LocoProject, a Slovakian producer of mining locomotives and crushers, was tasked to enhance the way key systems were monitored. The goal wasn’t a quick fix – it was to prevent future issues by gaining deeper, more reliable visibility into locomotive performance.
LocoProject chose a forward-thinking route. Instead of sourcing a fully outsourced product, they turned to EKE-Electronics for the hardware, tools and training to build their own TCMS application from the ground up.
What followed was a collaborative journey. With EKE-Electronics providing the hardware, tools and the knowledge, while LocoProject, with the support of VONSCH, an integrator of electronics and software, took the lead in developing their own Event Recorder applications. It was a testament to what can happen when customers are empowered, not just supported.
What If Your Team Could Build Their Own TCMS Application Independently?
Traditionally, Train Control and Management Systems (TCMS) have been seen as complex, vendor-driven solutions. But what if your own engineers could develop and manage these systems in-house, tailored precisely to your operational needs?
With the right tools and the right training, that’s exactly what’s possible.
That’s what LocoProject and VONSCH achieved in partnership with EKE-Electronics – a shift from dependency to ownership. This approach offered long-term adaptability and ensured the solution would align precisely with the customer’s technical and operational context.
Proactive Monitoring with a Focus on Safety and Insight
The project involved equipping six electrical mining locomotives with EKE-Trainnet® Event Recorders. Each system needed to log around 1300 signals at up to 10Hz. This level of detail would offer a clearer picture of locomotive performance, driver behaviour, and system status. All key elements in incident prevention and continuous improvement.
Enabling the Customer to Lead Their Own Solution
EKE-Electronics supported the project not by developing the system themselves, but by empowering VONSCH to do so.
Using our Software Development Environment powered by CODESYS®, VONSCH was able to build their own Event Recorder application tailored to the unique requirements of the mining operation.
To support the process, EKE delivered a structured, 3 day, hands-on training programme on-site, working directly with the team on their actual hardware and use case:
Day 1 introduced the fundamentals with CODESYS® Essentials, ensuring a solid technical foundation.
Days 2 and 3 focused on the specifics of LocoProject’s application, offering targeted support as the team began building their Event Recorder solution in real time.
This wasn’t off-the-shelf training. It was fully tailored to the engineers, the environment, and the problem they were solving.
VONSCH has now fully equipped two locomotives to manage, maintain, and enhance the Event Recorder application without ongoing vendor dependency.
They haven’t asked for further support. Not because they didn’t need it, but because they had everything required to handle things themselves. That’s the mark of a successful partnership.
3 Ways EKE-Electronics Helps Customers Build Their Own TCMS Application with Confidence
Here’s how EKE-Electronics supports customers looking to take ownership of their TCMS development:
- A Flexible Platform Built for Developers: The EKE-Trainnet® platform offers access to a professional-grade development environment powered by CODESYS®. It provides the flexibility and performance needed to build robust, real-time control and monitoring applications.
- Practical, Project-Focused Training: Training is delivered on-site, with content tailored to your actual use case. Engineers don’t just learn theory but build real functionality using their own equipment and data.
- Long-Term Self-Sufficiency: Our goal is to make customers capable, not dependent. In this project, the development team had the skills to continue working on their own application.
Independence Leads to Ongoing Safety and Innovation
By investing in training and choosing a flexible platform, LocoProject has created a pathway for continuous improvement. They now have the capability to evolve and adapt their Event Recorder applications in response to future needs, all in-house.
This is what happens when technology empowers rather than replaces expertise.
Could your team benefit from the same independence?
We’d be happy to explore how EKE-Electronics can support your next project.
