INDUSTRY SPOTLIGHT: HOW AUTOMATIC TESTING GETS RAIL OEMS ON THE RIGHT TRACK
For the last 5 years operators have challenged rail OEMs to speed up the replacement of ageing trains and trams in an effort to improve reliability, reduce running costs and cut CO2 emissions.
The rail OEMs that have been able to increase production capacity still face the challenges of bottlenecks at the test phase.
Automatic test systems are the key to solving this issue; the projects undertaken by MK Test Systems with many major global rail OEMs proves that this methodology produces results.
REDUCING THE TESTING BOTTLENECK
Regardless of whether OEMs add additional production lines or speed up manufacturing times through other processes, testing times can still dampen any significant progress.
Extensive testing is required, and speeding this up has traditionally been challenging. Now, MK Test Systems are enabling rolling stock manufacturers to get their testing on the right track.
CASE STUDY 1
Our equipment and test management software has significantly reduced the time required to test train sets at a leading manufacturer in Spain, with a return on investment being achieved in just 6 train tests.
This has resulted in the purchase of further test systems for sites in Spain, UK and the USA.
CASE STUDY 2
Another rail OEM has worked closely with MK to make use of a combination of our Automatic Program Generation (APG) and API toolsets.
This has resulted in significant reduction in test program creation times, while the ability to interface with the system through our embedded API has automated the test run, diagnostics and data capture elements. Each of the last 4 projects won by this OEM has been tested using MK test systems.
"Our pioneering technology has helped many global rail OEMs lessen the impact of testing time, by automating test program generation and shortening the test cycle."
Industry: Rail OEM manufacturing
Requirement: Speed up testing, minimise test processes
Product: Automeg and functional testing module; RTS; MKAT software using APG and API toolsets
Results:
- Test phase time reduced by >50%
Testing increased to >95% of train electrical systems - Perform wire harness continuity, insulation, and functional testing in one stage
- Speed up diagnostics and rework
Benefits:
- Reduce test bottlenecks
- Speed up testing phase
- Speed up diagnosis & rework with detailed results data
- Increase test coverage
- Remove the need for test program development
- Increase production throughput
"A leading rail OEM in Europe is achieving 100% ROI in just 6 train tests."
More information
This Industry Spotlight document is available as a PDF download. Choose your preferred language format from the list on the right to start your download.
To learn more about the products mentioned in this article, please visit the product overview page.
For more information about our work in the rolling stock sector, visit our industry page.
