Skip to main content

Author: Livia In-Albon

Variant study for the further development of a metre-gauge railway workshop

Customer: Compagnie du Chemin de Fer Montreux Oberland bernois MOB, Switzerland

Project tasks

  • Analysis and documentation of the current situation
  • High-level requirements definition
  • Development of variants

Our Approach

The MOB operates the approximately 10-kilometre Vevey — Les Pléiades line with adhesion and cogwheel sections. The light maintenance of the vehicles travelling on this line is carried out in Vevey. As Vevey’s workshop infrastructure is insufficient for heavy maintenance, the vehicles are transferred to other workshops. Due to the small number of vehicles, the facility in Vevey is only used for around one week per month.

To reduce the maintenance costs of the vehicles concerned, MOB would like to equip the Vevey site so that heavy maintenance can also be carried out there. PROSE was commissioned to examine how the Vevey site could be further developed to meet these requirements.

PROSE documented the site’s maintenance infrastructure. The maintenance processes were then analysed to determine what infrastructure the site would need to meet the future requirements of centralised maintenance. Finally, options were developed for further development.

Customer benefit

​The MOB received a comprehensive range of variants that took into account the current and future challenges at the site and on the Les Pléiades line. The variants were assessed in terms of requirements compliance and risks. Finally, further actions were outlined, and a concrete recommendation for the next steps was formulated.

Requirements for battery vehicles

Customer: SBB AG, Switzerland

Project tasks

  • Review of the standard requirements catalogue
  • Classification of the requirements
  • Categorisation and adaptation of requirements
  • Integration of the requirements into the requirements management system
  • Evaluation of the offers
  • Conversion and import of the requirements specification

Our Approach

Swiss Federal Railways SBB is preparing for the tender to procure new vehicles that replace the Tm 234 fleets of the first, second, and third series. These new vehicles must fulfil the operational requirements of both existing fleets and be climate-neutral. As the Federal Office of Transport (FOT) has yet to approve finalised regulations for battery-powered vehicles, SBB is facing challenges regarding the approval of battery operation. Therefore, SBB needs support for the battery subsystem to correctly integrate the specific requirements for the battery system into the specifications.

PROSE supported SBB in reviewing the content of the standard requirements catalogue for the battery subsystem (SAK – System Batterie). The task included not only suggesting content adjustments and additions but also classifying the requirements into functional and non-functional categories. In addition, PROSE categorised and adapted the requirements according to the “MUST” and “SHOULD” criteria and submitted proposals for weighting these criteria for the evaluation matrix.

Based on this preliminary work, the specified requirements were integrated into the requirements management system Re-qSuite®. There, the requirements were evaluated individually, and a corresponding binding force was given to evaluate the bids received in the upcoming tender. The specifications were then converted into a format that SBB could import into its requirements management system, Polari-on®.

Customer benefit

SBB received a clear catalogue of questions and an annotated requirement specification, which made the requirements more precise and easier to understand. Checking, evaluating, and identifying requirements that require a risk assessment contribute to quality assurance and minimise potential risks in the project. The risk assessment and the binding nature of the requirements enable better preparation for the tender, which improves the quality of the bids received. Converting the specifications into a compatible format for SBB’s requirements management system ensures smooth integration and utilisation of the requirements by the customer.

 

PROSE at the 25th Expert Conference TSI & ETCS 2024 in Berlin

We are proud to participate in the 25th Expert Conference TSI & ETCS, taking place on 12 and 13 June in Berlin. Our team will provide in-depth insights into the latest challenges and solutions around ETCS retrofitting and railway technical approval.

Tanja Keller and Josef Kometer, our experts in the field of railway approval processes, will share their valuable experiences and insights from a specific ETCS retrofit project for so-called “yellow machines” on the second day of the conference, Thursday 13 June in the morning.

Take the opportunity to ask us your questions at the end of the presentation. Contact us to find out more about our innovative solutions and how we are shaping the future of mobility.

