NR is vast and complex. It is not always easy or quick to align multiple parts of the business to support the SIZ as quickly or robustly as SMEs might expect. An example of this is the data provision of what is available to give to SMEs. 


An increasing number of solutions are data-driven and require a link into NR systems.​The management of asset and system data within NR is fragmented – different assets are managed on different systems, and some assets/systems within the station are not managed by local teams but come under larger national service contracts (e.g., telecomms/connectivity). This can make a simple ask (e.g. identifying data for SMEs) incredibly time consuming and difficult to respond to quickly. 

Data security is critical, applying to collation, storage as well as usage. Data is an asset in the rail industry, just as much as any fabric or system assets.


We recommend:

• A good approach throughout the SIZ is to get detailed knowledge on the station assets that are available to run trials (e.g., can trials link to the CCTV system) – this will help understand which data and information are available during the trial. ​ 
• To get data access, it is key to develop clear data requests and identify the people managing (and able to approve) release of the data. ​
• Furthermore, building a data catalogue that can be shared across the steering group, innovation testers, and staff to get agreement on data requirements will ensure an up-to-date data repository.
• Building a repository of data and contacts who can help access this data. Building a list prior to selecting innovations, informed by the challenges set, will help speed up any data request by the trialists. 
• Keeping up to date with data processes. This way you are better able to foresee blockers.