adopting cutting-edge technologies to significantly reduce the environmental impact of logistics operations, while ensuring a high-quality service. The smart train is one of the projects that will allow Mercitalia Logistics to become a European logistics player, contributing to the evolution of global logistics”.

Media release

General / Waggon Tracker - 02/14/2025

Even more team power: PJM continues its organic growth

In January we welcomed 3 new colleagues and last year we increased our team power with 10 new employees. PJM has thus continued its organic growth. ‘We have expanded in all areas. Our headquarters and technical facilities have been expanded and our teams have been strengthened in all specialized disciplines, namely in measurement and testing technology, digital rail freight transport, PJ Motion and RCC,’ summarise Martin Joch and Günter Petschnig. There are still many ideas and concrete plans for the future. However, the focus will continue to be on growing steadily, but in manageable steps.

General / Waggon Tracker - 01/30/2025

PJM higlights 2024 in a video nutshell

We have packed our highlights of 2024 into a PJM review 2024. 1 year in 1 minute to look back on.

PJM_Jahresrueckblick_2024_v3_EN - frame at 0m2s-klein

General / Waggon Tracker - 12/27/2024

FutureConvent: Measurement technology for young enthusiasts

What is the FutureConvent about? Companies show young people attending a technical college what sustainable topics they are working on. Higher technical colleges combine specialised technical training with a school-leaving certificate. The conference programme was rounded off with lectures and workshops. The young people were given an insight into the technologies of today and the future.

PJM was at the FutureConvent for the first time and presented smart rail monitoring using laser technology. The students were also able to flex their muscles: The force transducer was used to measure arm strength.

Photos: Christian Husar and PJM

General / News - 12/04/2024

Partnership with GATX Rail Europe

GATX Rail Europe is pleased to announce its new partnership with PJ Monitoring (PJM), a respected player in the rail solutions industry. This collaboration, finalized during a recent workshop in Graz, is a strategic move to diversify and enhance our telematics sensor offerings. Through this partnership, GATX aims to provide our customers with greater capabilities to strengthen their rail operations in three areas.

1. Complementing Existing Telematics Solutions & Sensors

GATX will be introducing a new range of sensors that will enhance its current sensor portfolio. These additions are designed to optimize efficiency and safety. These enhancements will provide a new level of automation in rail logistics.

Johannes Friess, Head of Fleet Management at GATX Rail Europe, said, “We are known for our high-quality, modern railcar fleet and are now expanding our sensor portfolio with easy access to state-of-the-art sensor technology, paving the way for the next level of railway transport automation.”

2. Enhanced Overload Protection

With the new Eanos & Eamnos railcars, GATX offers the option of using the overload protection sensors from PJM. This technology has been tried and tested on various wagon types over the years, demonstrating its effectiveness. The commitment is to increase its implementation and extend its usage to optimize the safety and efficiency of rail freight transport.

3. Innovative Automatic Brake Testing

In collaboration with PJM, GATX is also actively offering railcars with automatic brake test system equipment. This holds immense potential for our customers, giving them the means to significantly streamline their operations by saving time during brake tests. GATX Rail Europe views this initiative as more than just a singular solution; it represents a cross-sectoral development that has the potential to positively influence the entire railway market.

Günter Petschnig, Managing Director at PJM, said, “We are delighted to collaborate with the railcar experts at GATX Rail Europe on digitialization and automation solutions such as the brake testing and the load monitoring, because together we can increase the safety and efficiency of railway transports.”

Video on load monitoring system

Text provided by GATX Europe, photo by Markus Lang

gatx_2021_06_14_by_markus_lang_0243klein

General / Waggon Tracker - 11/20/2024

New test area: PJM accredited for pantograph

PJM has expanded its scope as an accredited test center in accordance with ISO/IEC 17025 and now also tests the dynamic interaction between pantograph and overhead contact line. In addition to measurements in accordance with EN 50317, the accreditation also includes simulations in accordance with EN 50318, making PJM the only company in Austria with accreditation for the specialist area of pantographs.

Over the past two years, the Austrian system specialist has invested in the infrastructure of the new department. The pantograph test rig for calibrating the measuring system - as well as the technical equipment for other areas - has been set up at the company's site in Graz. Extensive tests in the wind tunnel have proven that the measuring system is non-reactive. With the existing measuring equipment, tests can be carried out with up to two measuring pantographs, which means that multiple-unit operations can also be realised. The requirements for the interaction between pantographs and the overhead contact line system of the new service jet for ÖBB had been tested in summer (as announced in the media release: https://pjm.co.at/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/PI-PJM-Servicejet-6-2024-DE-Web2.pdf). In the coming weeks, the measurement technology team will be testing another rail vehicle in single and multiple-unit operations.

‘Due to decarbonisation, the focus will be on electric rail vehicles in the future. With its corresponding expertise and infrastructure, PJM is ideally positioned for the new specialist area,’ says Martin Joch, CEO of PJ Messtechnik GmbH. With the new specialist area, PJM offers several advantages for clients, such as the efficient sequence of the various tests for rail vehicles. The expertise in the area of simulations offers particular added value: ‘Simulations significantly minimise the testing effort for multiple tractions. Theoretical calculations allow the large number of variants to be reduced to relevant train combinations, which are then tested in dynamic track tests. This saves valuable time and reduces costs,’ says Martin Joch.

Get more details in the media release

General / News - 11/08/2024

Timber loading made easy: video on automated load monitoring

Loading ‘difficult’ materials such as wood, gravel, bulk goods or scrap is always a challenge for hauliers and shippers, as it is not possible to load by volume. The weight of timber can change by up to 50% - depending on the weather conditions. Overloaded or asymmetrically loaded freight wagons cost valuable time and money, e.g. due to the queuing at infrastructure points, higher repair costs due to increased wear and tear, etc.
With real-time load weight monitoring, the loading capacity is utilised in the best possible way and overloading is avoided. Signal lamps directly on the wagon provide real-time information about the loading status so that the loader can take corrective action. The advantages of the load monitoring system? Greater efficiency, faster loading, lower costs and more safety for environmentally friendly rail transport.

Video on load monitoring system

General / Waggon Tracker - 10/22/2024