The Future of Connected Mobility:
DIGITALISED TRANSPORT SOLUTIONS AT SIEMENS MOBILITY P R O J E C T
PA R T N E R
C OV E R STO RY
The Future of Connected Mo
DIGITALISED TRANSPORT S AT SIEMENS MOBILITY Miguel Pereira, Head of Digital Services and Chief Information Officer at Siemens Mobility, Portugal discusses how digitalisation is the future of rail in Europe.
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SIEMENS MOBILITY IS THE BUSINESS OF SIEMENS AT THE FOREFRONT OF TRANSPORTATION SOLUTIONS. eadquartered in Munich, Germany, Siemens Mobility has five core business units: Customer Services, Rolling Stock, Rail Infrastructure, Turnkey Projects and Software.
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Here to offer insights into the latest platforms, projects and digital technologies at Siemens Mobility that are transforming the future of rail in Europe is Miguel Pereira, Head of Digital Services and Chief
Information Officer at Siemens Mobility in Portugal. “Siemens is an amazing, large, wellestablished company that does a lot of things very well,” says Miguel. “One of the major areas of focus for us at Siemens Mobility under the broader Siemens umbrella is trying to solve the challenge of mobility, transporting people and goods, with a strong emphasis on rail. “We manufacture rolling stock and railway infrastructure, we are one of
the big players in large-scale turnkey projects and in all our endeavours we strive for sustainability – making sure that our transportation is safe, sustainable and efficient. Within Siemens Mobility we have a division called Digital Services which includes the digital solutions that support and enable the manufactured elements.” Miguel leads the Digital Services team in Portugal, overseeing two primary areas that form the backbone of their innovative
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endeavours. The first area, Product Development, is keenly centred around the advancement of Railigent X, a cutting-edge initiative within the rail industry. The second area, Solution Development, specifically targets Market Pull Requirements, responding dynamically to market needs and customer-centric solutions. A notable solution emerging from this sector is Ecopilot, a testament to the team's commitment to addressing realworld demands with technologically advanced responses.
a cultural and infrastructural openness to digital advancements, evidenced by numerous companies, including giants like Siemens, choosing to establish and expand their digital hubs here. “Leading a team in this dynamic environment is not just an opportunity but a privilege, as it means working with incredibly skilled individuals dedicated to navigating the frontiers of digital transformation.
“My team performs two main tasks. The first part is directly developing “Portugal is emerging as a the Railigent X platform which serves formidable location for digital as the foundation for the second innovation, increasingly recognised part, which is where our developers for its conducive environment for and data analytics teams build burgeoning digital hubs,” says products on top of it – such as Miguel. “This development is not Ecopilot,” explains Miguel. “Railigent confined to the vibrant capital, X is our internal offering for digital Lisbon, but is flourishing across the services for the rail sector, including country, a testament to the nation's comprehensive assets. A cornerstone several different products which form an ecosystem of applications of this digital metamorphosis is Portugal's rich talent pool, brimming with the shared goal of advancing sustainable transportation by with professionals who exhibit a digitally increasing the capacity of wide range of skills and a notably rail systems. high proficiency in English, making them ideal collaborators in the “EcoPilot is a cutting-edge CDAS global digital landscape. The (Connected Driver Advisory System) strategic geographical positioning application designed to digitally of Portugal cannot be overstated, offering a unique blend of European retrofit trains, enabling intelligent recommendations for drivers. Its accessibility with a time zone primary objective is to significantly advantageous for global business reduce fuel consumption by operations, facilitating synchrony leveraging real-time data and across continents. This locational advanced algorithms, allowing benefit is further bolstered by 6
drivers to make informed decisions about their cruising speed and driving behaviours, leading to sustainable and cost-effective rail transport.” Expanding on the Ecopilot project, Miguel describes how Siemens Mobility is deploying digitalisation to transform the rail transportation sector and pave the way for more sustainable, connected mobility in the future. In the evolving narrative of rail transportation modernisation, Miguel pinpoints a critical nuance, asserting, “Although there’s a big and important push for electric
trains in rail transportation, there is still a tremendous volume of trains running on diesel, particularly in freight rolling stock more so than passenger trains.” He illuminates the stark reality that, notwithstanding the clean, efficient nature of electric trains, the industry’s substantial reliance on diesel-powered locomotives persists, especially within freight services. However, the innovation he introduces doesn’t discriminate by propulsion type. While discussing digital solutions like Ecopilot, Miguel emphasises their role in retrofitting and optimising diesel trains, stating, “Electric trains are already very 7
