Hitachi Rail Seizes Digital Asset Management Operations through Purchase of Omnicom

Hitachi Rail has announced the acquisition of Omnicom's digital rail monitoring business, a move aimed at strengthening its digital asset management capabilities. The deal includes software and hardware for surveying, inspecting, and monitoring rail infrastructure assets.

The acquired solutions are designed to monitor the overhead line and the track, and they will be integrated into HMAX's platform, Hitachi Rail's digital asset management business launched in 2024. HMAX offers a digital asset management solution that integrates live data from trains and rail infrastructure.

The technology can collect trillions of bytes of images per day, aiding in optimising trackside maintenance planning and the asset lifecycle. The HMAX platform uses AI and machine learning to process data, optimise traffic, reduce energy consumption, and implement an on-condition/predictive maintenance process.

Sanjay Razdan, managing director of Omnicom, stated that the technology will complement Hitachi Rail's existing digital asset management solutions, enabling HMAX to deliver more for customers worldwide. The acquisition will allow Omnicom to benefit from the unique digital capabilities of the wider Hitachi Group, enabling continued innovation and the delivery of AI-enabled systems for railway infrastructure management.

The monitoring technology on trains uses edge computing and machine learning for near real-time anomaly detection on rail tracks. HMAX is already installed on over 2,000 trains globally. These acquisitions aim to further grow Hitachi Rail's digital asset management business.

It's important to note that, due to the available data, the name of the Managing Director of Omnicom, which was acquired by Hitachi Rail, cannot be provided.

The acquired solutions will play a crucial role in Hitachi Rail's efforts to provide more efficient and sustainable railway infrastructure management solutions. The company continues to invest in digital technologies to meet the growing demands of the rail industry and deliver innovative solutions for its customers.

Hitachi Rail Seizes Digital Asset Management Operations through Purchase of Omnicom