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Technology in Railway

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ShaunRigby

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19 Apr 2012
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Hi friends!

I’m looking for some feedback and insight into the UK railway and its use of modern day technology.

I’m studying for a level 4 qualification in data analysis, and I currently work for a security provider for a UK TOC as an analyst.

I’m inviting feedback from all stakeholders of the railway and specifically looking at systems which are used day-to-day that touch on either passenger perception/security/disruption/ticketing and also the above from an operations perspective.

it is my current view that the railway as a whole does not wholly employ modern day “big data” systems (This excludes Darwin) however I am seeking views to change my mind.

I am aware that there are newer technologies utilised recently such as predicting passenger loading which utilises IoT sensors on trains - it’s this type of “future tech” that I am interested in learning about and seeking confirmation that the railway as a whole is not still run on paper, pen and spreadsheets.
 
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ShaunRigby

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19 Apr 2012
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There are lots of "big data" systems used by various rail companies, but you're not likely to see much public facing information about them - if you work for an IT security company, you will know why.

There are programmes like Network Rail's Intelligent Infrastructure, which is effectively an IoT remote monotoring system - https://www.networkrail.co.uk/running-the-railway/intelligent-infrastructure/
Thanks for this… reading through the website, this is the exact type of technology I’m looking for - utilising data from test trains, and presumably other iot devices to monitor and predict when faults may arise.

Just to clarify, I work for a security company which provides non-IT related security services to a UK TOC.

I’m working on a system which will predict anti-social behaviour across the network and allow security resources to be deployed accordingly - this will use historical data to formulate these predictions, which then got me thinking about such systems (not just orientated towards crime/ASB) and if any are in use from (but not limited to) a train planning, Control Centre/ROC, live ops or passenger perspective.

cheers for your reply!
 

eMeS

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12 Jun 2011
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954
Location
Milton Keynes, UK
Thanks for this… reading through the website, this is the exact type of technology I’m looking for - utilising data from test trains, and presumably other iot devices to monitor and predict when faults may arise.

Just to clarify, I work for a security company which provides non-IT related security services to a UK TOC.

I’m working on a system which will predict anti-social behaviour across the network and allow security resources to be deployed accordingly - this will use historical data to formulate these predictions, which then got me thinking about such systems (not just orientated towards crime/ASB) and if any are in use from (but not limited to) a train planning, Control Centre/ROC, live ops or passenger perspective.

cheers for your reply!
What is an "iot"?
 

rf_ioliver

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17 Apr 2011
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Internet of Things. Essentially small internet connected devices.
A "new" term for anything with sensors connected to the internet (mobile, IP, bluetooth, zigbee etc). Raspberry Pi and smaller typically.

ALso a great way of keeping cybersecurity people in jobs forever 8-)
 
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