Trafnidiaeth Cymru | Transport for Wales

Cohesive Keeps Core Valley Lines Enterprise Asset Management System on Track

IBM Maximo makes rail operations more sustainable by improving data capture and efficiency to enable a new era of asset management for Transport for Wales.

Summary

Cohesive implemented IBM Maximo for Amey and Transport for Wales to make its rail operations more sustainable by improving data capture and efficiency, helping to deliver against complex calculated KPIs, while reducing total costs. We provided implementation services including legacy data onboarding, software and hosting provision, further support services and a complex field-based mobile data acquisition and reporting application.

Solutions

Information Management

The Challenge

Another major element of the project was the design and implementation of a multi-million-pound Enterprise Asset Management System (EAMS) for the newly formed joint venture organization running the railway, using IBM’s Maximo platform and the DataSplice “Mobile for Maximo” solution.

The system was established and commissioned using legacy data from the previously incumbent Network Rail Ellipse and JBA Systems, and the main initial challenge was to have the EAMS functional before the cut-off time for the use of these legacy applications.

Another challenge was to incorporate into the system the specific processes and analytics that the operating environment needed, such as inspection logic and rules for providing the required reporting metrics, especially to mobile technicians and engineers.

Subsequently, Cognizant and Cohesive were selected as the highest competence and best-value partners to deliver the system, with Cohesive hosting and providing 3rd-line application support.

IBM Maximo and DataSplice are enabling a new era of Asset Management for Transport for Wales. As our system matures, more functionality from multiple legacy systems, paper-based processes, and bespoke applications can be onboarded.

William Piket

Rheolwr Data Asedau / Asset Data Manager, Trafnidiaeth Cymru / Transport for Wales Infrastructure Hub

Our Solution

The EAMS scope is focused mainly on permanent ways, bridges, tunnels, power transmission, and earthworks, which provides a platform for a desktop AMS and uses trackside mobile applications for remote working, inspections, and rail-specific parameter capture.

The EAMS further supports efficient, safe working practices, as well as decision support and complex compliance reporting processes.

Cohesive provided implementation services, which included legacy data onboarding, hosting provision, software provision, and further support services. Other system functionality included a complex field-based mobile data acquisition and reporting application.

The solution was delivered on time and budget, going live in 2020 and then being further enhanced in subsequent phases up until early 2023.

At the outset of the project, we had our reservations over the Agile Project Management system, however, Cohesive has managed to stick to the original project timeline. Looking back at previous software projects, where a conventional waterfall project management system was used, we can definitely see the merit in adopting an strategic Agile approach with Cohesive.

Graham Burnt

Chief Technical Officer

The Client Benefits

Cohesive successfully delivered the project on time and on budget, with the full global roll-out being achieved in only 12 months.

This delivered greater visibility and control for Stena and enabled a more streamlined purchasing operation, so that equipment could be purchased in bulk from a single vendor, resulting in significant cost savings for the business.