Digital asset management on the Elizabeth Line, UK

The Elizabeth line is one of the UK’s most advanced digital railways. To prepare the line for passengers, we needed to integrate more than 50 distinct operational technology and business support systems into a single, cohesive architecture to allow for informed decision-making.

In addition to the main challenge of integrating operational and information technology systems, we were also involved in delivering the end-to-end IT and remote monitoring systems to support the railway’s operational and business priorities working with Transport for London (TfL). To guarantee success, we had to analyse and understand how the data was created, processed and used throughout the whole lifecycle, from development to operation.

The system and information architecture illustrated how the railway’s operating systems should work together to support the business requirements of line’s infrastructure operator, TfL subsidiary Rail for London Infrastructure (RfLI).

Detailed plan

Our approach involved developing a strategy to demonstrate the information flow between systems and business areas. We mapped out the processes, and the capabilities required to achieve the integration, including organisational design and technology.

We then formulated a detailed plan for the information flow across the systems and information architecture. This prompted the development of an operating model for the digitally connected railway that would best serve business requirements of RfLI.

Recognising that many of the systems were designed some years ago, we took our time to fully understand the Elizabeth line’s strategic goals. Our objective was to ensure the line’s readiness for passengers by creating an enterprise architecture that demonstrated how all relevant business and operational systems − including control systems, asset management, information management, reporting systems and more − could best work together.

To fulfil the diverse data requirements of multiple operational business teams, such as maintenance, engineering, operations, health and safety, and business performance, we proactively engaged in critical IT initiatives. The initiatives encompassed various aspects, including document management systems, asset and access management tools, data analytics, and reporting solutions.

Our involvement spanned from the initial design phase to the realisation of benefits, ensuring the establishment of necessary plans, structures and processes. We also emphasised leadership engagement, effective communication, comprehensive training, and upskilling efforts, all of which enabled the Elizabeth line team to seamlessly embrace the new technology and use its full potential.

Benefits of digital asset management

The digital management of rail assets deliver significant benefits for operators. The integrated systems and information architecture we established enables RfLI to be predictive and proactive, while obtaining the maximum value and life from its assets.

A major benefit is predictive maintenance, which is helping not only to extend the life of the line but also enabling the infrastructure operator to make best use of its assets. This approach will increase service reliability, reduce carbon emissions save money. By using advanced data systems, RfLI can also enhance infrastructure capacity and dependability, resulting in improved passenger experiences.

Integrated systems will also deliver better:

• decision making − integration provides operators with real-time access to critical data and insights, empowering them to make informed and prompt decisions
• data handover − seamless connectivity between digital and physical infrastructure facilitates the smooth flow of data across different systems and departments
• insights − integrated systems and information architecture ensures rapid processing and analysis of large volumes of data
• collaboration − Teams can work together more effectively by accessing a centralised platform, fostering a culture of cooperation and knowledge sharing

The Elizabeth line technology readiness process provided the team with a comprehensive plan to follow during its preparation to open the line. This plan brought all the teams together, helping them to collaborate and achieve better outcomes.