Busan Metro IoT Case Study | TICON System Limited

Busan Metro – Revolutionizing Metro Operations with IoT and Real-Time Data Analytics

February 28, 2023

Busan Metro, the second-largest metro system in South Korea, serves over 1.5 million passengers daily, providing essential transportation across the bustling city of Busan. As one of the most significant transportation hubs in the country, Busan Metro faced challenges related to real-time data processing, predictive maintenance, and operational efficiency. With a growing need for scalability and modernized systems to handle increasing passenger numbers, Busan Metro sought a solution that would enable them to harness IoT technology to optimize operations and ensure smoother, safer, and more efficient travel for commuters.

Industry

Public Transportation – Metro Systems

Market Size

Over 1.5 million daily passengers

Position

Second-largest metro system in South Korea

Infrastructure

IoT Devices, AWS Cloud Services

Solution

IoT Integration for Real-Time Data Analysis, Predictive Maintenance, Customized Dashboards

Country

South Korea

Customer Challenge

Prior to the implementation of the IoT system, Busan Metro faced the following challenges:

Data Overload and Integration

Data from multiple systems like TCMS (Train Control and Monitoring Systems), LDP (Live Data Processing), environmental sensors, and fire detection systems were difficult to integrate and manage in real-time.

Operational Inefficiencies

Traditional maintenance methods led to unplanned downtime, affecting the overall efficiency of metro services.

Safety Concerns

Inadequate real-time monitoring of fire and environmental risks posed safety challenges for both passengers and operational staff.

Scalability Issues

Busan Metro's legacy infrastructure could not scale efficiently to meet the demands of the growing passenger base and increasingly complex operations.

Solution Approach by TiCON Systems Ltd.

To address these challenges, TiCON Systems Ltd. implemented a comprehensive IoT solution that integrated data from various sources into a single, unified system, enabling Busan Metro to monitor, analyze, and act on real-time data effectively.

IoT Device Deployment

TCMS Sensors

Deployed sensors to monitor critical data from the train control and monitoring system, including train health, speed, and performance.

Weather Track Units

Environmental sensors were integrated to monitor weather conditions, such as temperature, humidity, and atmospheric pressure, which could impact system operations.

Fire Detection Systems

Advanced fire sensors were deployed throughout the metro network to detect and respond to fire or smoke hazards.

Real-Time Data Integration and Predictive Maintenance

The IoT devices were seamlessly integrated to enable real-time data processing and predictive maintenance. The solution allowed for proactive identification of potential failures before they occurred, reducing unplanned maintenance downtime.

Custom Dashboards and Analytics

TiCON developed intuitive, real-time dashboards and incorporated BizInsight modules for predictive analytics, giving metro operators actionable insights to optimize operations and improve decision-making.

Security and Compliance

Strong security measures, including data encryption, access control, and real-time threat detection, were implemented to ensure that operational data remained secure and compliant with industry regulations.

Results and Benefits

The implementation of TiCON’s IoT solution delivered significant improvements for Busan Metro, including:

20% Reduction in Train Delays

Predictive maintenance helped reduce delays caused by unexpected system failures.

25% Decrease in Maintenance Disruptions

The proactive identification of issues allowed for better resource allocation and reduced disruptions to service.

30% Improvement in Fire Response Time

Real-time fire detection and alerts allowed for quicker responses to emergencies, enhancing passenger safety.

15% Faster Operational Decision-Making

The customized dashboards and real-time data enabled faster decision-making, improving overall operational efficiency.

18% Reduction in Operational Inefficiencies

Optimized resource management and train schedules reduced inefficiencies in the system.

Security, Compliance, and User Experience

Data Security

Implemented end-to-end encryption for data in transit and at rest, ensuring the protection of sensitive operational data. Utilized strict access control protocols, ensuring that only authorized personnel had access to critical data and operational systems.

Compliance

The solution met all local and international safety standards for public transportation, ensuring compliance with data protection and operational safety regulations.

User Experience

The user-friendly dashboards designed by TiCON ensured that metro operators could easily manage the vast amount of data and make informed decisions quickly. The system’s intuitive design minimized training time and increased user adoption.

Conclusion

TiCON’s IoT solution for Busan Metro has transformed its operations, enabling a smarter, more efficient, and safer metro system. The integration of real-time data processing, predictive maintenance, and customized dashboards has positioned Busan Metro to not only meet the challenges of today but also scale effectively for future growth. Through this project, Busan Metro has set a new benchmark for smart city infrastructure in the public transportation sector.

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