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Enotrac

Enotrac’s multilingual workforce build its reputation for integrated transport solutions in Kuala Lumpur, Hong Kong, Bangkok, Taipei and Singapore.

Smart context and background

Whether retrofitting and upgrading existing infrastructure or developing and rolling out greenfield systems, there is a common demand across the vast majority of urban centres in the Smart Cities report for integrated transport solutions which improve the ways in which traffic is managed, integrate different modes more effectively and provide users with up-to-date and timely information on their proposed journeys.

The Company …

ENOTRAC is a Swiss-British consultancy, founded in 1987, which provides clients in the railway industry with a range of ICT-based vehicle engineering, traction power supply, organisation and processes, test and measurement and software solutions. The company has a long association with Asia, dating back to 1994, and is currently working to build on its track record and the numerous smart opportunities which are presenting themselves in the region.

… & its Smart success stories

Examples of Enotrac’s historical projects in Asia include the following

• delivery of the first generation of asset management solutions to the then new Kuala Lumpur Light Rail Transit, helping the capital to optimise its vehicle management processes

• demonstration of electromagnetic compatibility for the new Kowloon Canton Railway Corporation locomotives and the Airport Line in Hong Kong

• design and verification for the electrification of the Bangkok Transit System in Thailand

• simplification of the electrical equipment of light rail vehicles in Taipei City (Taiwan)

• commissioning, alongside Bombardier, the new rolling stock on the Singapore Mass Rapid Transport line (see page 105 of the full Smart Cities report)

Tips for success in Asia:

• As an SME, there are challenges in exporting to Asia. The lack of a direct local presence, for example, meant that it was initially challenging to regularly engage with end clients in face-to-face meetings. Working for the subsidiaries of large multinationals with whom you already have a long history of cooperation is a way of successfully tackling this issue and allows you to gain the all-essential first project references for targeted countries.

• Understanding cultural differences when entering new markets is also very important. Investing in a multinational and multilingual workforce (Enotrac has employees who speak German, English, French, Spanish, Italian, Arabic, Mandarin and Polish) allows you to tailor your products and services to suit the requirements of the local markets from both a people and process (e.g. legislation and standards) point of view.