News - PJM EN

Breathtaking scenery & winter conditions in Norway: PJM is testing the Beilhack snow blower from Aebi Schmidt

80 tonnes packed with sophisticated technology and one of the most beautiful railway lines in the world - these are the ingredients for a vehicle test by PJM in northern Europe. The Austrian measurement technology specialist was commissioned to test the brakes and acoustics of the Schmidt Beilhack HB 1100S, which will be used by Bane NOR in the future.

The track tests for the brakes were carried out in accordance with TSI LOC&PAS:2024, EN14033-1:2014 and NNTR-NOR. The first tests took place between autumn 2024 and April 2025 in a wide variety of weather scenarios and included, among other things:

Wheel slide protection tests to determine braking distance and braking performance in Holmenstrand
Steep gradient track tests on the Flam Railway and further test runs between Finse and Voss. The Flam Railway is one of the most beautiful train journeys in the world and is one of Norway‘s main tourist attractions. From a railway engineering perspective, the gradient is particularly interesting: the maximum gradient is 55 ‰.

Furthermore, PJM was commissioned to carry out acoustic measurements for employment protection (health and safety requirements). These tests will be carried out in autumn.

‘The tests for the approval of Aebi Schmidt‘s high-performance snow blower are another project for PJM involving special rail vehicles and railway construction machines. In recent years, we have tested various well-known special vehicles for approval in many parts of Europe,’ says Martin Joch, CEO of PJ Messtechnik GmbH.

Press release

Stronger together: PJM and Ingenieurbüro Rörden combine their expertise and found EMC Rail Services

Two industry experts are joining forces: Ingenieurbüro Rörden and PJM have launched the subsidiary EMC Rail Services GmbH. The German company is a specialist in EMC testing in the rail sector, and the Austrian company PJ Messtechnik is an established testing centre for rail vehicles. Now, they have bundled their expertise and thus create an even more powerful testing service. The focus of the newly founded EMC Rail Services are EMC measurements (electromagnetic compatibility).

EMC tests ensure that electrical and electronic systems work without interference both in the vehicle (e.g. locomotive, wagon) and with the infrastructure (e.g. level crossing system, railway radio, signalling). This ensures that no unauthorized electromagnetic interference occurs and that the systems are protected from external influences.

Safety and operational reliability have top priority in rail operations. Electromagnetic interference must never trigger false signals or lead to the failure of critical systems such as brakes. At the same time, modern rail systems are becoming increasingly complex and electronic. As a result, electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) is becoming increasingly important - and with it the need for testing services.

This is where EMC Rail Services provides its services: Ingenieurbüro Rörden GmbH, based in Dortmund (Germany), is an ISO/IEC 17025 accredited test centre and has extensive expertise in measurement technology, approval support and technical testing in the field of electromagnetic compatibility (EMC). PJ Messtechnik GmbH, based in Graz (AT), is an accredited test centre confirmed by ISO/IEC 17025 standard for brake tests, vehicle dynamics, fatigue strength, aerodynamics, acoustics and pantographs.

The partnership allows two testing laboratories to combine their service portfolios and pool expertise and resources, thus creating a clear advantage for customers. The focus is on the Austrian market as well as the neighbouring countries to the south and east. The new company's testing services include:

Radiated electromagnetic disturbances
Radio protection
Human exposure
Compatibility with track circuits
Compatibility with axle counters / sensors

Press Release

General / News / Presseberichte - 08/04/2025

We'll be there: Railway Forum Berlin 2025 - Europe's top event for the rail industry

From September 2 to 4, 2025, the European rail industry will gather at the 9th Railway Forum Berlin - and we'll be right in the middle of it instead of just there! Over 2,000 decision-makers and experts from all over Europe will come together to discuss the latest developments, innovations and strategic directions in the rail industry.

Under the patronage of Deutsche Bahn AG, the Railway Forum will once again be the industry's leading management conference this year - with top-class keynotes and exciting workshops.

We are particularly pleased that Günter Petschnig will be a speaker. The Managing Director of PJ Monitoring GmbH, which is a technology leader in the automation and digitalization of rail freight transport with its WaggonTracker system, will present his topic "Digital train functions: More safety, efficiency and cost-effectiveness in rail freight transport". Representatives from PJ Motion, our specialist for approval and project management, will also be present, contributing their extensive expertise in the field of operational integration and vehicle integration of brake testing, among other things. And PJ Messtechnik - an accredited test center in accordance with ISO/IEC 17025 and specialist in engineering for rail transport - will also be on site, ready to exchange ideas, share expertise and network.

For us, the Railway Forum is an ideal platform for providing impetus, maintaining industry contacts and actively contributing to the future of rail transport. We are looking forward to three intensive days full of dialog, innovation and networking.

panoramic view at central berlin while sunset

General / News / Waggon Tracker - 08/04/2025

Cooperation: Boom Software and PJ Monitoring combine data intelligence and intelligent freight wagons

Each of the two is a digitalisation specialist in its field: Boom digitises rail processes with various software solutions and optimizes the operation and maintenance of rail vehicles thanks to data intelligence. PJ Monitoring is a pioneer in the digitalisation and automation of freight wagons and was the first company to put an automated brake testing system on rails, as well as Europe's most intelligent freight train.

