New Analysis Tool Increases Predictability
Digital services:
Mantena has developed a new application that can predict when it is time for wheel maintenance. This provides better oversight and can save both time and money.
Enables better recommendations
The condition of train wheels is crucial for safety, driving characteristics, and comfort. Therefore, they must remain within certain thresholds to be allowed on the tracks – something Mantena measures during regular maintenance.
If the thresholds are exceeded, the trains receive a driving ban. This can sometimes come as a surprise if the wear and tear progress faster than expected. This results in operational disruptions due to time-consuming, unplanned wheel maintenance.
To address this, Mantena has developed a new digital tool.
“We wanted to create a tool to predict when the thresholds are approaching, so we can catch it before it goes too far and plan maintenance well in advance,” says Torstein Aalen, a mechanical engineer at Mantena.
Compiling data
Together with colleagues such as Katrin Hasund, they have developed an analytical tool that compiles data from wheel measurements and presents them in a useful application. This way, Mantena's planners can have a clear overview of which train sets and wheels are approaching the threshold values, thereby avoiding surprises.
The useful analytical tool provides history, status, and forecasts for condition development.
"The customer is concerned with maximum predictability in operations, and this tool helps us achieve that," Hasund states.
The analysis tool displays history, status and prognosis for the condition of the wheels (CBM).
Predictability in operations is very important for our customers, and this CBM-tool help us deliver this, confirms Hasund.
The application gives information on both the wheelset and individual wheels.
Expanding the Application's Use
The tool is also useful for forecasting how many wheel discs need to be ordered from the manufacturer.
“There are very long lead times for many products now, so a tool like this is especially important. By making more accurate orders, we reduce the need for storage space and tie up less capital in our inventory,” Aalen points out.
Mantena is currently working on expanding the application to include brake discs, based on the same principles.
“This is a great example of how we can leverage data in a way that provides significant value for both us and the customer,” the engineer emphasizes.