Intelligent weighing: reducing costs in rail transport

Correctly measuring the load on freight wagons has always been a challenge. Wagons that are too heavy or unevenly loaded not only place a - possibly excessive - load on infrastructure such as tracks, switches, bridges and other elements, but also pose an acute risk of accidents. Conversely, wagons that are not completely full represent a significant loss of efficiency and reduce the attractiveness of rail freight. Until now, wagons had to be weighed on scales to ensure optimum filling - a time-consuming process. If the scales were not nearby, additional detours had to be made.

"As a major provider of rail-based logistics services, the solution from A1 Digital and Cargomon Systems enables our customers to significantly reduce time and costs by optimising capacity utilisation," explains Lukas Wallentin, Director at A1 Digital. "It offers high accuracy, cost efficiency and ease of use. With its flexibility and adaptability to different accuracy requirements, we are well equipped to meet the challenges of modern rail transport.”

Precise real-time weight measurement

A1 Digital's innovative weighing technology is faster, cheaper and more effective. Precise real-time weight measurement allows overloading, underloading and uneven loading to be reliably detected and avoided.

The new weighing technology is based on strain gauges mounted on the bogies. It offers several advantages over conventional methods: it increases operational efficiency by saving time, as there is no need to travel to weighing stations. In addition, significant costs can be saved by reducing the number of trips and increasing efficiency. With a measurement accuracy of less than 2 percent (calibrated, with 4 sensors), the weighing technology sets new standards in weight measurement.

Wireless communication with the telematics unit

The sensors communicate wirelessly with the vehicle's telematics unit, which is responsible for data transmission and sensor control. A mobile app allows the weights to be read in real-time in front of the trolley. In addition to the strain gauges, the system has optional secondary sensors built into the tracker as standard, including a temperature sensor and a 3-axis accelerometer.

Weighing technology for transporting bulk goods, logs or scrap metal

Weighing technology is suitable for a variety of wagon types used to transport bulk goods, logs or scrap. All of A1 Digital's Rail Insight customers are considering and evaluating it in various proof of concepts to integrate high-precision weight measurement into their digitisation projects to create a competitive advantage.

A1 Digital: InnoTrans 2024

September 24 to 27 | Messe Berlin | Stand 350, Hall 21

InnoTrans is the leading trade fair for railway technology, railway infrastructure, public transport, interiors and tunnel construction. It offers an indoor and outdoor area with 3,500 metres of track for the presentation of various rail vehicles and a bus display for vehicle manufacturers. Together with AUSSENWIRTSCHAFT AUSTRIA, experts from A1 Digital will advise visitors on the topics of Rail Insight, Asset Insight and Managed Connectivity.

The digitalisation train 2.0 - Next stop: Precise weighing and balanced load distribution

Date and time: September 24 from 15:00 to 16:00

Location: Speaker's Corner, Hall 27, Level Beta, Beta 3-4, Language: English

Guest speaker:

• Dr. Sandra Stein, Head of Research, Fraunhofer Austria
• Nicki Skujat, Head of Rail and Transit Solutions, DXC Technology
• Stefan Mahlknecht, CEO, Cargomon Systems
• Further guest speakers to follow

Über A1 Digital
A1 Digital macht Digitalisierung nutzbar. Erfahrene Cloud-, Security- und IoT-Experten setzen anspruchsvolle Projekte täglich in die Realität um. Flexible Lösungen garantieren dabei den Geschäftserfolg. Das A1 Digital Team steht für engagierte, persönliche Beratung samt praktischer Umsetzung.