Case Study: Downer Group achieves 51% increase in train reliability with IBM's TrainDNA and IBM Consulting

Downer and IBM keep passengers moving safely, reliably and comfortably with updated, sustainable asset management

Downer Group, a leading provider of through‑life rollingstock asset management in Australia, needed to modernize how it keeps hundreds of passenger trains safe, reliable and energy‑efficient while scaling for international growth and net‑zero goals. To move from periodic checks to predictive, data‑driven maintenance, Downer partnered with IBM, building its TrainDNA platform powered by the IBM Maximo Application Suite and engaging IBM Consulting for ongoing development.

IBM implemented TrainDNA with Maximo and IBM MQ for high‑velocity data integration, and continues co‑development through IBM Consulting and the IBM Garage. The solution processes more than 30 million messages per hour and has delivered measurable gains: a 51% increase in fleet reliability (mean distance between failures >75,000 km), doubled maintenance capacity at the Auburn center with a 20% efficiency improvement, and 21% fleet growth with negligible workforce increase. IBM is also rolling out Cloud Pak, Watson AIOps and Instana capabilities to further optimize energy use and enable predictive interventions.

Downer Group

Adam Williams

Head of Growth for Rail and Transit Systems