Project Update - Final Wrap-Up
Project Progress
This update sees the conclusion of the project, as we wrap up and reflect on our findings from the last several months. Since March 2022, we have been working on developing a proof of concept for a digital maintenance solution to address current vulnerabilities in the maintenance process and that was capable of integration with legacy and new build rail vehicles. This was achieved over five work packages, engaging widely with stakeholders in the industry across site visits and surveying before building and carrying out extensive testing on the solution itself. We also formed the Digital Maintenance Advisory Board which helped guide and provide feedback on our project progress, proof of concept, and what we achieved.
We have also recently published our Digital Maintenance Project Wrap Up video, with a detailed overview of the project, our achievements and next steps.
Digital Maintenance Advisory Board
Here is an overview of some feedback we received from a Digital Maintenance Advisory Board, which consisted of a range of people across the rail industry representing different types of organisations.
Feedback from DMAB
The solution is relevant to the current challenges, including audit trail, efficiency and a centrally managed platform
They recommend that we look at further integration with the train to understand operational state and location (e.g. geofencing)
Cyber security of the solution is key, including ensuring integrity of file, making sure changes are authorised, software is valid, more in-depth testing and demonstrations, including coupled units and dynamic testing. Physical security control is also important, particularly for remote use cases.
We should explore the implementation of Intrusion Detection Systems complementary to Digital Maintenance systems
There are opportunities for practical integration into depot activities, including roles and responsibilities (broadening roles to depot manager), workflow integration (also Maximo and other systems)
Other development opportunities include engaging with third party suppliers and providing them with browser based access to the Digital Maintenance system
The team should also consider applications elsewhere e.g. freight, locos and other transport modes and explore opportunities for follow on testing and future partnership and funding opportunities
Equality, Diversity and Inclusion:
We carried out the project with a commitment towards deaf awareness, integrating it as part of our EDI practices throughout the project. One of the things that we did as part of deaf awareness and more broadly is to make all our project content easily accessible. Our approach allowed us to see how deaf awareness allowed the project to run more smoothly and information to be exchanged more effectively. Everybody took personal responsibility and our project manager Ellie has written a range of deaf awareness blogs available on the project website and we shared ‘EDI deaf awareness moments of the week’ in our weekly project meetings.
Achievements from the project:
Raised awareness for digital maintenance practices
Deeper understanding of current maintenance practices and potential areas of improvement
Technical engagement and outreach
Allowed us to make new relationships with key stakeholders
Representative testing
Good response to survey and site visits
Modelled the way on EDI practices
Making project content easily accessible
Next steps and broader engagement
Beyond the project close, we recently submitted a proposal to create a quarterly Digital Maintenance Advisory Board, with meetings across 2023. This was accepted unanimously by all of the Digital Maintenance Advisory Board Members and we are also adding three new freight members to the board.
RazorSecure and BCRRE are continuing joint inward investment and also applying for future research grants where future opportunities are identified.
The Digital Maintenance Project Page will remain open and be maintained as evidence of the project and to allow for future updates on potential further development.