Brief

The Client asked us to review the implementation of the ATC (Automatic Train Control) system, both on board (ATP/ATO) and on the ground, to correct problems that have led to emergency braking in some cases. The project involved carrying out a system test campaign in a simulated environment before validating and verifying system improvements directly in the field through further test campaigns.

Project challenge

• restore the full functionality and operation of the FIVP (Factory Integration and Validation Platform) laboratory located in the Client’s facilities;
• acquire the necessary skills in relation to Communications-Based Train Control (CBTC) and simulation infrastructure for correct execution of the tests correctly;
• intervene on deployed sub-systems to manage configuration and maintenance work within the client’s time constraints and avoid interfering with passenger services on Metro Line 1;
• continuous interaction with subsystem designers to resolve critical issues and identify bugs.

Solution

Nier stepped into Metro Milano’s FIVP environment, taking responsibility for overhauling the laboratory’s hardware and software infrastructure and acquiring, during ongoing implementation, specific skills in diagnostic, monitoring and simulation tools in order to be able to independently run a complete test campaign. For the specific line diagnostic subsystem (MSS), Nier supervised all the in-field deployment phases, from the installation of the High Availability Linux RHEL system, to the installation and configuration of the software and related functional testing, constantly interfacing with the developers and suggesting alternative solutions to deal with critical issues that arose during the various phases.

Achieved results

Nier is playing a central role in the project’s implementation, constantly contributing to the testing of all L1 subsystems. In particular, Nier helped to achieve the following goals:

• Full operational restoration of the FIVP laboratory, enabling the execution of functional tests in a simulated environment
• Timely and precise intervention on Line subsystems to perform installations and software upgrades
• Proposed and implemented software solutions for solving specific critical issues in the configuration of line diagnostics subsystem workflows
• Constant collaboration with subsystem developers to report bugs and defects in Line diagnostic subsystem installation procedures, enhancing its robustness and reliability
• Management of the workflow of a complete test campaign, starting from the drafting of test cases based on system requirements to drafting of the final reports