With this cooperation, the two Styrian companies are now combining their digital rail expertise. The benefits for customers? The data that PJM collects in real time on relevant freight wagon components is seamlessly integrated into Boom's software platform in real time and is an ideal addition to maintenance management. Vehicle data and maintenance data are linked. The combination of sensor technology, data intelligence and automated processes creates end-to-end transparency and process chains throughout the life cycle of a vehicle and its components. Digitalisation with added value - and a concrete competitive advantage for rail operators, rail logistics companies, wagon keepers and fleet managers.

Boom Rail Solutions: data intelligence for operations and maintenance

Boom Software has decades of experience in the digitalisation of rail processes - with a particular focus on holistic asset management, maintenance processes and operational processes in freight transport.
The modular standard software suite Boom Rail Solutions enables precise planning as well as carrying out and tracking all maintenance work on rail vehicles and their components - from simple inspections to complex overhauls. It also supports rail freight companies in transport management, such as digital train composition, the automated creation of wagon lists, brake labels or consignment notes and the planning of operational work processes. The results are tangible: The transparent, clear process design, ease of use and short communication channels save time, relieve the burden of administrative tasks and make a significant contribution to increasing fleet availability.

PJ Monitoring: Digital train functions increase the safety, efficiency and cost-effectiveness of rail freight transport

PJ Monitoring GmbH is a technology leader in the digitalisation and automation of rail freight transport. The digital train functions, which increase the efficiency, safety and availability of freight trains, are on board SBB Cargo, FS Logistix (formerly Mercitalia Intermodal), DB Cargo, GATX, Transwaggon, Lenzing AG and many more. The range of functionalities is extensive and largely unique, such as king-pin monitoring in real time, load weight monitoring in real time, brake system monitoring and brake analysis as well as derailment diagnosis. With the automatic brake test, it was made possible to replace a manual process with an automated system for the first time in 100 years. The innovations and the most intelligent freight train in Europe have already won 12 awards.

General / News / Waggon Tracker - 07/29/2025

Digital future at your fingertips - PJM at transport logistic 2025 in Munich

From June 2 to 5, 2025, Munich once again became the center of the global logistics industry: transport logistic 2025 set a new record with over 2,700 exhibitors from 73 countries and more than 77,000 trade visitors from over 130 nations. On around 150,000 m² of exhibition space, everything revolved around the latest developments in logistics, mobility, IT and supply chain management. The focus was on topics such as digitalization, automated processes and sustainable solutions for the transport world of tomorrow.

As an innovation partner in the industry, we presented the WaggonTracker, our smart solution for digital freight transport, a real highlight in the field of digitalization. We offer answers to key questions about efficient rail logistics - intelligent, automated and future-proof.

In addition to our digital solution, our experts from the fields of measurement technology / inspection body (PJ Messtechnik), approval management (PJ Motion) and inspection body (RCC) were on hand to discuss technical issues.

A crowd puller: The showcase realized together with our customer Tatravagónka in the outdoor area, where the automatic brake test and the support frame monitoring were demonstrated live. Technology that moves - in the truest sense of the word.

General / News - 07/25/2025

A breath of fresh air in summer: interns are joining the company

In July and August, we have a lot going on - and it's not just because of the warm season! This year, we are welcoming eight dedicated interns from Styria and Lower Austria. They come from a wide variety of schools (e.g. HTL Bulme, HTBLA Rennweg, HTBLA Kaindorf) and are using the vacation period to gain real practical experience - seven boys and one girl are taking part.

During their internship, they take a look behind the scenes and get a taste of various areas of our company - from technical processes to organizational activities. And it's about much more than just watching: The young people are encouraged to ask questions, and contribute their own perspectives.
We see it as our responsibility to make job profiles tangible, to discover talents and to accompany young people on their journey.

We look forward to the coming weeks with our interns - and wish them lots of exciting insights, good conversations and, above all, lots of fun learning and trying things out!

General / News - 07/17/2025

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

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

Millimetre work: measuring application for a turbine impeller

Accuracy is a prerequisite of measurement technology. Precision work is required to obtain reliable and exact measurement results. Our laboratory team is highly experienced in millimetre work. This was also the case with a measurement application for a turbine impeller. Ten strain gauge measuring channels were applied to the special aluminium-bronze surface, and calibration was also carried out in-house. Another requirement of the customer, a global supplier of electromechanical systems and services for hydropower plants, was to make the entire measuring application waterproof.

PJM's measurement know-how is not only in demand in the railway industry. Time and again, PJM also carries out measurements of stresses and loads on special machines, such as for metal shredders from UNTHA.

General / News - 07/20/2023

Nomination for the Austrian Mobility Award: Online voting until 23 July

Mercitalia's "super-intelligent" freight train project has convinced the jury. The most intelligent goods train in Europe is nominated for the Austrian Mobility Award, carried out by the VCO.

"The most intelligent goods train in Europe by Mercitalia" is nominated for the Austrian Mobility Award. Every year, the VCÖ selects the best mobility projects in several categories. A jury of experts has evaluated the top 5, now it's your turn and take part in the online voting: You can vote until 23 July (in German language). The German title of our project is: "Digitaler Bahntransport: Der intelligenteste Güterzug Europas".

https://vcoe.at/voting-digitalisierung-in-der-mobilitaet

Of course, our WaggonTracker is also on board as the basic system for the large number of functionalities.

Intelligenteste-Güterzug-Europas-Mercitalia-med

News / Waggon Tracker - 07/12/2023