The Italian state-owned operator Mercitalia Intermodal has placed an order with PJ Monitoring (PJM) to implement the WaggonTracker system on roughly 600 of their wagons. This partnership is expected to speed up train preparation operations and minimise repair work.
The WaggonTracker system includes general monitoring functions, including for speed, direction, wheelsets and signals. Moreover, it also comes with “real-time brake monitoring, real-time kingpin monitoring and IDDS derailment detection system”, PJM specified. The system is also compatible with Digital Automatic Coupling.
PJM’s WaggonTracker was also involved in automated brake tests in Switzerland last year. Concerning their role in Italy, PJM already worked with Mercitalia and its international branch TX Logistik a couple of years ago. For 15 months, PJM and Mercitalia ran a pilot project to shift from ‘smart wagons’ to a ‘smart train’.