Since 2017, Sigma Technology has been a strategic partner, providing product information services to Knorr-Bremse Rail Systems Budapest. Our cooperation has evolved to include software design and testing. “Sigma Technology experts have demonstrated high competence, a flexible approach, and hassle-free cooperation—exactly the qualities we seek in our long-term partners,” shares Antal Mester, Head of Brake Electronics at Knorr-Bremse Rail Systems Budapest.
About Knorr-Bremse Rail Systems
Knorr-Bremse Rail Systems is the global leader manufacturer and developer of railway braking systems, and the largest site is located in Budapest employing nearly 2000 people, including 400 engineers in development areas. The braking systems produced in Budapest are used in railway vehicles across all continents worldwide. These include high-speed and commuter trains, metros, and trams.
Supplier selection strategy
Antal Mester leads the development of the next-generation brake control unit electronics, overseeing a large team of engineers specializing in software development, embedded systems, and testing. Antal emphasizes the importance of strategic partnerships in research and development to meet current project needs and build new expertise:
“Our cooperation with Sigma Technology Hungary began in 2017 with technical documentation development. Brake electronics are complex, and understanding the system from both software and hardware perspectives takes time. Sigma Technology has gained substantial domain knowledge, which has been a significant advantage for our continued partnership.”
Importance of Alignment, Expertise, and Flexibility
“We have now had eight years of cooperation, starting with technical documentation writing and expanding to testing and software development services in 2023. Our initial aim was to find a partner who could meet our high standards, and Sigma Technology delivered just that. The team’s business management alignment, domain competence, high expertise, and flexible and open approach have been key factors in our successful partnership.
In the railway industry, flexibility is crucial due to the lower volume and diverse customer requirements. This means that we may need to change priorities between projects and adjust. Sigma Technology has managed these challenges well, allocating resources effectively. Maintaining good relationships with colleagues and suppliers is important to us, and Sigma Technology has handled team transitions smoothly, which we greatly value.”
Next-Generation Brake Control and Digital Transformation of the Railway Industry
In June 2023, Sigma Technology Hungary joined a new Knorr-Bremse project focused on addressing cybersecurity demands on trains. This project is exciting as it involves developing the next-generation brake control system with advanced cybersecurity compliance. The new solution promptly addresses the required cybersecurity features, which is in a major focus for the railway industry, including both manufacturers and operators.
“From an engineering perspective, the project is fascinating because the solution needs to be state-of-the-art and durable for decades. Adapting to various train network communication scenarios is essential.”
Digital transformation is a key trend across sectors, and the railway industry is no exception. While being traditionally conservative, the railway industry is now embracing digitalization to enhance efficiency and reliability. This shift places new demands on brake systems, including enhanced diagnostics for better predictability and improved reliability. The diversity within the railway industry, with varying standards across regions, adds to the complexity of developing universally applicable solutions.
“While other industries, like aviation, are strictly standardized, the railways can be completely different within the EU, Middle East, North America, and Asia. We need to develop a product that fulfils the expectations (both from customer and regulatory perspective) and capable to operate everywhere.”
Future Focus Areas
“Our top priorities for 2025 include introducing our new brake electronics to the market and exploring how artificial intelligence can be integrated into our development processes to enhance the development efficiency.”
Gabriella Alexi, Service Area Manager at Sigma Technology Hungary, comments: “It is a pleasure working with Knorr-Bremse and seeing our support extend from telematics design and technical writing to testing and software development. Our vision is to add value throughout our clients’ development lifecycle.”
Norbert Szücs, Unit Manager at Sigma Technology Hungary, adds: “Leading the embedded testing part of the project, which later extended to software development, has been a rewarding experience. Our successful collaboration with the Knorr-Bremse team showcases the exceptional effort and dedication from both sides. Thank you to everyone involved.”
Sigma Technology Hungary team
