Boom Software and ÖBB, a building success story

ÖBB is one of the largest mobility service providers worldwide. Every year, about 477 million passengers and 105 million tons of goods are transported by the railway group. In 2019, ÖBB was one of the most reliable railways in Europe with a punctuality of about 96 per cent (source: ÖBB as of July 2020). This ratio is mainly due to the fact that the company invests in modern technologies, thus ensuring customer benefits, safety and quality while keeping costs low.

Boom Software and ÖBB already have a long-standing business relationship, which is of strategic relevance for both sides.

“The almost 20 years of cooperation with BOOM Software is of particular strategic importance for ÖBB Technische Services GmbH. Boom Software is an important partner for us when it comes to flexibly planning and implementing maintenance strategies with foresight”, says ÖBB Holding CEO Andreas Matthä.

The beginning of a successful business relationship

The first project with ÖBB Technische Services GmbH started in autumn 1999 and involved the introduction of a software tool that maps the entire maintenance and servicing process from planning, preparation and order execution to completion. The basic idea at that time was to bring the know-how for maintenance planning away from the people into one system and bundle it there. This ensured sustainability and a flawless transfer of knowledge. In addition, the solution covered the legal and safety-related documentation obligations.

The potential of joint cooperation was immediately recognized at all levels. In the meantime, we have been working together in a trustful partnership for more than 20 years.

Software solutions towards digitalization

In 2017, another transformation took place in the group which caused the push for further digitization projects. The focus was again on saving paper, transferring knowledge within the company and increasing efficiency.

In 2017, another transformation took place in the group which caused the push for further digitization projects. The focus was again on saving paper, transferring knowledge within the company and increasing efficiency. A mobile solution was developed, called BDE (from 500 to 3,500 users), allowing engineers to have all information on the existing maintenance activity available on their mobile devices. With this solution, distances are saved, information is transmitted to the employees in real time and feedback is obtained immediately. The technical documentation is done instantly on the vehicle, which replaces the paper process and makes the information directly available to everyone.

Subsequently, a digital shop floor management system was implemented in the company, which allows the progress of individual orders to be displayed in real time on a monitor in the factory. Deviations can thus be detected more quickly and, if necessary, measures can be initiated in a timely manner.

However, the most important thing that has been achieved is the considerable increase in vehicle availability.

Implemented software solutions

The following areas are now supported by the solutions of Boom Software:

Maintenance execution (ECM 4)

• Disposition and order processing of vehicle, component and workshop orders
• After selecting the asset and the repair, all planned activities including specifications, checklists and material planning are available
• Material availability, reservation and booking
• Reporting of hours
• Recording of electronic checklists
• Documentation of performed activities including component data (measurements, installation/removal data)

Maintenance development (ECM 2)

• Work processes, plans, resource planning, digital checklists
• Vehicle configuration (material parts lists, software versions)
• Maintenance Manuals

Component tracking and reconditioning (ECM 3)

• Consistent mapping of the history from the perspective of vehicles and components
• Recording of the refurbishment data for components and interfaces to the software

Wheel set (ECM 3 and 4)

• Special functions for wheelsets such as mapping of all values, measurements and interfaces to reconditioning machines
• Mapping of maintenance strategies for components and forecast calculation for material consumption

Technical documentation (ECM 2 and 4)

• Capture of documents, versioning, release and linking to processes
• Ensuring the availability of the most up-to-date documents at all locations in real time

Lean Maintenance

Shop Floor Management