EuRoMain project enters demonstration phase: first public events scheduled.

EuRoMain is being developing the basic components of a complete distributed maintenance management system for railways, based on open, Internet-enabled technologies, so as to allow a seamless and ubiquitous data flow from train and infrastructure equipment to ground servers, up to maintenance workshops and operators.,Since its commencement date, on April 2, 2002, the project developed a complete system architecture, taking into account Users requirements, relevant standards and experiences from other fields; this resulted in an extensive UML model, which steered the implementation phase.,The approach of Web services resulted in easy cooperation between applications, even when located in different countries and developed by different teams on different platforms, ensuring a wide interoperability. Several servers have been set up in Europe for testing purposes.,The system handles all main maintenance aspects: remote diagnostics and alarm control, technical documentation, interfaces with maintenance operators and existing systems.,The public events will offer to interested people a possibility to have all the results described and demonstrated, so as to understand the potential benefits and impact on the organisation of maintenance work. The calendar of events, with all related information, is available in the project Web site (www.euromain.org). First workshop scheduled on Dec. 2 in Madrid.To effectively address EC objectives and support its strategic role, the railway system needs to improve all parts of its organisation, removing bottlenecks and taking advantage of new technologies: an important factor is the maintenance activity, and its impact on system performances, costs, quality of service and openness. While initiatives to improve maintenance exist from single railway operators, only a concerted action at continental level can give a common standard vision covering all aspects in this field. The EuRoMain project is an important step in this process.