Melanie Gangl-Verma started her career as an intern in the production process optimisation department in Austria and is now the Managing Director of Frauscher UK Ltd. Throughout her career, she has held key roles, including Process Management Manager and heading the company’s Production Unit in India for more than 2.5 years. Melanie’s extensive experience and passion play a huge role in leading the Frauscher UK & Ireland team to success.
Melanie Gangl-Verma shares her knowledge of how Frauscher constantly evolves and challenges itself to introduce innovations for a better tomorrow.
SSH: Tell us a little bit about your role in your company.
MGV: As the Managing Director of Frauscher UK Ltd., I oversee our operations, strategy, and business growth in the UK and Irish markets. Frauscher has a strong global presence, so I prioritise working closely with other global offices to deliver innovative solutions that meet the rail industry’s needs.
We as a team at Frauscher, are dedicated to deliver the world’s most reliable train detection and wayside object control solutions. Our industry leading field elements, software, connectivity and data access solutions, combined with smart lifecycle services, ensure system critical components are operational and provide the information rail operators need to maximise the safety, efficiency and capacity of their network.
My team and I support our customers, such as Network Rail, Irish Rail, Transport for London and Translink by providing our products and services. We focus on addressing industry challenges and aim to ensure Frauscher UK & Ireland continues to provide our company’s globally proven cutting-edge technology and reliable service to the UK and Irish markets.
I strongly believe we can help the industry with our products, services and solutions to overcome its current and future challenges.
SSH: Can you tell us more about the challenges that the rail industry faces?
MGV: It has always been a principle of Frauscher to discuss actual requirements with our customers to learn about their needs. From these conversations, we understand that the rail industry faces numerous challenges, including maintaining and upgrading ageing infrastructure, ensuring safety and security, and managing vendor lock-in situations. There are also increasing pressures related to cost management, traffic, and the need for seamless integration of existing solutions with the latest technologies. These challenges require innovative solutions and robust strategies like Frauscher’s to ensure efficiency and reliability.
SSH: What does Frauscher as a company do to address these challenges?
MGV: At Frauscher, we address these challenges by developing and implementing innovative solutions globally and tailoring them to the UK & Irish market’s needs and demands. To achieve this, we are in close contact with our location in Austria, where our Innovation Centre and production facilities are situated. Our solutions include advanced train detection and data transmission systems as well as lifecycle services. One of our latest innovations is an EULYNX-compliant Object Controller for controlling and monitoring point machines. We also focus on increasing cyber security measures to protect critical infrastructure using Frauscher Connect, our versatile connectivity manager for all Frauscher systems.
SSH: What products and services do you offer as a company to support the industry?
MGV: Globally, Frauscher offers highly available wheel sensors that have proven reliable under the most challenging climatic and mechanical conditions, such as heat, frost, or floods. Our axle counters are characterised by maximum flexibility and scalability.
Frauscher Insights Diagnostics, our cloud-based diagnostic tool, helps monitor the status of wheel sensors and axle counters, ensuring optimal performance. Last year, we completed the first implementation of this solution on the Paddington to Reading Train Detection scheme with over 750 detection points, which marked a huge milestone for us.
FAdP Point Control, an EULYNX-compliant Object Controller for points, is our latest and most significant advancement. During InnoTrans 2024, we presented our innovations and expanded portfolio and experienced massive interest from customers all over the world. We also have ongoing discussions with our customers in the UK and Irish markets about their benefits. One notable aspect of our work at Frauscher is continuously improving our products and solutions to meet the industry’s evolving needs.
We don’t just stop there; we understand the importance of cyber security and have a greater focus on ensuring our solutions are not just reliable but completely safe.
SSH: Are there any new developments/ strategies you have in place to support your expanding portfolio?
MGV: Our latest developments haven’t just extended our portfolio by single products but let our offering grow by full pillars. Adding the concept of object controllers alongside our data transmission solution while significantly improving our services through digital tools led to a change in our overall positioning in the railway market.
Our new claim, ‘Your partner for confidence’, now reflects this, emphasising two strategically crucial aspects. First is our partnership, a key element in our collaboration with customers and partners and internally with our locations. Especially with the extended service portfolio, we are offering now contributes to this aspect, as we accompany our customers throughout the whole lifecycle of an installation – from planning to operation and maintenance.
Second, is our confidence, which we aim to give our customers by providing them with the world’s most reliable field elements for train detection and object control combined with innovative software tools and data transmission solutions. That said, Frauscher’s offering has transformed and goes way beyond train detection.
SSH: How has your company evolved as a business to support your new portfolio?
MGV: As a company, Frauscher has evolved from a hardware supplier to a hardware and software company and then to a data-driven full lifecycle partner for our customers. Over the last 30 years, it has been quite a journey, and one thing that has stayed constant has been our passion for innovation.
Throughout our journey, we have made significant investments in innovation. Ten per cent of our annual revenue is dedicated to R&D, and over 100 professionals work in this area. I believe our growth reflects our commitment to providing comprehensive solutions that address the changing needs of the rail industry.
SSH: How does this change affect your role/the way you interact with the market, your customers?
MGV: With the shift towards a full lifecycle partnership, my role has become more dynamic. My team and I engage more closely with our customers to understand their needs and challenges and provide tailored solutions. I strongly believe our approach will foster stronger relationships and ensure we can deliver value beyond our products.
SSH: In terms of technology, how do you anticipate things might change in the next five to ten years?
MGV: In the next five to ten years, I anticipate significant advancements in digitalisation, data analytics, and cyber security within the railway industry. These technologies will enhance the efficiency and safety of railway operations. Additionally, integrating AI and machine learning will provide predictive maintenance capabilities, reducing downtime and improving reliability. Frauscher is committed to staying at the forefront of these technological changes to deliver cutting-edge solutions.
SSH: Do you think Frauscher as a company will continue to evolve with the industry changes?
MGV: Absolutely. Frauscher has a strong track record of innovation and adaptation. We continuously invest in R&D and work closely with our customers to understand and anticipate industry changes. Our proactive approach ensures that we keep pace with technological advancements and lead the way in developing solutions that address emerging challenges in the railway sector.
SSH: What do you think are the challenges being in a company that is constantly growing/evolving?
MGV: Constant growth and evolution come with challenges, such as maintaining our core values and quality standards while scaling operations. Staying ahead of technological advancements and market demands requires continuous investment in innovation and talent development. However, these challenges also present opportunities for growth and improvement, driving us to be better and more responsive to our customers’ needs.
SSH: How do you make your business a good place to work with continuous growth?
MGV: Creating a positive work environment amidst continuous growth involves fostering a culture of innovation, collaboration, and professional development. We invest in our employees’ growth through training and development programs, encourage open communication, and recognise and reward contributions. We are a small but strong team, and we take every opportunity to celebrate our wins, big and small. I strongly feel our diverse and committed team is what creates a unique and positive experience for our customers.
Tel: 07817 422078
Email: uk.marketing@frauscher.com
Visit: https://www.frauscher.com/en
