IoT: Understanding from a Management Perspective for the Railway Sector

Abstract

The railway industry is a key part of any country’s transportation infrastructure. The railway industry supports the
competitive advantage of the country’s economy, providing a vital link in the supply chain of most manufacturing, agriculture, and
other allied industries. However, in many countries, the railway needs an upgrade, concerning maintenance. In most countries their
railways still run on old architecture and are in vital need of improvement into the 21st century technological marvels. To meet the
myriad of the industry’s problems, it is proposed in this paper that it is ripe to introduce IoT (Internet of Things) for the competitive
advantage of the industry. A qualitative analysis of the issues was conducted through a thematic approach. The results obtained have
shown that there is a gap within the industry’s knowhow and modern forms of management perspectives using assisted smart
technological. From the findings of the analysis, it is proposed that a rethink of how issues of moving forward should include aspects
of smart technology that include IoT and smart systems using some form of AI (artificial intelligence) approach. The proposed approach
in this paper will help modernise the railway sector and finally set it on a better roadmap for future improvement to the entire rail
network and its trains.