Case study

Design studio for rail signaling software design, integration and verification

Our client is a member of a consortium formed to deliver the latest signaling technology to a major mass transit authority. Their challenge was to deliver new, safety critical software in line with new infrastructure, in a compressed timescale, working with several design partners.

The contract involved many significant stakeholders and our client also wanted to ensure a high level of confidence was achieved across all parties that the project would deliver on time.   
 
PA tackled the challenge by setting up a breakthrough integration studio and introducing improved project management practices.

Features of this studio project included:

• A complete re-design of the project management strategy
• Co-location of carefully selected multi-skilled delivery teams
• A facility designed to house all systems engineering activities
• Resident application team
• Hot desks, extended systems and video links for design partners
• Visual controls to reduce bureaucracy
• Show case facility with viewing lounge for stakeholder visits.

PA has also driven the transformation in ways of working by leading the program with experienced interim management personnel and structurd induction training.

The studio approach was implemented in only eight weeks, and has transformed a traditional office and functional mentality into a fast-paced and highly regarded project.

The facility and approach continues to attract significant positive attention, which is helping to secure further contracts for this technology and attract good people.