UK rail operator, Network Rail has signed framework agreements with five IT suppliers, including Accenture, BAE Systems Detica, Cognizant, CSC and Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) to design, build and manage its IT infrastructure in a deal worth over £360m.
The agreements will allow Network Rail, which manages a variety of systems of varying complexity, in simplifying its computing relationships with over 270 individual IT suppliers.
Network Rail chief information officer Susan Cooklin said the company, which runs the UK’s railway network relies on IT to keep everything moving.
"By creating this framework we will be able to scale more flexibly our resources to meet demand, while retaining our vital assurance role," Cooklin said.
"In this way we can improve our efficiency while continuing to allow 24,000 trains a day across the rail network."
According to Network Rail, passenger demand for rail is expected to more than double and freight demand would increase by 140% over the next 30 years.
Accenture will provide business management, business administration, stakeholder relationship management, corporate compliance and citizenship as well as logistics management.
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The company will also be responsible for property management, business information management, service management and development, service operations management, access planning as well as infrastructure lifecycle management.
Accenture UK and Ireland Transportation Practice executive David Wilkinson said, "Technology will play an increasingly vital role in improving a rail network that every year provides 1.3 billion journeys and carries 100 million tonnes of freight."
BAE Systems Detica will offer Network Rail with corporate services, network operations, asset management and investment projects.
BAE Systems Detica managing director Martin Sutherland said with Network Rail running one of the world’s busiest rail networks, the company plans to bring in its expertise in managing complex, data-intensive IT delivery within secure environments.
"We anticipate that this approach will drive value and deliver robust integrated solutions that will ensure the smooth running of the network," Sutherland said.
The framework agreement will see Cognizant support Network Rail in enhancing its core information management functions and processes, including reliability of the infrastructure and performance.
Cognizant head of Manufacturing, Energy and Transportation practice in the UK Rohit Gupta said over the next 30 years, passenger demand for rail will more than double and freight demand is expected to go up by 140%.
"To meet this ever-growing need, we will closely collaborate with Network Rail and ensure that their IT systems are future-ready," Gupta said.
"By optimising technology investments and driving innovation and business transformation, we shall help Network Rail run better and run differently."
TCS will help Network Rail in implementing a structured multi-sourcing model to invest in a customer-centric IT strategy over four years to improve efficiency, effectiveness and innovation across the organisation.
