Rail transport can become more reliable, more efficient and safer with extensive data analysis. That is something passengers and customers alike appreciate, and it promises to enhance the industry’s image. ZF is developing the ‘connect@rail’ concept to that effect. ‘connect@rail’ is an innovative system which, thanks to integrated sensors and advanced data analysis tools, paves the way for all-round condition-monitoring. It not only monitors the condition of vehicles smartly and transparently, but does the same for the infrastructure. Various sensors record parameters such as vibrations, oil quality and temperature behaviour in transmissions, provide information on the actual operating hours of individual components and check the condition of traversed track sections by measuring deflections and irregularities. A platform developed by ZF then reliably transfers the collected data and information in encrypted format to the ZF Cloud – a digital platform, which is suitable for many users thanks to the cloud-to-cloud ecosystem. Operators can view the analysis and recommended courses of action based on the above data from the ZF Cloud using a computer or mobile device. Also, they can optimally schedule maintenance dates and respond to the most diverse situations individually and flexibly. That guarantees reliable operation of the rail vehicle and helps better manage the entire fleet.