“What Decskill gives us is access to talent in a very agile and fast way. They’re a partner we really trust when we have a technological problem or something that we need to solve” efficient and sustainable, so the biggest savings and improvements will be in fossil fuel rolling stock.” Yet, it’s implicit that these technologies have broad applicability and can confer benefits on electric models as well. The scope for enhancement is universal, though the immediate, transformative gains are most conspicuous in the context of diesel. Miguel encapsulates this sentiment, concluding, “In an ideal world, all trains would be electric. But the 8
reality is there are thousands of trains running on fossil fuels which are going to be around for a long time to come. But by retrofitting these trains with digital solutions, like Ecopilot, we can optimise and improve them as much as possible with sustainability in mind.” His closing thoughts suggest a dual pathway: advocating for the optimisation of existing diesel trains for immediate environmental gains while also recognising the potential for similar technologies to advance electric train performance.
In essence, Miguel’s commentary champions a holistic, inclusive approach to rail sustainability. It acknowledges the industry's current state, proposes immediate actionable enhancements and supports the idea that technological solutions like Ecopilot should be leveraged across the board — enhancing the efficiency of not just diesel but also electric trains in the overarching pursuit of sustainability. “With Ecopilot, we are collecting data related to trains – such as speed, signalling systems, weather, inclination or location – and analysing the information, before relaying recommendations to the drivers so they can operate the rolling stock in the most efficient, effective and sustainable manner.
“We’re implementing this in Europe with the goal of expanding to other regions of the world because our Ecopilot customers are seeing efficiency improvements of up to 30 per cent, which is a huge impact we are very proud of,” says Miguel. According to Miguel, partnerships have been crucial to the Ecopilot project and its success. “So we are working with Decskill for the Ecopilot project on full stack development,” says Miguel. “We collaborated with Decskill to secure the talent and skills for the development of the Ecopilot platform. We have a mixed approach where many of the resources that we're building for Ecopilot are internal, but a lot of 9
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them are external. What Decskill gives us is access to talent in a very agile and fast way. They’re a partner we really trust when we have a technological problem or something that we need to solve. If we need people working on something they will respond quickly and with quality, so we have been working with them for quite a while now.” A major motivator among Siemens Mobility’s customers, connected to the sustainability perspective, is what the company calls ‘LTE’ – lifetime extension. “When we sell a train, we don't build them to last for three or five years – it’s not an iPhone, right?” says Miguel. “We manufacture trains to operate for at least 30 years and we aim to extend that lifetime for more than 10 or 20 years. Understandably, customers are always very keen to understand how they can extend the lifetime of their investments and assets. How can they make them more sustainable? How can they make them more digital? How can they secure richer data insights and monitor their fleets to make better decisions? Some customers have very diverse fleets comprised of old and new trains, with a variety of legacy infrastructure in place. Ultimately, we help our customers digitalise their fleets to run them more sustainably and efficiently.” 12
Here Miguel highlights Siemens Mobility’s project working with an Urban European Operator, a public transportation company that operates in a historic tram network. “We’re actually developing an IoT project to monitor these trams – some of them are decades old,” says Miguel. “We needed to have a comprehensive end-to-end approach to understanding exactly how the rolling stock operates. Digitalising these trams will bring a wealth of benefits. Locals and tourists love them, and they aren’t going anywhere soon. But with our digital solutions, we are making the trams more sustainable and extending their operational lifetimes.” The Railigent X platform and Ecopilot project, along with the full portfolio of applications and services made available by Siemens Mobility, rely on the latest cloud technology to operate effectively. “Cloud-native development means a lot of different things to a lot of different people,” says Miguel. “In our case, we have a partnership with AWS and all our solutions are developed on top of AWS. Before I joined Siemens, I worked at Microsoft so it’s fascinating to see the different solutions AWS offer – there’s always an opportunity to learn. But why is this choice important? Firstly, the skills and the way that we develop people is key. When we hire people,
“We manufacture trains to operate for at least 30 years and we aim to extend that lifetime for more than 10 or 20 years” we want them to be at home in the ways that they develop. When we choose a cloud provider like AWS, we're just not tapping into an ecosystem of technology. We're tapping into an ecosystem of people and talent. For me this this is fundamentally important. Secondly, reliability frees us up to do what
