The system behind it is much more complex. The globally valid GTIN codes are based on the standard of the non-profit organization GS1. Since 1974, GS1 and its now 115 national sub-organizations have been developing and maintaining a generally understandable language of business: the GS1 standard allows products to be clearly and unambiguously labelled in a way that is understood all over the world. This makes it much easier to exchange information across company and language boundaries.
But the system doesn't just work in supermarkets: global flows of goods and complex logistics systems are now also documented and controlled using the GS1 standard. More and more railroad companies are also working under the umbrella of GS1 to label parts and components uniformly - from production to maintenance and repair to reconditioning. After all, the rail business has long been an international one. This makes it all the more important that everyone involved always has the same information. No matter where they are based. However, communication across companies and borders has so far been hindered by the large number of independent labels. Where some have relied on punched inscriptions, others use special color coatings.
The benefits of clear marking are obvious. It is a prerequisite for predictive maintenance, explains Christian Gruböck from Austrian rail operator ÖBB. After all, it is only possible to carry out targeted maintenance if you can identify a specific component precisely and document how long it has been under load and how. And before damage occurs. This predictive maintenance can therefore reduce unplanned downtime due to material damage.
Serialized Global Trade Item Numbers (SGTINs) are used for this purpose. The difference is simple and important. To stick with the supermarket example: The GTIN says "A bag of gummy bears 200 grams". The SGTIN, on the other hand, says: This one bag of gummy bears 200 grams with the globally unique serial number 123456789
The solution is called ID-in-Rail; a project in which the rail industry has developed a universally valid labeling standard under the umbrella of GS1. The aim: more transparency throughout the entire life cycle of parts and components. Part of the committee: the experts from smart-TEC from Oberhaching. And for good reason. After all, marking rails, switches or train components is much more complex than printing a code on a pizza box. The rail industry now has the opportunity to use established data standards and identification solutions from GIAI to SGTIN and GRAI.
The codes not only have to be electronically readable, the labels must also be very robust and still function reliably even after many years, especially in rail operations. This is because, unlike the GTIN, which identifies a specific product in general terms - in our example, a Tonno pizza - ID in Rail uses what are known as Global Individual Asset Identifiers. With the GIAI, a specific example of a product, for example a wheel or a switch part, can be permanently identified. This is where the in-depth expertise of smart-TEC in cooperation with the parent company RATHGEBER comes into play, the perfect combination of RFID technology, laser engraving, metal processing and barcodes.
Standardized identification and modern AutoID technology are prerequisites for the successful digitalization of the rail industry.
Stefan SchellerSales Manager, smart-TEC
ID-in-Rail is also based on the internationally valid GS1 standard. Smart-TEC supplies the appropriate components. For example, the differently designed smart plates. An RFID tag, which provides the GIAI digitally, is riveted to a laser-engraved plate made of aluminum or stainless steel. The GIAI is also engraved on the carrier in accordance with the GS1 standard, both as a data matrix and in plain text. The smart plate is then screwed to the corresponding component. The rail clamp developed by smart-TEC is even tougher. The small aluminum plate with a lasered code marks individual rails and switches. It is attached to the rail base and has to withstand not only many trains but also the elements for many years.
"Standardized marking and modern AutoID technology are a prerequisite for the successful digitalization of the rail industry," explains Stefan Scheller from smart-TEC, "We ensure that components can be identified across systems and without barriers. We are delighted to be able to accompany the rail industry on this innovative journey."
Deutsche Bahn, ÖBB, SBB and the French SNCF are already using the new GS1 system to label an increasing number of components - and are relying on the certified quality of smart-TEC. This enables planners in the companies to ensure that the right equipment is available in the right place at the right time. In the workshops and maintenance operations, it is always clear which component you have in front of you, no matter where. This makes operations leaner, more reliable and ultimately more efficient. And ideally, ID-in-Rail can help trains run more cheaply and with fewer delays in future.