Gotcha Monitoring Systems® are installed in several countries and provide our clients with real-time asset management information based on data gathered from passing trains.
Train operators, infrastructure managers and maintainers appreciate the importance of the interaction between vehicle and track. If the quality of the interface is sub-optimal this will have a major impact on costs, performances, passenger comfort and the railway image. Starting with the development of the first-generation system in the late 1990s, Gotcha Monitoring Systems has become Europe’s leading monitoring platform.
Open trackside monitoring platform
Gotcha is an open trackside monitoring platform for measuring a wide range of qualitative and quantitative data of passing trains. With Gotcha Monitoring Systems our clients obtain reliable real-time information about the state of different aspects of passing vehicles, such as weight distributions, wheel loads, wheel defects, noise emission, axle boxes quality and pantograph integrity.
Customised train monitoring platform
During each vehicle passage the vehicle type is automatically identified based on axle distances. Additionally, RFID technology can be used to identify individual vehicles and vehicle numbers. The results of the local data processing are automatically sent to a central server together with the vehicle type/number. Gotcha incorporates state-of-the-art communication alternatives, so the system can be tuned based on the customer’s needs. For each specific end-user Gotcha generates asset management information, presented in user-friendly graphical interfaces.
Gotcha is used by railways in several countries, including the Netherlands, the UK, France, Poland, Switzerland and Sweden. It complies with relevant national and international standards and legislation. From a technical point of view the system is almost maintenance-free and allows for normal track maintenance. A complete Gotcha site can be installed within a few hours without interrupting normal train operations or the need for special track preparations.
Modular rail-track monitoring platform
Gotcha is an open platform that allows a wide variety of modules to be added. All modules are ‘plug-and-play’ and as such can use the platform’s information and communication technology, power, vehicle identification, triggering and more. This significantly reduces the number of track-side cabinets, maintenance effort and installation time. The modules available are: wheel module, noise emission module, pantograph module and hotbox module.
Vehicle track interaction specialists
Our team is formed of highly qualified Lloyd’s Register engineers that have a proven experience in vehicle track interaction. Market demands and new technology continuously drive our team to continuously develop our services. Lloyd’s Register’s global presence and Gotcha’s network of local business partners allow us to meet the service levels required.
Benefits of the open trackside monitoring platform
The Gotcha open trackside monitoring platform enables infrastructure managers and train operators to implement cost-effective solutions for an improved asset management. Clients have experienced:
- Safer railways
- Cost-efficient operation
- Lifecycle cost reduction
- Higher availability of fleet and track
- Reduced environmental footprint
If you would like to speak to a member of our team to find out more about Gotcha Monitoring Systems and how we could help you, we would be delighted to arrange a meeting. Please contact our office.
