DT Infrastructure’s Data-Driven Asset Management System
For rail infrastructure asset owners, managing assets is increasingly complex and costly, often putting network performance at risk. DTI is addressing these challenges head-on, with a data-driven approach that helps rail operators unlock the full potential of their assets. Through our integrated Digital Asset Management System, real-time data captured by IoT devices (non-standard computing hardware — such as sensors, actuators or appliances — that connect wirelessly to a network and can transmit data) is used to help asset owners manage and plan while obtaining the optimum condition of their assets. This empowers them with a clear understanding of asset conditions, which reduces reactive maintenance, minimises unplanned outages and helps to manage operational costs.
Rail asset owners face a range of challenges when it comes to maintaining and managing their infrastructure. As Bryan Lai, DTI’s Rail Systems Interface & Integration Manager, explains, “Traditional maintenance schedules often rely on fixed time intervals rather than the actual condition of the asset, which can lead to unnecessary work while genuine problems go undetected. Intermittent faults are also difficult to identify, frequently resulting in costly and inefficient ‘No Fault Found’ investigations.”
On top of that, many operators use multiple technology systems from different vendors, creating disconnected data environments and inconsistent reporting. Without integrated, real-time data, asset owners struggle to get a clear picture of their infrastructure, leading to rising lifecycle costs and unnecessary operational spending that could otherwise be avoided.
That’s where DTI’s integrated Digital Asset Management System comes in, bringing all asset data together in one centralised platform to tackle these challenges head-on. Central to this system is our in-house TrackDNA InSupport Maintenance Support platform, which Bryan has been instrumental in designing and implementing across Australia’s rail networks. “The platform captures data from IoT sensors installed on assets and monitors real-time conditions such as point machines, rail temperatures, communications network, power systems such as UPS/batteries and most importantly data on the frequencies of track utilisation, which is then stored securely, either in the cloud or on the asset owner’s premises.” The next step is DTI’s TrackDNA InDelve Intelligent Analytics Platform, which transforms this raw data into insights which can be analysed and acted upon. With advanced dashboards and regenerative AI, the system recognises patterns and learns from both past and current trends. This enables more accurate prediction of potential failures, allowing maintenance teams to intervene before issues escalate into major disruptions.
Both platforms were successfully deployed during the recent upgrade of the Warrnambool Line in Victoria’s south-west, where the commissioned system now monitors more than 200 kilometres of rail assets. As the asset owner and operator, V/Line can now understand its asset classes more intimately, with data able to be extracted for analytics purposes to drive better overall condition-based asset management. The platforms are also being deployed as part of the Queensland Train Manufacturing Program (QTMP) and Perth’s High Capacity Signalling project.
DTI’s Digital Asset Management System brings multiple benefits for asset owners. By consolidating digital data into a single platform, operators get more reliable insights through intuitive dashboards. Backed by regenerative AI, the system continuously learns from previous and current trends, providing more accurate condition-based predictions. “This approach reduces both over-maintenance and under-maintenance, helping our clients focus their time, resources and operational budgets on the work that matters”. Our system also helps reduce the costly “No Fault Found” scenarios by providing continuous real-time monitoring and accurate diagnostics for asset issues.
By creating a single source of truth, DTI’s integrated Digital Asset Management System helps asset owners improve the reliability of their networks while reducing ongoing operational costs. Bryan explains that this was a key outcome of the Warrnambool Line Upgrade: “With accurate, real-time information about the condition of the rail assets on the Warrnambool Line, the operator’s teams have been able to move away from ‘business as usual’ practices and make more informed decisions about their rail assets.” Not only does this improve collaboration across different asset classes and subsystems (e.g. track and signalling), but it also ensures long-term investments are better targeted, leading to more efficient and cost-effective outcomes over the life of the asset. “Seeing our locally designed Digital Asset Management System deployed on Victoria’s rail network—and delivering real results on the rail lines that support our communities—is something we’re really proud of”, Bryan adds.”
Key to the success of the Digital Asset Management System is that it’s underpinned by DTI’s position as a full turnkey rail systems provider. We bring in house expertise across the entire lifecycle from design and installation to integration, testing and commissioning, as well as maintenance and ongoing asset management. This gives our clients a single, trusted partner who understands all angles of their infrastructure.
“As a full turnkey in-house provider, we’re able to eliminate multiple interfaces for our clients and take full accountability, which in turn delivers greater certainty in delivery and better value for money. “Because DTI works across both government and private projects, we’ve developed a robust understanding of the challenges rail operators face. This in-depth knowledge and experience have been embedded into our Digital Asset Management System – TrackDNA, helping operators get more long-term value from their infrastructure investments”.