we do best. There are, of course, a wealth of reasons why we chose to partner with AWS: for instance, the agility of creating things in the cloud to roll them out internationally, the elasticity and the economies of costs, to name but a few. But it's also very important for us to be working with a reliable partner because we are 13
“Siemens Mobility's cybersecurity initiatives are more than a shield: they are a continuously evolving strategy, adapting to new threats, and capitalising on innovative technologies” not in the data centre business. We are in the mobility business. We are in the sustainability business. So that's where we want to focus on. Working with a top-tier partner like AWS allows us to tap into incredible talent, build faster and not be worried about all these things that cloud providers do very well like providing a global infrastructure.” In an era where digitalisation propels the rail industry forward, cybersecurity stands as the sentinel guarding against an ever-evolving threat landscape. At Siemens Mobility, this isn't just an operational footnote – it’s a foundational pillar, intricately woven into the fabric of the company’s strategies and solutions. Miguel is leading this charge in the Portugal region, whose dual hats include not only his primary executive role but also the critical responsibilities of a Product Security Officer. “The focus on cybersecurity transcends traditional measures,” explains Miguel. “The rail industry, crisscrossing nations and carrying both life and economy on its shoulders, finds itself at the intersection of motivated 14
attackers seeking vulnerabilities and new-age cybercriminals innovating illicit business models. Counterbalancing these are evolving legislative measures and a rightfully demanding clientele, more aware and insistent on data protection and operational security than ever before. “Siemens Mobility's cybersecurity strategy, particularly in the realm of Product and Solution Security (PSS), is designed to navigate this precarious balance. PSS is not about momentary defence but a sustained commitment to safeguarding both Siemens’ and our customers’ operations from cyber threats, persisting through the entire life cycle of a product or solution. Complementing this, our Information Security concentrates on fortifying internal infrastructure, creating a robust foundation upon which our services and solutions are built and delivered. “Siemens Mobility Digital Services advocates a tripartite approach, a three-pillared strategy that reinforces its cybersecurity posture,” summarises Miguel:
1. Efficient & Certified Security for Railigent:
This first pillar represents a fusion of strength and agility. By harnessing Siemens' potent ISEC tools and processes, security measures integrated into Railigent are not just robust but also deftly incorporated, avoiding cumbersome procedures that might impede innovation and efficiency. This approach ensures that while our defences are formidable, they are also certified, assuring compliance with industry standards and regulations.
2. Secure Services Worldwide:
We understand that our commitment to security is both a pledge to our customers and a requirement for global operation. This second pillar is about guaranteeing that Siemens Mobility's products and services meet, if not exceed, the essential cybersecurity levels. It is also about ensuring that the security protocols mandated by customers and regulatory authorities are meticulously observed and implemented, providing assurance and transparency in our global dealings.
3. Portfolio - Security Services:
Recognising the wealth of internal expertise, Siemens Mobility seeks to externalise this proficiency, offering a comprehensive suite of security services to our clientele. The objective is holistic: to provide a security portfolio that addresses all
conceivable cybersecurity needs for rail operators. This move is not just about solutions but also about establishing Siemens Mobility as a thought leader in rail cybersecurity. “In the face of digital threats, complacency is the first vulnerability,” says Miguel. “Siemens Mobility's cybersecurity initiatives are more than a shield: they are a continuously evolving strategy, adapting to new threats, and capitalising on innovative technologies. It is about moving confidently into the future, ensuring that as we progress, we are as secure as we are forwardthinking.” Wrapping up our discussion, Miguel emphasises the importance of leadership in navigating teams focused on innovation, transformation and digitalisation towards success. “Leadership is not just about guiding a team towards a goal, it's about creating an environment where every member feels valued, understood and motivated to contribute their best,” says Miguel. “One of the frameworks that has stood the test of time, especially in renowned organisations like Microsoft where I learned this a few years ago, is the trio of: create clarity, generate energy and deliver success.” 15
1. Create Clarity • Vision and Direction: A leader’s primary role is to set a clear vision for
the team. This vision should be communicated in a way that every team member understands their role and the bigger picture. When everyone knows the destination, the journey becomes more purposeful. • Transparency: Open communication fosters trust. Leaders should be transparent about the challenges, the changes and the reasons behind decisions. This eliminates ambiguity and ensures everyone is on the same page. • Consistent Messaging: Consistency in messaging reinforces clarity. Regular updates, meetings and feedback sessions help in keeping the team aligned.
