For the railway industry, infrastructure is not just a matter of logistics; it’s a heavy investment that requires constant maintenance to ensure safety and efficiency. Among the critical elements of this system, the sleepers-those components that support the tracks—are essential, yet they also generate significant costs. Rumo, one of the largest railway logistics companies, was well aware of this. But how could they understand the life cycle of each sleeper while also optimizing investments?
This is where Watermelon came into the picture. Together, we embarked on the mission to create a technological solution that would enable detailed monitoring of each sleeper throughout its life cycle. The challenge was to develop an application that, beyond tracking performance, would allow Rumo to make strategic decisions, especially when comparing products from different suppliers.
The application we created offers comprehensive, continuous monitoring. With it, Rumo can observe each sleeper’s wear in real time, understand usage patterns, and predict the ideal time for replacement. This provided valuable insights: now, the company can assess whether a cheaper product is truly worth it or if a higher-cost option ultimately offers a longer lifespan and better return on investment.
This innovation has transformed Rumo’s maintenance process, providing a precise view of sleeper performance and helping to reduce costs. Today, the company has a tool that not only extends the lifespan of its infrastructure but also generates a significant competitive advantage in the railway market.
