Digital Systems Program - Systems Integrator
Challenge
To lead the development and delivery of the systems engineering, assurance and human factors programs for Transport for New South Wales’ $880m Digital Systems Program and enable the successful integration of advanced train control and management systems into the Sydney rail network.
Approach
Acmena is utilising a Model Based Systems Engineering approach to more effectively integrate the project’s systems engineering, human factors and assurance programs and avoid the traditional difficulties associated with large scale projects.
Outcome
Acmena is continuing to provide key systems engineering, assurance and human factors services for Digital Systems as it progresses through the design phase.
Acmena employs Model Based Systems Engineering tools to support integration on TfNSW’s Digital Systems-Systems Integrator Program.
The Transport for NSW Digital Systems Program (DSP) is part of the $4.3b ‘More Trains, More Services’ initiative to digitalise the Sydney
Trains railway and increase the frequency and reliability of train services for its customers.
DSP includes the deployment of a new traffic management system enabling real time scheduling of services, the latest ‘in-cab’ European Train Control System (ETCS) Level 2 technology to replace existing trackside equipment, integration with existing Sydney Trains systems and the relevant procedures to operate and maintain the new systems.
This is the biggest change to the Sydney metropolitan train network since its electrification in 1926.
Since 2018, Network Rail Consulting, along with partners Acmena, The Go-Ahead Group and Ineco, have been the DSP Systems Integrator responsible for the definition and management of technical, operational and program integration activities.
Integration through MBSE
Acmena is engaged to provide a range of systems engineering (SE), systems assurance (SA), human factors (HF) services for the project, in addition to managing the overall SESA program, including cybersecurity and RAM. Technical expertise is also provided for telecom systems (digital train radio and fixed telecom network), and systems integration (architecture and interface management).
To overcome the traditional difficulties associated with large, complex projects and key to the project’s success, Acmena developed a collaborative and innovative systems engineering framework allowing all project stakeholders to work together within that framework.
This SE framework combines MBSE with IBM Lifecycle Management tools which enables complete integration across all facets of the DSP project, including requirements management, and the safety assurance, cyber security, RAM and human factors programs.
Delivering value
Utilising the SE framework as the single source of truth provides key benefits to the program, its suppliers and Sydney Trains stakeholders. These
benefits include the flexibility to adapt to the project’s evolving needs under effective change processes, and visibility of the current project
status. It has also enabled integration across all disciplines and organisations, allowing more effective collaboration.
Acmena continues to support DSP with this approach as the program it enters its system integration testing phase.
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Expertise
systems assurance
Systems Engineering
Systems Integration