Pilot for the Class I Dispatch Modernization
Highlights
As part of a project enhancing a 37k-mile rail network with PTC, our globally-known rail client required a highly skillful contractor to perform PTC upgrades for its centralized dispatching system. Before starting such a large-scale project, we negotiated a trial to confirm skill compliance and define the optimal engagement process. Deadlines were essential to meet the mandated government requirements for the national-scale PTC introduction.
Challenge
Client Challenge
Estimate PSA skills and interaction capabilities to launch a national-scale PTC introduction product for the Class I railroad.
Project Objective
Deliver a pilot to showcase PTC-compliant development for the centralized dispatching system, as well as a flexible engagement process.
Solution
First, the PSA team defined the process for effective engagement on the dispatching product modernization. This included error resolution, adding new features, and creating new subsystems. We suggested and established:
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Documentation and coding standards research
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Documenting of code and design & code reviews
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Domain knowledge training for engineers
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Definition of process control tools
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Data exchange options – online transfer, scrum meetings & weekly status reporting
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Issue resolution flow – prioritization, resource estimation, assignment, and process tracking
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Risk identification and management
Second, we resolved a critical issue to showcase the capabilities of its modernization. Our team had been traveling onsite to study the system, its communication standards, and technical PTC requirements. To troubleshoot the product, we researched and reproduced the issues, then fixed and debugged it while maintaining a transparent resolution process.
Third, PSA prepared a fixed-price proposal for the modernization of the security component comprising multiple upgrades for the whole system.
As a result, the client commended the PSA development and communication capabilities, and wished to proceed with further activities. This pilot project introduced a new chapter of safety on this Class I railroad.
Development Included
- Process definition
- Software development
- Documentation creation
Technology Breakdown
- 1 Business Analyst
- 3 Software Engineers
- 1 Technical Writer
- 3 months
Further Cooperation
We convinced this client of our versatile capabilities time after time, thus expanding our cooperation to interlocking control products, cab systems, signaling systems design, and auxiliary applications development. Our teams do this successfully to this day, providing multi-vector development for complex rail products and systems