We look forward to meeting you in person and having in-depth conversations!

In the meantime, you can learn more about our services and projects here: https://prose.one/all-our-services/

Freight Transport Forum

The Freight Transport Forum held on May 7, 2024, in Zurich brought together industry leaders to focus on central topics like the new framework conditions for sustainable freight transport and the future transformation of rail freight. The discussions provided insights into legislative challenges, technological innovations, and strategic policies from several European countries. 

At PROSE, we participate and contribute to groundbreaking conversations. The forum covered a range of subjects including the challenges of digital rail, the benefits of Digital Automatic Coupling (DAC), the role of data ecosystems in logistics, and the groundbreaking potential of projects like Cargo Sous Terrain and Maglev technology.  

We are shaping tomorrow’s mobility in all we do. From projects to forums, associations to events. Join us on the journey and let us support you with our customised and reliable solutions for railway technology.

 

Do you truly understand what happens in your maintenance facility?

Have you ever wondered if everyone who should understand what happens within your rolling stock maintenance facility truly does? Are the fundamental competencies, processes and capabilities documented in an easily understandable way?

PROSE supports the operators of maintenance facilities in developing “production concepts”. These concepts serve as a comprehensive guide, ensuring that everyone—from local management and new employees to internal and external partners or upper management —has a clear understanding of the facility. 

Here’s what our production concepts entail: 

  • Facility Overview: We work out an thorough overview of the facility; connecting the dots between the floor plan, processes and organizational structure. 
  • Maintenance demystified: Our descriptions outline precisely which maintenance tasks can be performed where and how. No more guesswork and nasty surprises! 
  • Key Interfaces: We identify critical interfaces within the facility and with external stakeholders. 

We tailor the content framework to your specific facility and needs. We work hand-in-hand with your internal stakeholders to develop the concept. Their insights and expertise ensure that the production concept aligns with reality and your unique context. 

Facing New Challenges? We’ve Got Answers: If you are facing new challenges, PROSE can also answer your specific queries. For instance, we conduct feasibility and cost-effectiveness studies when you’re introducing new fleets or tasks. Simply reach out to us with your request and let us optimise your maintenance operations together! 

Not yet convinced? Explore our references: 

Discover the future of machine elements and drive technology in Dresden

The Dresden Machine Elements Colloquium (DMK) will take place on 14 and 15 May 2024. The latest research results and practical, industrial applications in the fields of machine elements and drive technology as well as sensor technology and artificial intelligence will be presented.

PROSE employee Felix Saur will give a presentation on wheelset torsional vibrations, in which he will describe how high dynamic torsional moments in the wheelset shaft can be reduced by optimising the design of drivetrain components.

There are still places available, take your chance and grab a ticket here: https://www.mdesign.de/en/news/dmk-2024/

 

Examination of an updated production process of the SBB bogie revision maintenance site in Basel

Customer: SBB, Switzerland

Project tasks

  • Project and stakeholder management
  • Process analysis and documentation
  • Identification and development of proposed solutions

Our Approach

Thanks to PROSE’s existing expertise in the areas of maintenance facilities, railway production and operations, the PROSE experts were able to quickly drive forward the creation of the production concept in consultation with the responsible site manager. The first step was to record the existing production process on site and define the target process for efficient handling of the production volume (technical inspection, wheelset processing). Any problems arising from the necessary changes to the feed process were analysed by the PROSE experts in consultation with the internal departments and solutions were proposed. Finally, the entire processes, systems and production equipment at the site were documented.

Customer benefit

Thanks to the PROSE experts’ existing knowledge, SBB benefited from rapid implementation of the production concept and focussed, solution-oriented processing of the identified problem areas.

 

Transformation in action

We are proud to present our latest collaboration with the metro operator for SL, where we played a crucial role in the refurbishment and improvement of 270 C20 metro trains.

