The Wagon Information System (WIS) is one of the most important applications at DB Cargo: it controls all logistics processes in freight wagon management. For this purpose, it stores and processes technical attributes and reports on maintenance. The platform, which was developed by ADABAS/NATURAL, has been in operation for 25 years and is becoming increasingly complex – and expensive – to maintain and develop. That is why DB Cargo now wants to replace the system.
New system for more data
In order to be able to increase reliability and quality for customers, our future operations will involve innovative approaches such as automatic damage detection and the automatic transmission of GPS-based location information and condition data captured by sensors on the wagon.
Due to its outdated architecture, the WIS system is unable to record and process this additional information. In order to be able to use all available data efficiently and effectively across systems in the future, legacy systems must be replaced and their functions transferred to new or existing systems. The technical benefits include more seamless, streamlined processes, as fewer different systems are used within workflows. Other technical benefits are:
- Simplification and standardisation of the IT landscape
- Use of future-proof technologies
- Diverse options for improvement
Fit for Europe
While replacing WIS, a completely new database is being set up which, in addition to distributing information, will also be used for electronic data exchange within DB Cargo in accordance with the European TAF-TSI specifications. These specifications state that there will be a uniform EU-wide message format in future for exchanging data among rail system stakeholders (e.g. railway undertakings (RUs)) – both for train path requests and rail operations. Thanks to the new system, DB Cargo will exchange this data with other RUs via the GCU broker.
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