2. Generate Energy • Motivation: Recognise the individual strengths and passions of your
team members. When people work on what they love, they naturally bring more energy to the table. • Positive Environment: A positive, inclusive and collaborative environment encourages team members to express their ideas without fear. Celebrate small wins and learn from setbacks. • Empowerment: Trust your team. Give them the autonomy to make decisions. When people feel empowered, they take ownership and are more invested in the outcome.
3. Deliver Success • Execution: While vision is essential, execution is paramount. Ensure that
the team has the resources and support they need to execute their tasks effectively. • Feedback Loop: Regularly review progress. Feedback, both positive and constructive, helps in course correction and personal growth. • Celebrate Achievements: Recognising and celebrating successes, big or small, boosts morale and reinforces the team's commitment to the vision.
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“Leadership is a blend of providing clear direction, generating enthusiasm, ensuring successful outcomes, and above all, empathising with your team” “While this framework provides a roadmap to successful teams, there's another crucial aspect of leadership that cannot be overlooked: empathy,” adds Miguel. “Empathy is more than just understanding another's feelings – it’s about valuing them. In the realm of leadership, empathy translates to treating team members with respect, understanding their perspectives and being genuinely concerned about their well-being.”
Miguel describes how leaders can incorporate empathy into their approach in three ways.
Regular 1:1s:
These sessions are not just about work updates. They are opportunities to connect on a personal level. Discuss topics like mental health, work-life balance, hobbies and career aspirations. It shows that you care about them as individuals, not just as employees. 17
Two-way Relationship:
Management is not a one-sided affair. It's a partnership. While leaders guide and mentor, they also learn from their team members. Being open to feedback and adapting based on it is a sign of a mature leader.
Holistic Well-being:
In today's fast-paced world, mental health and work-life balance have become paramount. Leaders should actively promote a culture where team members feel comfortable discussing these topics and seeking support when needed. “Leadership is a blend of providing clear direction, generating enthusiasm, ensuring successful outcomes, and above all, empathising with your team,” concludes Miguel. “When leaders embody these principles, they don't just create successful teams – they build lasting relationships.” To learn more about Siemens Mobility, visit mobility.siemens.com. 18
ADDED VALUE
New adventures Miguel joined Siemens relatively recently and with a background working for large businesses like Microsoft, he embraces the chance to immerse himself in new company cultures. “It's very interesting to see a different side of what a global company is,” says Miguel. “I worked at Microsoft for 11 years, and although there are a lot of things that are very similar, many aspects are remarkably different. It’s very exciting to arrive at a new company, meet new people, learn new processes and become part of a new culture.” On the topic of new journeys, Miguel recently became a father and looking after his three-month-old baby is its own eyeopening adventure.
Exchanging ideas Miguel relishes the chance to attend industry events and conferences because they present an opportunity to meet other people in the transportation sector working with digitalisation, innovation and technology in fascinating ways. In particular, there are several events lined up in his calendar that he is looking forward to attending. > Digital Manufacturing Strategies Summit. > Smart and Sustainable Cities Global Summit 2023. > Data Makers Fest 2023.
Creative outlets Miguel loves to nurture his hobbies in his spare time for some creative escapism. He trained as a jazz pianist, but now he plays analogue synthesisers and modular synthesisers in his free time to experiment with music. Miguel also enjoys playing chess semi-professionally and competitively when he can to keep his hand in the game.
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