PROSE has worked closely with various suppliers to ensure a first class finish. From the early stages of development to the start of production, we made sure that each step followed seamlessly from the next. Our work began with the redesign of the driver’s cab, focussing on ergonomic improvements and workplace efficiency. In parallel, the passenger compartment was redesigned to increase passenger comfort and safety. This required careful planning and implementation to ensure that every change met strict safety and quality standards.

Our proactive approach to quality assurance in the development and production phases has helped to raise quality standards and increase customer satisfaction.

At PROSE, we are passionate about progress and quality to exceed our customers’ expectations. Find out more about this project here.

Safety and reliability on rails – An insight into our latest project

At PROSE,  we always strive to maximise the safety and longevity of our customers’ vehicle fleets. In our latest project, we carried out comprehensive inspections on the X60A vehicles to ensure their structural integrity.

Using non-destructive testing, including magnetic particle and ultrasonic testing, we were able to identify and document surface defects as well as internal cracks and material inhomogeneities. These thorough examinations have enabled us to precisely identify any potential weaknesses and plan targeted maintenance measures to ensure the safety and reliability of the vehicles.

Thanks to the detailed documentation in nine inspection reports, our customer now has a clear overview of the condition of each unit in their fleet, making it easier to make informed decisions about maintenance and repair measures.

We are proud of our work to improve operational safety and support our customer in strategic planning for the long-term maintenance of their vehicle fleet. Take a look at the reference for this new project.

 

Inspection and assessment of carbody, cracks and corrosion

Project tasks

  • Project management
  • Planning of the project
  • Inspections
  • Establishing an assessment report

Our Approach

As part of the project implementation, PROSE AB carried out thorough inspections on all 9 X60A vehicles to ensure their structural integrity. This was carried out with visual inspections of the vehicle frames and bodies to identify visible damage. This meticulous approach made it possible to precisely document every potential weak point, which allowed targeted planning for necessary repair work. Through the comprehensive inspection and documentation, PROSE AB ensured that all vehicles’ safety and quality requirements were met, improving their operational safety and longevity.

Customer benefit

​By providing nine detailed inspection reports, one for each vehicle, the customer benefited from a comprehensive and accurate overview of the condition of their vehicle fleet. The individual reports provide an accurate assessment of each vehicle’s condition and maintenance needs. This structured and detailed documentation enables the customer to make informed decisions about necessary maintenance and repair measures, helps to optimise operational safety and supports effective resource planning. The reporting thus increases transparency and facilitates strategic planning for the long-term maintenance of the vehicle fleet.

 

     

QA of suppliers and production for driver’s desk refurbishment in C20 Metro

Project tasks

  • Quality assurance of sub-suppliers
  • Supervision of prototype phase
  • First class installation
  • Delivery inspections

Our Approach

PROSE have worked closely with the suppliers from an early phase in the development process to ensure a smooth transition from development through prototype to the production ramp-up phase and to ensure stable quality throughout the serial production.

Customer benefit

By improving the supplier delivery early in the project, the customer could benefit from minimizing quality issues just before the start of production. PROSE’s wide range of available services helped the customer in many stages of the project.

 

Enhancing Rail Safety with Tailored Brake Repair Solutions

In one of our most recent projects, our customer commissioned us to create precise welding plans and thorough documentation to ensure effective and safe brake repairs. Our team used advanced scanning technology to create customised welding drawings and detailed documentation, addressing specific requirements of the brakes.

The direct benefits for our customer include significant reduction in downtime, cost savings through in-house repair capability, and extended lifespan of critical brake system components. These tailored solutions ensure that magnetic rail brakes maintain their essential function in the safety and efficiency of rail transport.

At PROSE, we’re dedicated to deliver innovative solutions that drive efficiency and safety in railway systems. For more information check out our new reference.

 

info@prose.one

 

Our solutions
© PROSE. All rights reserved
Disclaimer    Privacy Policy