project risks

systems support, inspections and validations

Our Consultants have substantial experience in all transport related systems gained from both light and heavy rail applications. This experience ranges from control, communication and safety systems to information and location systems. In addition, we have experience in equipment and systems integration including migration from legacy to new. Ikon's consultants have cutting edge experience supporting Network Rail in integration, deployment, testing & validation against the EIRENE requirements specifications for GSM-R/FTN network Operational Pilot Trials in the UK.

Within the asset review of all systems we maintain a balanced view of the design life and maintenance requirements needed for whatever future life is necessary. During our feasibility work we take views from all stakeholders to form a requirements capture document for each sub-system. Similarly for passenger facing sub-systems we can take views from public representative groups and best practice to form options appraisals or feasibility studies to ensure that all core functionality is captured and that other functionality is delivered wherever practicable. A further area of consideration for external equipment is the "fit" to the local environment in terms of conservation areas and other localised requirements. The feasibility work can also take cognisance of any retained legacy systems and their particular interface requirements. The effectiveness and acceptability of these interfaces should always be carefully managed.

Significant attention will be paid to Software issues. These could be related to the reconfiguration of existing code, the appropriateness and stability of OTS software or the interfacing of new with legacy systems. Ikon can ensure that appropriate software standards are used during development and that ESCROW arrangements are in place where appropriate.

procurement and implementation

During procurement and implementation it is highly important to maintain quality checks on the suppliers of all sub-systems. It is likely that there will be many suppliers within the supply chain and you should ensure that both quality of product and functionality against requirements are maintained. This level of control is also important leading the factory acceptance testing (FAT) to ensure that issues and bugs are rectified at source. Following the FAT we can assist/manage the site acceptance testing (SAT) of the individual sub-systems to ensure that each site or generic installation is fit for purpose and ready for system integration. System integration testing (SIT) is the penultimate stage before formal handover and is a vital test for operations and functional performance. We can also advise on-going performance monitoring of all sub-systems against a predetermined set of KPIs and metrics to provide assurance that RAMs targets are being achieved.

Operations

Continuity of operations is a critical factor in maintaining revenue streams and will require careful planning with any upgrades to vehicles or infrastructure sub-systems. Ikon's consultants have experience of working with stakeholders such as ATOC, Network Rail, RSSB & Equipment suppliers to ensure operational risks managed to the lowest levels when planning testing & integration activities.