Hitachi Rail is driving the acceleration of global rail operations by integrating Omnicom’s cutting-edge monitoring technology into its advanced HMAX platform. This strategic move enhances HMAX’s ability to process vast amounts of real-time data for rail operators worldwide, enabling more efficient monitoring, predictive maintenance, and operational decision-making. By adding Omnicom’s technology, Hitachi Rail strengthens its digital asset management system, which already serves over 2,000 trains globally, providing unprecedented operational insights and facilitating proactive maintenance. This integration empowers rail operators to optimize asset lifecycle management and improve overall operational efficiency, positioning Hitachi Rail as a leader in the digital transformation of the rail industry.

In a strategic move to strengthen its digital asset management capabilities, Hitachi Rail has successfully acquired Omnicom, the cutting-edge digital rail monitoring business, from Balfour Beatty. This acquisition is set to significantly bolster the growth of HMAX, Hitachi Rail’s advanced digital asset management platform.

HMAX, already deployed across more than 2,000 trains globally, is set to become even more powerful with the acquisition of Omnicom. This acquisition brings in cutting-edge solutions and proprietary technologies that will seamlessly integrate with the HMAX platform, amplifying its value for rail operators and infrastructure managers worldwide.

Innovative Rail Monitoring Solutions

The acquisition introduces advanced software and hardware specifically designed to survey, inspect, and monitor rail infrastructure assets. These technologies span several components, such as overhead lines and tracks. Omnicom’s next-generation monitoring systems are designed to be installed on trains and leverage edge computing and machine learning for near-instantaneous anomaly detection. By analyzing massive data sets, these systems can identify potential issues at an early stage, enabling proactive maintenance and reducing operational disruptions.

The monitoring systems are capable of generating trillions of bytes of image data each day, providing critical insights into trackside conditions. This data-driven approach allows rail operators to optimize maintenance schedules and improve the overall lifecycle management of rail infrastructure.

HMAX: Revolutionizing Rail Asset Management

Launched at InnoTrans in September 2024, HMAX is a comprehensive digital asset management solution that integrates live data from trains and surrounding rail infrastructure into a unified platform. This platform leverages Lumada 3.0, a unique digital ecosystem that combines IT (Information Technology), OT (Operational Technology), and products from the Hitachi group to deliver an advanced range of solutions for rail operators.

HMAX employs artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning algorithms to process incoming data, extracting valuable insights that can be used to enhance operational efficiency and service delivery. These insights help optimize traffic flow, reduce energy consumption, and support predictive maintenance to improve asset longevity and safety.

Enhanced Real-Time Data Processing and Operational Efficiency

A standout feature of HMAX is its capability to process vast amounts of data directly at the source—on the trains or within the infrastructure itself. In contrast to traditional systems that send all data to centralized servers for processing, HMAX intelligently filters out non-essential data and transmits only the actionable insights to operational control centers. This method greatly accelerates the speed at which transport operators can access critical information, enabling quicker decision-making and improving overall operational efficiency.

Previously, it could take several days for data to be analyzed and acted upon in maintenance locations. With HMAX’s edge computing capabilities, actionable insights are delivered in real-time, allowing for immediate decisions and timely interventions. This reduces delays, enhances safety, and ensures that rail networks operate at optimal efficiency.

The Next Era of Rail Technology: A Digital Transformation

The acquisition of Omnicom solidifies Hitachi Rail’s leadership in driving the digital evolution of rail operations. By integrating HMAX with Omnicom’s advanced monitoring solutions, Hitachi Rail is establishing new benchmarks in rail asset management, predictive maintenance, and operational performance. This strategic move positions the company at the forefront of innovation in the rail industry, redefining how rail networks are managed and optimized.

Hitachi Rail is accelerating global rail operations by integrating Omnicom’s advanced monitoring technology into its HMAX platform, enhancing real-time data processing and predictive maintenance. This integration empowers rail operators with greater operational efficiency and proactive asset management worldwide.

This strategic move underscores Hitachi Rail’s commitment to driving innovation in the rail industry, ensuring that operators and infrastructure managers worldwide can benefit from the latest advancements in digital technology. As HMAX continues to evolve, the platform promises to redefine how rail networks are managed, offering unprecedented insights, increased reliability, and a more sustainable approach to rail operations.

Through this acquisition, Hitachi Rail is poised to lead the way in the next phase of the rail industry’s digital revolution.