In 2013, Network Rail’s Grinding Train Fleet manager Leevan Finney, identified that increasing numbers of ‘on vehicle’ issues, including system blackouts, were network related issues; they were causing disruption to planned engineering works and, by association, the Fleet’s reputation. It was crucial to find a replacement data network automation solution that could withstand harsh environmental factors and return reliable operation to the Grinding Train Fleet.
This goal had to be achieved within an environment where cables, connectors and power sources have historically been identified as weaknesses. To improve upon the existing implementation, the new system would continuously monitor all connected devices. When degradation is detected, the resultant event gets reported to a centralised monitoring service where remediation is actioned.