The importance of system definition [train control project]

The European railway industry is now embarking on the major R&D programmes needed to realise the next generation of train control systems. These systems will see the integration of signalling, IT and communications technologies which have historically often been managed as separate professional disciplines within railway organisations. Sound system engineering principles will need to be applied in the development of these new systems if successful integration is to be achieved. This paper focuses on the important early definition phases of major information system based developments, using train control system development as the working example