engineering - PJM EN

Plenty going on around the PJM headquarters: Smart City Graz hosts neighborhood festival

It is a district whose development the PJM Group has witnessed and shaped from the very beginning as one of its first settlers: Smart City Graz. On Friday, May 22, the up-and-coming neighborhood will host a community festival starting at 12:30 PM.

The area surrounding the PJM headquarters – located between the Helmut-List-Halle, the Nikolaus-Harnoncourt-Park, and the prominent Science Tower – will transform into a vibrant festival and meeting zone.

What once began as a former industrial site has evolved into a state-of-the-art future hub for innovative residential, office, and commercial spaces. For rail specialist PJM, this dynamic location in the heart of Graz's innovation powerhouse has always provided the ideal conditions for technological growth and global system solutions.

Further information about the neighborhood festival (in German):
https://stadtlaborgraz.at/de/2026/04/smartcity-stadtteilfest-2026/

General - 05/19/2026

INFRATRACK at the USTP St. Pölten Career Fair

On March 20th, our joint venture INFRATRACK, together with our partner BOOM Software, was represented as one of 42 exhibitors at the railway industry career fair at USTP (University of Applied Sciences St. Pölten).

The event provided an ideal platform to connect with around 180 students, graduates, and prospective students. A look at current industry trends underlines the importance of this exchange: the railway sector is a key driver of the mobility transition and is growing steadily—leading to a correspondingly high demand for well-trained specialists.

At its site in Mellach near Graz, INFRATRACK has transformed a former industrial siding into a modern test and innovation center for railway technologies. Maintaining a direct line to the next generation of talent is particularly valuable to us, as the specialized degree programs in Railway Technology and the digital focus at St. Pölten UAS train exactly the experts we need for the projects of the future.

Photo caption: Martin Joch (CEO INFRATRACK, left) in discussion with employees from the INFRATRACK joint venture partner, BOOM Software.

General - 04/14/2026

PJM inspires tinking kids at the FRida & freD Children’s Museum

PJ Messtechnik is part of the new exhibition "tinking kids and young masterminds" at the Graz children's museum FRida & freD. As part of the "powered by Die Industrie" project, the exhibition makes science and technology a hands-on experience for children.

Various stations invite young visitors to discover and experiment. Using sensors from PJ Messtechnik, children learn how forces such as pressure, weight, or movement are converted into digital signals – the exact same technology used in highly complex test runs with trains.

View short clip

General - 04/10/2026

PJM on the European Stage: Review of Dresden and Warsaw

Over the past few weeks, PJM showcased its expertise in simulation, measurement technology, and digitalisation at two high-profile industry events.

Rolling Stock Conference in Dresden, March 4 – 6
Our experts Matthias Zelinka and Peter Ablasser presented innovative approaches to optimising pantograph-catenary interaction. By leveraging the synergy between EN-compliant simulations and precise measurements, PJM demonstrated how the efficiency and safety of approval tests for modern rolling stock can be significantly enhanced.

European Rolling Stock Summit in Warsaw, March 16 – 17
CEO Günter Petschnig participated in the opening panel discussion on the status of digitalisation in rail freight. The key message: Market-ready technologies for faster, more cost-efficient, and highly available rail freight transport are ready for deployment – now is the time for large-scale implementation.

General - 04/07/2026

Strategic Exchange on the Future of Rail

In Graz, Martin Joch (CEO of PJ Messtechnik) recently met with Andreas Matthä (CEO of ÖBB) and Andreas Schaller (CEO of Boom Software).

The discussions focused on automation and digitalisation as key levers for addressing the shortage of skilled workers and ensuring more efficient, safer rail freight transport.

Another central topic was the INFRATRACK Solutions project: since autumn 2025, the site of the Mellach power plant has been successfully used as a modern test environment for rolling stock. This "Green Project" highlights the innovative strength of Styria as a business location and the sustainable use of existing infrastructure for the mobility of tomorrow.

Photo from left to right: Martin Joch (CEO PJ Messtechnik), Andreas Matthä (CEO ÖBB), Andreas Schaller (BOOM Software)

Martin_Joch_Andreas_Matthä_Andreas_Schaller

General - 04/01/2026

PJM in "Eisenbahn-Ingenieur" Magazine: The Future of Vehicle Development

In the current issue of the trade journal Eisenbahn-Ingenieur (EI), February 2026, a technical article examines the increasing complexity in the development and maintenance of rolling stock. Authors Marius Müller (Specialist in Calculation, Fatigue Strength, and Welding Technology) and Wolfgang Konrad (Head of Calculation) from PJ Messtechnik demonstrate how to use interdisciplinary approaches to bring vehicles to the tracks safely and efficiently for a service life of 30 years or more.

