Development of a client-server software application using Agile methods for the management of access restrictions in a stretch of railway line
Brief
Develop a client-server application capable of supporting the Operator of the railway traffic management system during procedures implemented to restrict access to specific railway plant areas, with filing of the relevant documents produced.
Project challenge
to develop an operator interface supplied with vital data, and at the same time integrated into a complex graphical environment. To apply Agile methods to the software lifecycle of a safety-critical product, while maintaining full compliance with European legislation on railway systems.
Solution
NIER designed and fully developed a client-server software application to support the railway operator during the procedures to be implemented when preventing access to specific sections of railway line. NIER also applied Agile methods to software development, producing increasingly comprehensive working and validated applications in each phase, maximising transversal skills at all stages of the software lifecycle, promptly integrating feedback and our client’s new requirements that emerged at each phase, and providing the released product with the documentation required to comply with European legislation on critical rail systems.
Execution phases
Definition of the Product Backlog and specification of the User Stories which, starting from the macro specifications and through a hierarchical approach, describe all the functionalities of the client-server software application.
Bi-weekly planning of the Sprint Backlog, selection and refinement of the specifications of the functionalities to be implemented, validated and documented in the current sprint (e.g. client-server interface development, document editing, digital archiving, ergonomics and graphical aspects of the Operator interface).
Software development and testing capable of implementing the selected functionalities.
Cyclic release of software and accompanying documentation in accordance with the requirements of European legislation on critical rail systems.
Achieved results
through NIER’s design and development of a client-server application, the client was able to integrate the new application into the railway traffic control system in order to support the railway operator during regulated procedures carried out to prevent access to certain sections of railway line (e.g. for maintenance). The Operator can enter all critical information into a digital document and verify that the switching commands of the line’s signalling units are consistent with the areas to be interdicted and with the information received from the field personnel. In addition, NIER’s solution offers the possibility of creating precompiled templates in advance, which can be retrieved from the database when drafting the regulatory note. The life cycle of the document – from creation to archiving – is entirely managed electronically, eliminating the use of paper material and facilitating the sharing of information in all Operator workstations in a given region.
