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Project number: T1297

How the rail industry can be more confident when using data


This project created a recommended approach for describing data sources. The rail industry can apply this approach to use data more confidently.
'The framework can be implemented industry-wide to support safety, efficiency, and customer experience.'
Simon Moorhead
Chief Information Officer, Rail Delivery Group

The challenge

The railway is collecting more data. It’s also finding more opportunities to get value from it.

But there’s no common approach for the type of information that data publishers should provide for data users.

This reduces efficiency and makes data use more challenging.

What we did

We sought to develop a common approach to recording information about rail data sources.

To achieve this, we developed a Framework for Describing Data Sources (FDDS).

This framework is a structured approach to listing the key characteristics of data sources. It helps users understand how they can use data for their own requirements.

Benefits delivered

The FDDS helps data users better understand how different data sources can support their business.

This adds value to the rail industry by reducing costs and improving efficiency.

It can also increase revenue and benefits for those collecting and publishing data.