Reliable wagon identification even when running at 250 km/h
RFID brings critical visibility to both rail infrastructure and rolling stock. For infrastructure owners, it supports safer operations by enabling early detection of risks like hot axle boxes or uneven loads. For fleet users, RFID ensures better asset utilization by tracking wagon availability, cargo status, and maintenance needs — all in real time.
The Impact of RFID Across Rail Infrastructure and Fleet Management
Turck Vilant Systems delivers rugged, field-proven RFID solutions that bring wagon-level visibility to rail operations — even at speeds up to 250 km/h. Our systems integrate seamlessly with safety monitoring stations to support infrastructure owners in identifying hot axle boxes, uneven loads, and other critical risks.
For fleet users, RFID enables automated tracking of wagon usage, maintenance, wash cycles, and weighing. This allows for smarter asset allocation, optimized maintenance planning, and accurate cargo handling — all with minimal manual effort.
Modern track & trace solutions DRIVE VALUE in the form of:
SAFETY: RFID identifies wagons at speed and ties them to safety alerts like hot axle boxes or wheel impact, helping prevent accidents and infrastructure damage.
TIME: Automating wagon identification saves valuable time — no manual checks needed. Maintenance tasks like wash cycles or weighing are triggered instantly based on RFID data.
MONEY: Fewer manual processes mean lower labor costs, reduced errors, and optimized maintenance — cutting unnecessary expenses across the rail operation.
ASSET USE: Real-time visibility into wagon status and location prevents idle stock, reduces unnecessary movements, and improves asset availability.
Trackside monitoring
Rail infrastructure managers often operate a network of trackside safety monitoring stations — for example, to detect wheel impact, axle overheating, or overweight wagons. By integrating RFID readers into these stations, safety data can be linked directly to individual wagons. Even at speeds of up to 250 km/h, Turck Vilant Systems’ specialized reader units ensure accurate identification.
Shunting Yard Operations
Using wagon-level RFID means that each wagon is identified individually and its condition and usage history information can easily be obtained from the central database. The availability of wagon level data enables the automation of different MRO operations such as safety or maintenance options for instance.
Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul
Using wagon-level RFID allows each wagon to be individually identified, with its condition and usage history easily retrieved from a central system. This data enables the automation of various MRO operations, such as safety checks and maintenance planning, improving efficiency and accuracy across the fleet.
Automated Weighing
RFID enables the individual identification of each wagon. At the weighing station, load data is automatically linked to the correct wagon and used to receive the material directly into stock. Based on this information, the system can also guide the wagon to the appropriate unloading door for efficient material handling.
Wash Street
Trams, rail wagons, buses, and other vehicles require regular maintenance. With RFID tags applied to each individual wagon, lifecycle tracking becomes fully automated. The system records wash cycles and can trigger the correct wash program based on the wagon’s maintenance history — enabling more efficient and tailored care at wagon level.
Supply Chain Automation
Wagons tagged with RFID can be individually identified. This information is further used by 3PLs as well as on the recipient side for the payload. Business events such as shipment and goods receipt can be automated to include wagon level data such as location and time & date for instance.
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