Trimble announced that Australia’s largest rail freight operator Aurizon will deploy the Trimble R2M remote diagnostic system and the Trimble P2M planning and performance management system.

In addition, Aurizon and Trimble are working together to pilot innovative solutions for enhanced infrastructure and rolling stock monitoring, data analytics and other technologies for rail.

Aurizon has benefited from the use of wayside mounted non-contact measurement technologies from Beena Vision, a Trimble company, since 2017. With the addition of the Trimble R2M and Trimble P2M solutions from Nexala, a Trimble company, Aurizon is expanding its technology deployment of rail asset lifecycle solutions as part of the company’s strategic, multi-year transformation programme.

The Trimble R2M system provides a comprehensive view of fleet status including specific faults and identifying potential faults that may arise. Its customisable rules engine, with fully configurable warnings and alerts, mitigates in-service failures and improves reliability. Trimble P2M system uses timetable, vehicle location, and real-time in-service performance diagnostic data to enable Aurizon to plan for optimal timetable adherence and fuel efficiency.

With the goal to deliver lower costs, improve productivity and create shareholder value, Aurizon has invested significantly in its transformation programme and the technology that supports it. This investment was a significant contributor to Aurizon achieving its three-year target of A$380m savings.

Trimble and Aurizon are committing dedicated teams in the field of data science to solve a range of rail freight industry challenges such as asset utilisation, cost minimisation, infrastructure management and predictive maintenance.

Aurizon group executive technical services and planning Mike Carter said: “Aurizon’s condition-based and predictive rolling stock maintenance strategy seeks to improve our fleet reliability, availability and cost to operate while improving the safe operation of our trains. We are committed to developing and implementing technology solutions that deliver improved outcomes for our customers, our shareholders and our employees.”

“Trimble views Aurizon as a visionary rail operator who’s adoption of technology has led to clear operational benefits,” said Tomas Larsson, general manager of Trimble’s rail solutions business. “Broadening our relationship with Aurizon will also enhance our ability to design and create next-generation solutions that transform the rail industry.”