The digitization of the railway sector requires solution integrators such as Bilerro, capable of combining the OT world and the IT world.
The railway sector is undergoing an unstoppable transformation towards digitalization. This trend represents a great opportunity for companies such as Bilerro, a company with more than 25 years of experience in embedded systems integration and extensive expertise in bringing together the operational world (OT) with information technology (IT) systems.
At Bilerro, we provide specific solutions based on the type and needs of our customers, offering them high-tech solutions through comprehensive projects and services. We take care of gathering requirements, design, development, implementation, and commissioning of different systems. At the same time, we also manage the warranties for these implemented systems and perform their maintenance, thus offering a full-cycle service.
We provide our services to three types of customers: we improve and remodel the systems implemented by operators, we work with manufacturers to implement systems for new fleets, and we collaborate with train maintenance companies, to whom we offer a comprehensive maintenance system. Our clients include Talgo, Irish Rail, and Stadler, with whom we carry out projects such as public information systems, on-board video surveillance systems, seat reservations, and maintenance services. Each of these on-board systems benefits from digitalization, as new technologies allow us to offer a different user experience and improve operational efficiency and maintenance services.
Among these technologies, data management stands out, which takes the form of tools that allow Bilerro to collect, classify, and analyze data. Proper data management is essential both from a descriptive perspective, to know what is happening and react in real time, and from an analytical-predictive perspective, to anticipate events that are theoretically going to happen. When working with data, communication technologies such as 5G are also important, as they enable smooth and reliable continuity of communications. In addition, wireless communications contribute greatly to sustainability and energy efficiency goals, allowing us, for example, to achieve our connectivity objectives while reducing the use of cabling.
Regarding system maintenance
One of the most important benefits of digitization is the opportunity to perform many tasks remotely that previously had to be done in the field, such as software updates or repairs.
In addition, the vast majority of these operations can now be performed at any time and with fewer resources, without the need for the vehicle to be stationary or in the workshop.
Bilerro's offer to our clients consists of a comprehensive maintenance service, in which the different activities are broken down and divided into baseline workflows. These baselines are measured using a specific unit of measurement and specialized resources depending on the activity to be performed. In addition, we introduce digital tools and assets capable of analyzing and parameterizing the available data and equipment behavior, either in real time or based on historical data.
With this information, from
Bilerro we are able to predict demand and scale the service according to projected needs. This translates into a significant increase in operational efficiency, thanks to better planning of maintenance resources and a lower failure rate, but also greater efficiency from a cost perspective. Scaling maintenance baselines and adapting them to the customer's real needs allows us to plan costs and provide a flexible service tailored to actual demand.
To sum up, our own tried and tested digital tools and software assets enable us to offer our customers more competitive solutions, streamline the implementation of integrated systems, and guarantee a differentiated maintenance service.
In addition, the digital tools and assets we use in our comprehensive maintenance service are also useful for customers to track and monitor systems themselves. At
Bilerro, we offer our customers the use of these tools in different marketing models, such as through licenses or an “as a service” model.
Drawing on the knowledge and experience of a specialized team,
Bilerro plays an active role in the digitization of railways thanks to a portfolio of digital assets and tools that is constantly evolving. We carry out turnkey projects covering all phases and procedures, from requirements gathering to the implementation of embedded solutions, including a comprehensive maintenance service that provides our customers with cost savings, speed, and reliability.
Written by Enrique (Quique) Sánchez Candorcio, Director of the Embedded and Industry Division at Bilerro
