Railway Functional Architecture
The Railway Functional Architecture (RFA) research project was commissioned by RSSB on behalf of TSLG. It is intended to identify, at a high level of abstraction, the technology-based functions that must be performed for a modern railway to operate.
Architecture frameworks are commonly used in information technology and information system governance. Because, like the railway, these disciplines are broad, and because the enterprises in which they are engaged can be large and complex, the models associated with the discipline also tend to be large and complex. The RFA builds on the rail architecture framework (TRAK), which was developed for generic use within the rail industry. The use of TRAK ensures the RFA is well structured and governed by documented rules, so that it can be easily maintained and extended.
It is anticipated that the RFA may help in: identifying where commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) and 'plug and play' technologies may be employed; identifying where 'open systems' architectures and 'lean' systems may be introduced; eliminating systems which duplicate functions; shortening product development cycles by putting a standard architecture in place.
The RFA has been subject to iterative improvements as a consequence of discussions both with individual industry experts and with stakeholders in workshop sessions. We acknowledge the input of the following organisations: ATOC, Network Rail, Birmingham University Centre for Rail Research, RFG, LUL, DfT, RIA, Transport Scotland, Crossrail.
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