With Trenord, bringing train localization in depots from a problem to operational data
In a large railway depot, maintenance is a complex machine made up of continuous movements, physical constraints, and precise sequences.
For Trenord, the first regional railway company in Italy, knowing with precision the position of convoys in the depot is a prerequisite for ensuring efficiency, service reliability, and operational continuity.
In the Milano Fiorenza depot, the largest in Europe, even small inefficiencies in train localization translate into delays, unnecessary movements, and greater complexity in maintenance planning.
The Shared Challenge
It wasn't enough to "know where the trains are" in the abstract. The real challenge was to obtain reliable, precise, and usable data in real processes. Traditional technologies were ineffective in complex indoor environments or too invasive for large-scale adoption.
Operational Resolution
In collaboration with Trenord, Ulisses carried out an operational Proof of Concept for the localization of convoys in the depot. The PoC included the installation of Ulisses transponders on 50 convoys and full coverage of 12 tracks, ensuring continuous tracking of movements and visualization via Digital Twin.
The solution allowed Trenord to accurately monitor train movement via a dedicated platform, without invasive infrastructure interventions.
The Project in Numbers
- Convoys50
- Tracks Covered12
- Precision< 1m
Results
- • Flow optimization
- • Precise planning
- • Predictive analytics
Production Ready
The project was developed together with the IT, Innovation, and Maintenance functions of Trenord. The potential that emerged led to evaluating the extension to the entire Milano Fiorenza site.