Focus on digitalization and technology

Our digital and technology strategy is geared towards developing a highly intelligent mobility network – connected, automated and customer-centric. In the future, travel should essentially “plan itself” and adapt to changing circumstances in real time in the event of deviations. To this end, our digitalization processes must be understood and designed as an intelligent overall system – a long-term development.

The use cases show where digitalization and technology are the key to success for the Strong Rail. We will focus in particular on some of these:

• Digital rail operations, because it makes us more ro­­bust, for example, thanks to automated timetables and sched­uling.
• Digital maintenance, because it makes us more effective, for example, through more efficient materials management and more powerful through forward-looking planning.
• Green rail technology, because it makes us more sustainable, for example by making rail operations more climate and environmentally friendly. The basis for this is the implementation of new technical measures in the areas of climate protection, nature conservation, resource conservation and noise remediation. Examples of this are emissions reductions using alternative drive technologies, energy optimization for the overall system and cost reduc­tions for components through recycling management.

All projects are geared towards sustainably increasing capacity, efficiency and quality. The implementation is accompanied by a new culture created as part of the Compass for Strong Teamwork, which promotes ideas and plans for new working environments, and encourages enthusiasm for new technologies.

IT infrastructure is the basis for driving the development of digitalization. Five elements form the foundation of the digital infrastructure for a strong rail system:

• Connectivity as a basis for data transfer and exchange, because a strong rail system needs high-speed com­­munication.
• Cloud services as the basis for rapidly scalable and high-performance storage services, because a strong rail system needs efficient and flexible IT resources.
• Cybersecurity as the basis for continuous security in more digitalized rail operations, because only a secure rail system is a strong rail system.
• Development platforms as the basis for modular services, IT security and the acceleration of software development, because a strong rail system requires high-performance IT.
• Data management as the basis for legally secure, standardized and comprehensive data utilization, because a strong rail system needs a clear overview of the Integrated Rail System.

The goal is to have trained mobility systems to detect, calculate and network automatically, and hence to keep everything permanently up to date. Artificial intelligence (AI) determines the pace of this by facilitating new ways of managing capacity, eliminating barriers and satisfying requirements before they are even identified and formulated. The vehicles are highly automated, communicate with each other, update themselves independently and report potential defects even before they occur with new sensors, drones and robots. In combination with a modernized and digitalized infrastructure, which provides for the nationwide rollout of the European Train Control System (ETCS) and digital interlocking (DSTW), the course is being set for the future of the German rail network.

Stakeholders are informed about the priorities and progress in implementing both the use cases and the foundations as part of regular informative events. The progress and effectiveness of program and technology projects are reviewed regularly with the responsible business units and Group functions. If necessary, options for action are discussed and decided upon.