Project Background
On behalf of the Department of Transport (DOT), Innova was engaged via Jacobs to conduct an independent audit and obsolescence assessment of the GSM-R Digital Train Radio System (DTRS). The DTRS is a safety-critical communications system enabling train drivers to communicate with train control, ensuring safe railway operations. A failure in DTRS stops trains.
The system consists of multiple integrated sub-systems operating alongside legacy rail and operational networks. Over time, software and hardware obsolescence has increased failure rates, requiring spare rationing to sustain operations. Additionally, global supportability issues have heightened risks, necessitating an urgent technology and lifecycle management review.
The project aimed to:
- Assess the technical and financial viability of upgrading the DTRS 2G RAN and Core to ensure continuity of service.
- Evaluate vendor risk profiles and lifecycle management commitments.
- Explore pathways for a future 4G LTE network evolution.
Improve clarity around technical processes and investment strategies aligned with the DTF Investment Lifecycle.
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How Innova Helped
Innova applied a risk-based quantitative and qualitative assessment to audit the DTRS system and asset management processes. Our approach included:
- Failure Mode Analysis: Utilized causal failure analysis, FMECA, and Reliability Block Diagram (RBD) verification to assess critical failure modes.
- Data Validation: Compared failure mode analysis results against network incident management reports and root cause assessments.
- Vendor Performance Review: Evaluated vendor SLA performance trends to determine compliance with contractual Reliability, Availability, Maintainability (RAM) targets.
- Stakeholder Consultation: Developed and executed a stakeholder management plan, engaging PTV, TFV, DTF, VicTrack, and DOT.
- Benchmarking: Conducted a global comparative analysis to align obsolescence management strategies with international best practices.
- Risk Analysis: Identified operational risk tolerances, incorporating HAZOP inputs into obsolescence management planning.
Achieved Outcomes
- Validated key root causes of DTRS obsolescence and developed a strategic optioneering framework for technology upgrades.
- Assessed MR4 contract obligations and MTM’s annual works plan, ensuring alignment with vendor commercial responsibilities.
- Provided a risk-based investment justification, quantifying cost-benefit trade-offs to support future upgrade pathways.
- Delivered reporting findings that directly contributed to a cabinet submission, securing $83M in ‘No Regrets’ funding for immediate DTRS obsolescence mitigation.
- Defined upgrade strategies for RAN, Core, and Dispatch systems, currently being implemented under the DOT Critical Works Program.
Conclusion
Innova’s engineering due diligence, risk-based audit methodology, and lifecycle analysis expertise were pivotal in addressing DTRS obsolescence risks. Our work provided DOT with a comprehensive technical and financial assessment, leading to critical state investment approvals. The project has laid the foundation for a long-term digital train radio strategy, ensuring network reliability, safety, and future evolution to LTE-based solutions