Operational Data Logging
Leverage Big Data Insights from Simple, Reliable Tracking
Modern rail operations require transparent insight into movement and mechanical loads to plan smarter and protect infrastructure. The RET2000 from Parametric provides an elegant solution: a rugged, battery-capable tracker that captures directional data and mechanical stress caused by trains in motion. With no complex setup or external components, it’s a plug-and-play device built for real-world railway conditions.How It Works:
- Tracks direction and mechanical load using onboard sensors
- Calculates cumulative material stress from moving trains
- Runs on battery power – no need for a permanently active computer
- Minimal hardware setup – just the device and antenna
- Fully qualified for bogie-mounted installation after extensive testing
Key Benefits:
- Ultra-low energy consumption with battery-powered operation
- Simplified deployment with no external termination or computing unit
- Reliable tracking of directional movement and load
- Accurate stress calculation to understand long-term impact
- Tested and certified for bogie-mounted use on running trains
Understanding the Value
Why consistent, real-time insights are critical for modern rail operations
Successful Case Studies
Our solution in action—turning data into performance and efficiency
Smart Operational Insights
Data-driven operations for safer, more efficient rail systems
Understanding the Value of Operational Data
Train-induced stress on rail infrastructure is cumulative and varies with direction, weight, and frequency of movement. Understanding these patterns helps infrastructure operators:
- Even without predictive models, consistent tracking gives visibility into which sections are most stressed.
By integrating direction and load tracking with a compact, energy-efficient device like the RET2000, railway operators gain a clear picture of mechanical stress patterns over time. This data supports smarter maintenance planning, infrastructure protection, and operational transparency—all without the complexity of full-scale monitoring systems. The RET2000 delivers essential insights with minimal effort and maximum reliability.
Challenge
The operator needed a lightweight, low-power tracking system to assess cumulative stress on certain track segments without installing permanent sensors or network infrastructure.
Solution
The RET2000 was installed directly onto the bogies of selected vehicles. Its internal sensors tracked direction and calculated mechanical load data during every trip. The device transmitted data wirelessly for later aggregation and analysis.
Benefits
- Battery operation avoided any impact on onboard power systems
- Simple deployment on multiple vehicles with minimal setup
- Actionable load data helped target high-wear track sections
- Field-proven through rigorous bogie-mounted testing on active vehicles
System Architecture
Minimal Footprint, Maximum Insight
The RET2000 doesn’t rely on permanent communication infrastructure or active onboard computing. It operates as a standalone tracker with built-in sensors and wireless connectivity. Data is collected locally and can be retrieved wirelessly or uploaded through standard data workflows.
Components
- RET2000 Tracker Unit:
Integrated GPS and motion sensors for direction and load detection. - Antenna (included):
Compact and pre-matched – no additional termination required. - Battery Operation (optional):
Enables complete stand-alone deployment on rolling stock. - Wireless Interface:
For data retrieval without physical access or connection to train networks.
Want to capture the full picture of train-induced stress—without complex tech?
From Movement to Insight—Without Complexity
The RET2000 shows that valuable operational data doesn’t need to come from complex systems. With a rugged, standalone design, it transforms movement into meaningful insights—whether for infrastructure wear monitoring or validating directional traffic patterns.
RET2000 Operational Data Logger
With robust direction and load tracking, the RET2000 enables rail operators to understand mechanical stress and movement patterns across their network. Its simple, energy-efficient design delivers essential operational data without complex infrastructure or external terminations.
After extensive field testing, the RET2000 has been fully qualified for bogie-mounted installation on running trains, ensuring reliable performance under real-world operating conditions. By transforming basic sensor inputs into actionable insights, it supports data-driven planning, infrastructure protection, and smarter maintenance cycles—all in a compact, easy-to-deploy format.