How our data insights capability helps rail develop

Data insights are a vital tool in any business arsenal, enabling organisations to take their operations to next level. Our unique position as an independent trusted organisation is essential for this. We work in partnership with the whole industry to encourage and enable good quality data input and industry-wide sharing of data right from the start. This means that we are not acting to advance the interests of one particular company or part of the network but for the benefit of the whole industry. Without this there wouldn’t be any basis for a data insights capability to develop.

However, once data has been collected from across the industry, we combine our expert knowledge with our data and digital capability to create new powerful tools. These provide critical support and resolve some long-standing challenges. The products we build are specific to our industry, adding value by addressing those challenges that are unique to the sector.

There are a variety of different technologies and tools we can use to develop our data insights. For instance, through the use of advanced analytical tools like machine learning, statistical models, and data visualisations, we can convert data into segments that can be used for decision making and help drive performance improvements. We can use data insights to support wider adoption of digital technologies through more cost-effective means. Additionally, we can develop tools that model scenarios to accurately plan timetabling and adjust for delays to maximise efficiency on the lines. Our unique sector knowledge, trusted role, and advanced technological systems puts us in a highly valuable position. Acting from our trusted position for the benefit of the whole industry, we can provide actionable recommendations that will deliver smarter, safer rail.

We can also automate how data is processed and shared, which helps the industry deliver on its 'open by default' principle. By sharing data across the sector, we are helping improve data quality, deliver efficiencies, and enable future innovation. By collating and scrutinising data, we can collaborate with railway engineers and third-party innovators to come up with new ideas and solutions to help the industry develop. Automation also helps reduce human error when processing large datasets. Human processing of these can be exhaustive and time-consuming but good quality data is essential for the creation of reliable models. We place a high value on the data industry provides from across the sector, so we’re proud that we can also help to ensure that data is high quality before we start to probe it for insights.

However, we don't just answer the questions that we think are important. We can also work with you to solve the specific challenges that your business has. Our technology and experts can generate data insights that specifically benefit your organisation. We can support you to unlock the potential of your data, paving the way for growth and success. If you would like to make a request or suggest a use for our technology to scrutinise data, use the link to the contact form below.

When we started twenty years ago, the value of the industry’s data was only just beginning to be recognised. Now however, our data insights capability has become a fundamental part of what we can offer our members and wider industry. Our trusted and independent position has given us an unrivalled vantage point from which to recognise data’s potential and build our data insights capability for the benefit of the whole sector. 

Already, we have been able to access and analyse vast amounts of data, convert data insights into actionable recommendations, automate how data is being processed and shared, and build new data products that provide critical support and resolve some of the industries' long-standing challenges. Using our data insights capability, we are helping to deliver a smarter rail system in terms of safety, sustainability, and efficiency. As rail continues to evolve, digital and data-enabled solutions will play a critical role in its success, and we will play a pivotal role in this exciting period of innovation.