automatic brake test

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.

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

PJM at transport logistic 2025

From 2 - 5 June, transport logistic 2025 in Munich, the world's leading trade fair for logistics, mobility, IT and supply chain management, will be another industry highlight on the agenda. PJM will of course be there - with the WaggonTracker, the smart solution for digital freight transport, and specialist expertise in testing rail vehicles.

When the industry experts meet in Munich to discuss the mobility of tomorrow, PJM will be presenting its system solutions for the entire development, testing and approval process for rail vehicles.

With our digital overall system WaggonTracker, we provide on-site answers to the burning questions in the field of automation and digitalization in freight transport: How can we succeed in saving costs and being more competitive? How can safety be increased? The digital train functions such as 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 create clear advantages that have already convinced numerous freight wagon rental companies and manufacturers, railway companies and rail logistics companies.

Do you have questions about the digital goods train or other topics such as authorisation, engineering or project management? The specialists from the PJM Group will be there for you at transport logistic 2025:

As an accredited test centre in accordance with ISO/IEC 17025, PJ Messtechnik GmbH carries out tests worldwide for the approval of rail vehicles and offers engineering expertise for the product development of structural railway components.
With its WaggonTracker system, PJ Monitoring GmbH is a technology leader in the automation and digitalization of rail freight transport.
PJ Motion GmbH specializes in authorization and project management in accordance with the 4th railway package for track-bound vehicles.
RCC Railway Competence and Certification GmbH is an accredited conformity assessment body in accordance with ISO/IEC 17065 and ISO/IEC 17020 and specializes in certifications and safety assessments.

Visit us at stand B6.116 - we look forward to seeing you!

Tagesausflug in die Bayrische Hauptstadt München an einen sonnigen Sommertag - Bayern - Deutschland

General / Waggon Tracker - 05/22/2025

3 countries, 3 stages, 1 mission: PJM showcases its expertise at top mobility events in the DACH region

Three countries, three stages, one mission: PJM showcases its expertise at top mobility events in the DACH region

Within just nine days, the PJM Group was represented at three specialist events relating to the mobility of the future - an impressive sign of the company's commitment and expertise in an increasingly changing sector. From Graz to Cologne to Basel, PJM presented its solutions and visions for efficient and sustainable rail transport - with an international audience and a strong industry presence.

Kick-off in Graz: Contact30 - Anniversary meets innovation

On 8 May, the event journey began at the ‘Contact30 Mobility Congress’ in Graz, the anniversary congress of the ACstyria mobility cluster, which celebrated its 30th anniversary. Around 700 guests from business, science and politics came together to discuss future mobility issues. PJM was part of the large exhibition with 86 companies of the ACstyria network and presented an impressive cross-section of its expertise in the field of rail systems. In addition, CEO Martin Joch of PJ Messtechnik GmbH joined a panel discussion and gave an outlook to future developments.

Digital focus in Cologne: The Rise of IoT & Big Data in Rail

The journey continued seamlessly to Cologne for the specialist conference ‘The Rise of IoT & Big Data in Rail’ on 14 and 15 May. Hundreds of visitors from all over Europe took part in the event, which was all about the digital transformation of the rail industry. The focus was on issues such as how to improve the ravailability of rail operations, increase efficiency, optimise capacity and significantly reduce maintenance costs. At its own stand, PJM presented its pioneering WaggonTracker solution, which enables real-time brake analysis and monitoring, trestle monitoring, derailment diagnostics (IDDS) paired with in-train communication, load weight monitoring and automatic brake testing, among other things.

Visions of the future in Basel: Bahn25

Just one day later, on 16 May, PJM was represented at the renowned ‘Bahn25 Congress’ in Basel - the international summit on the freight transport of the future. Megatrends, innovation steps and strategies for the rail freight transport of the future were discussed with international trade visitors. The focus: a panel discussion with Alexander Muhm (Head of Freight Transport SBB Cargo), Ansgar Brockmeyer (S&M Deputy Group CEO Stadler Rail Management AG) and CEO Günter Petschnig with insights and impulses for rail freight in the next decade.

Conclusion: A strong presence for a strong future

With this extraordinary series of events, the PJM Group has impressively demonstrated its role as a forward-looking player in the rail industry. Three countries, three platforms, one clear signal: PJM is actively shaping the future of rail transport - innovatively, internationally and with full energy.

And the journey continues ...

Full of impressions, PJM is already looking ahead to the next stop: tranport logistic 2025 in Munich, the world's leading trade fair for logistics, mobility, IT and supply chain management, is the next highlight on the agenda from 2 to 5 June. Experts from the industry will once again come together there to discuss the mobility of tomorrow. PJM will once again be there with fresh ideas, technological excellence and clear messages - ready to continue the dialogue and help shape the future of rail.

General / Waggon Tracker - 05/16/2025

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

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

Styrian Future Conference 2024: PJM takes part as innovation award winner

Companies and scientific institutions from Styria are coming together this year under the motto of cooperation. The Future Day is a platform for new ideas, knowledge exchange and future-shaping projects. The “Future Day” is organized by SFG, the Province of Styria and JR.

PJM has been invited as a winner of the Innovation Award 2024 and will put the spotlight on its unique automatic brake test. It is the first and only approved system that automates a complex, manual process. The brake testing system is already in use at SBB Cargo and on board of several pilot trains in Europe.

Automated rail freight transport is crucial in order to become more attractive, competitive, faster and safer and to cushion the demographic-related shortage of skilled labor. The focus is also shifting to environmentally friendly rail transport in order to achieve the climate targets that have been set.

General / Waggon Tracker - 10/01/2024

Railway Gazette provides an in-depth article on smart train technology

The international railway magazine Railway Gazette analyses the digitalisation of goods trains in Europe and takes a detailed look at our smart goods train concept. Get the in-depth article on the development steps and benefits of intelligent freight trains.

Get the full article in July's issue of Railway Gazette

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General / Waggon Tracker - 08/07/2024