Article Highlights:

Interdisciplinary Integration: The traditional authorization process according to the fourth railway package is significantly accelerated through the close integration of railway approvals management, calculation, simulation, design, and measurement technology. PJM operates as an accredited testing laboratory according to EN ISO/IEC 17025.

Focus on Welding Technology: A key success factor is the integration of welding design as early as the conceptual phase. PJM provides welding consultancy according to EN 15085-2, approval, and engineering from a single source, which massively reduces project effort for manufacturers.

Modern Verification Methods: In addition to the classic nominal stress approach, PJM increasingly relies on the notch stress concept. This allows for better utilization of structural reserves and ensures the reliable realization of the intended 30-year service life.

Practical Example – Bogie: PJM recently proved the efficiency of this approach during the development of a bogie frame, completed in early 2025. Through the cooperation of all departments, the goals of weight reduction and full robotic weldability were achieved within an ambitious two-year timeline.

Holistic Support: PJM supports customers throughout the entire life cycle—from the initial concept and authorization to maintenance and repair.

Certified Quality: Alongside accreditation according to ISO/IEC 17025 and welding certification according to EN 15085-2 for calculation and design, PJM’s membership in NAFEMS underscores the high standards for the validity and quality of its simulation processes.

The Experts' Conclusion: The tasks for engineering firms are becoming increasingly extensive. Only through motivated teams covering all areas—from simulation to final approval—can the complex requirements for modern rolling stock be met today.

General - 03/16/2026

Looking back and moving forward: Together into a great 2026

An eventful 2025 has come to a close – our highlight video takes you on a journey through the most significant milestones and achievements of the past 12 months.

Now it's time to look forward: We are entering the new year with full energy and fresh ideas. We look forward to realizing new visions together with you, strengthening future-oriented collaborations, and continuing our shared success story!

General - 01/07/2026

Railway Forum 2025: Key topic of digitalization – PJM presented solutions

From September 2 to 4, 2025, the 9th Railway Forum Berlin took place at the Estrel Congress Center. With 1,700 participants on site, 1,000 virtual guests, over 180 exhibitors, and 120 speakers, the organizers described the conference as the most successful railway conference in Europe to date. The PJM Group presented ideas on digitalization and its other areas of expertise at the event.

The forum offered a varied program of keynotes, workshops, panels, a gala evening, and factory tours. The content focused on digitalization, AI applications, infrastructure monitoring, sustainability, and new technologies in railway operations.

Digital train functions for rail freight transport

Digitalization was also the key topic addressed by Günter Petschnig, Managing Director of PJ Monitoring, in a “deep dive” presentation at the event. His presentation, “Digital train functions: Greater safety, efficiency, and cost-effectiveness in rail freight transport,” sparked a lively dialogue among the participants. It became clear that the industry is suffering from cost pressure, a shortage of skilled workers, and high maintenance costs due to unplanned repairs, among other things. PJ Monitoring has been driving digitalization and automation forward with WaggonTracker for almost two decades. The aim is to increase reliability and predictability, shorten delivery times, make train preparation more efficient, thereby achieving significant cost advantages and increasing safety.

The success of this approach is demonstrated by the intelligent freight train, which was implemented in collaboration with the Italian company Logistix in its intermodal fleet and is now successfully in operation. It features real-time analysis of brakes and kingpins, load weight monitoring, and IDDS derailment diagnosis. The WaggonTracker is compatible with screw couplings and DAC.

Support with approval and integration

PJ Motion, which has extensive expertise in authorisation and requirements management and is particularly involved in the integration of the automated brake test – a key element of the WaggonTracker – was also on site. The specialists at PJ Motion provide support for vehicle integration (including change management), operational integration (e.g., adaptation of the railway undertaking's safety management systems), and integration into the maintenance system (support for ECM 1–4 functions). PJ Motion is thus laying the foundations for the safe and smooth introduction of the new technology.

Testing expertise at the highest level

The third partner to present itself at the Railway Forum was PJ Messtechnik – an accredited testing center in accordance with ISO/IEC 17025 for vehicle dynamics, fatigue strength, brakes, acoustics, aerodynamics, and pantograph (the only testing laboratory in Austria in this field). The company is also a proven specialist in engineering for rail transport. PJ Messtechnik thus rounds off the group's range of services and ensures the necessary testing reliability for new systems and vehicles.

Participation not only provided technical insights, but also direct access to decision-makers and a wide range of networking opportunities.

General / News / Waggon Tracker - 09/15/2025

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.