Operations & Maintenance

Rail network operators are managing a growing set of challenges. Infrastructure is aging, maintenance costs are climbing and regulatory requirements continue to evolve. Many operators still rely on reactive maintenance, manual inspections and disconnected systems, which are not sustainable in the long term.

These outdated approaches lead to more frequent disruptions, higher operational costs and greater difficulty maintaining service levels. To operate efficiently and meet future demands, asset management must become more proactive and data-driven.

Modern asset strategies, supported by the right technology, enable operators to monitor conditions in real-time. This supports the earlier identification of risks and optimization of both short-term maintenance and long-term planning.

The following sections will explore how rail asset management intersects with contemporary challenges and how digital tools empower operators to proactively adapt to these shifts.

Current Challenges in Rail Operations

The complexity of asset management in the rail sector is increasing across both infrastructure and rolling stock. Operators are under pressure to meet environmental targets and manage rising operational costs. Efficiency improvements are essential.

Meanwhile, many jurisdictions are facing experienced and skilled labor shortages as senior engineers retire. Without reliable systems to retain knowledge and automate key processes, long-term operational continuity is at risk.

Climate-related disruptions are also becoming more frequent. Extreme weather, for example, can affect network stability. Many operators lack the tools to assess these risks or develop effective response plans.

Rolling stock presents further challenges. Older fleets require more frequent maintenance. Delays in obtaining spare parts can impact availability. Additionally, energy efficiency is becoming a priority, but many operators lack visibility into fuel usage and emissions performance.

Overall, continuing with reactive maintenance creates unacceptable operational and financial risks.

Moving Toward Predictive and Data-Driven Maintenance

A more effective approach to rail maintenance focuses on early detection and prevention. With access to real-time data and predictive analytics, operators can resolve minor issues before they become major issues and cause service interruptions.

This requires a comprehensive view of asset health. Integrated systems make it easier for teams to track performance, access maintenance records and coordinate responses.

Digital systems also play an important role in supporting frontline teams. When maintenance staff can access real-time data - such as asset history, repair logs and condition reports - they are able to respond more efficiently and with greater consistency. This not only improves productivity but also helps preserve institutional knowledge as experienced engineers eventually leave the workforce.

One of the persistent challenges in asset management is data silos within organizations. Maintenance, finance and planning teams often work from separate systems, making it difficult to align strategy with execution. This disconnect slows down decision-making and increases operational inefficiencies.

HxGN EAM (Enterprise Asset Management) and HxGN APM (Asset Performance Management) work together to eliminate these silos and create a more connected asset management environment. HxGN EAM oversees daily asset performance, maintenance activities, work orders and inventory tracking. Whereas, HxGN APM adds a powerful layer of analytics, enabling operators to anticipate failures, quantify asset risk and prioritize resources.

Together, they provide a unified view of asset health and risk, which enables smarter decisions, stronger compliance and more efficient use of parts and labor.

How Hexagon Supports Rail Asset Management Goals

Modernizing asset management is about more than introducing new tools. It is about creating a more connected, efficient way of working. For many operators, HxGN EAM provides that operational foundation.

In infrastructure maintenance, HxGN EAM enables operators to monitor asset conditions continuously. Instead of relying on scheduled inspections alone, teams can detect early signs of wear or damage and take action before failures occur. The system excels in managing linear infrastructure and also supports mobile access to asset history and maintenance records, helping field staff respond quickly and consistently, even when experienced personnel are limited. For networks exposed to environmental risks, it provides a way to assess asset vulnerability and develop more effective emergency response plans.

For rolling stock, HxGN EAM enables a shift from time-based servicing to condition-based maintenance. Operators can monitor the health of vehicles and components in real-time, ensuring maintenance happens when it is needed - not too early and not too late. Maintenance teams also benefit from automated work order creation and better inventory tracking, which helps reduce delays caused by unavailable parts. Fuel usage and emissions data can be captured and analyzed as part of daily operations, supporting energy efficiency goals without additional manual effort.

Effective asset management also depends on having the right parts available at the right time. Without accurate insight into usage patterns, lead times and failure rates, operators risk running short or overstocking - both of which drive up costs. HxGN EAM connects asset condition data with inventory workflows, allowing operators to forecast spare parts needs and avoid unnecessary delays or excessive stockpiling.

HxGN APM complements this by providing deeper insights into asset performance and risk. It helps identify critical assets, model failure probabilities and understand the cost of inaction. For example, if a high-value component is showing signs of degradation, HxGN APM can recommend action based on risk and cost, avoiding costly downtime.

HxGN APM also enables rail operators to standardize maintenance strategies across asset classes and locations. With embedded libraries and asset twin models, teams can scale best practices, accelerate implementation and make more consistent decisions across the network.

Together, HxGN EAM and HxGN APM enable operators to:

• • Avoid unplanned downtime
  • Optimize maintenance schedules
  • Reduce operational risk
  • Improve safety and compliance
  • Maximize asset value across the lifecycle

Strengthening Rail Operations for the Future

Rail operators are managing a growing set of challenges. Infrastructure is aging, skilled workers are harder to find and regulatory demands continue to expand. On top of that, extreme weather events are putting additional strain on networks. Relying on short-term fixes is no longer sustainable.

To maintain reliable service, operators need a clearer, more proactive approach to asset management. Digital systems that provide real-time insights and predictive maintenance capabilities help minimize disruptions and control costs. Integrated planning tools ensure that long-term investments align with operational priorities.

With HxGN EAM and HxGN APM, rail networks can modernize maintenance, improve efficiency and create a more resilient foundation for the future.

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