Media

Whether your program is Remote Condition Monitoring (RCM), Intelligent Infrastructure or Sensor Based Maintenance, the goal is the same: harnessing remote sensing with data collection and analysis to transform the way you operate and maintain rail assets. However, there are numerous pitfalls that can make you regret decisions taken early in the project development lifecycle.

Delivering reliable performance from assets is one of the key objectives of maintenance organizations. After all, organizations only own assets for the purpose of delivering their service and when they fail, the ability to serve customers is compromised. Despite this, many organizations struggle to maintain reliability and often become caught in a cycle of firefighting and reacting to failures instead of addressing the root causes.

Asset intensive industries such as railroads need to maintain good engineering control over their operations to demonstrate to themselves, funders, regulators, the public and other stakeholders that they can manage risk to the lowest practicable level.

Ever since Nolan and Heap completed their report into United Airlines in 1978, asset intensive organizations have sought to apply the principles of Reliability Centered Maintenance (RCM), pursuing the goal of better safety and reliability and reduced costs.

Transitioning from legacy signalling to advanced train control systems such as European Train Control System (ETCS) or Communication Based Train Control (CBTC) introduces a level of complexity that requires different tools and processes than traditional re-signalling projects. Network Rail Consulting (NRC) can help navigate complexity in signalling to drive successful project outcomes.

As railway industry change accelerates through digital transformation, we are witnessing valuable opportunities for innovation, efficiency and safety. However, with the adoption of new technologies comes new challenges and cyber security emerges as a critical concern. Without adequate protections in place, cyber security can have a detrimental real-world impact.

The first UK deployment of European Train Control System (ETCS) provided valuable lessons for Global ECTS and Automatic Train Operation (ATO) success. Service Line Director, Systems Integration and Technical Services, Katherine Stowe discusses the key project drivers for the first ETCS Level 2 and ATO deployment in the UK and learnings from the ETCS pilot line.

Network Rail Consulting (NRC) brings extensive global expertise in the successful implementation of modern signalling systems including European Train Control System (ETCS) Level 2. While each local market, regulatory environment, and operational condition may differ, there are key shared factors that are critical to consider when selecting and procuring a new signalling supplier.

Network Rail Consulting (NRC) has a wealth of experience rolling out interoperable European Train Control Systems (ETCS) solutions globally. Using System Engineering principles and Change Management techniques NRC can identify, manage and address local factors, ensuring each deployment is uniquely tailored.

A Shadow Operator performs a key role in the definition, planning and delivery of new rail projects in situations where an actual rail operator has yet to be appointed. Network Rail Consulting (NRC) recognises that early operator engagement or input is crucial to ensure "best for business" decision making and outcomes throughout the course of the project lifecycle.