Network Rail invests in CoreRFID tracking

Skelmersdale's CoreRFID has been enlisted by Network Rail to help monitor rolling stock around the country.

CoreRFID specialises in Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) technology, which is easily scanned to reveal information. Network Rail operates and develops Britain's railway infrastructure, covering 20,000 miles of track, 30,000 bridges, tunnels and aqueducts and thousands of signals, level crossings and stations, including the UK's largest 20 stations.

Network Rail will apply the company's tags, which can be read over long distances and even whilst they are moving, to match rolling stock with corresponding records in its asset management systems.

The solution also helps Network Rail distinguish between its own assets and a those of other operators’ rolling stock using the same rail infrastructure. The readers and tags are able to fully function in all weather conditions and cope with vibration and contamination caused by dirt and grease.

Richard Harrison, CoreRFID’s director, said: "Our work with Network Rail shows the versatility and robustness of RFID technology in the most challenging circumstances. It also demonstrates our ability to undertake asset management projects on a large scale and to design and deliver a reliable solution tailored to client’s specific needs."

The contract follows a recent project with Serco for the Caledonian Sleeper rail service it operates between London and a number of Scottish cities. CoreRFID supplied 100,000 RFID access cards for the passenger cabins, which improves the customer experience and security.