Network Rail High Speed Ltd: 
Transforming Asset Management at Network Rail High Speed

In 2023/24, Network Rail High Speed (NRHS) launched a major asset management transformation, replacing its legacy Oracle EAM systems with a more flexible, modern solution to support the organisation's evolving operational requirements.

Following a comprehensive procurement process, AMX was selected over IBM Maximo, offering a stronger technical solution and significantly greater cost-effectiveness. The implementation is now providing NRHS with a flexible platform for managing assets across multiple railway disciplines, with further deployment and integration planned.

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The Challenge

​NRHS's existing legacy Oracle EAM systems had become increasingly difficult to develop and adapt. Its limited flexibility made it challenging to respond quickly to changing operational requirements or introduce improvements without significant development effort. NRHS therefore began the search for a modern asset management platform that could meet its immediate requirements while providing the flexibility and scalability needed for future growth. AMX and IBM Maximo were ultimately shortlisted. With technical and commercial considerations weighted equally, AMX provided the strongest overall balance of capability, performance and value for money.

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A Phased Approach to Deployment

​The implementation of AMX is being delivered through a phased rollout across NRHS's key disciplines, including electrification and plant, track, signalling and telecommunications (S&T), and civils. Approximately 100 users are currently working with AMX, with a further 100 expected to come on board as the deployment is completed. The combination of web and mobile platforms has been particularly valuable. Field-based teams can access and update asset information using mobile devices, while management and office-based users can work through the web platform. This provides teams with access to the information they need, wherever they are working.

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Improving Asset Data and Management

​The move to AMX has enabled NRHS to significantly improve how assets are created, structured, and managed. Users can create and update assets more easily, establish parent-child relationships and introduce additional attribute information. These capabilities have helped overcome some of the limitations of the previous system and have enabled each discipline to develop asset data that better reflects its operational requirements. The impact has already been significant. Within OCS, the number of recorded assets has doubled, while the track discipline has expanded its asset register from approximately 1,000 to 5,000 assets. These increases demonstrate both the scale of NRHS's infrastructure and AMX's ability to adapt to different asset management requirements.

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Flexible and Configurable by Design

​One of the key benefits identified by NRHS is AMX's intuitive and highly configurable interface. Administrators and users can make day-to-day improvements and implement changes quickly without relying heavily on development resources. This flexibility has been particularly important in a complex railway environment, where different disciplines have their own standards, processes and asset requirements. A notable example is the development of a bespoke linear splitting function for railway assets. The functionality allows NRHS to accurately represent changes to linear assets when sections of track are replaced or modified, ensuring that the asset register continues to reflect the physical railway. The AMX team in Bristol has played an important role throughout this process. Their collaborative and analytical approach has enabled the platform to be tailored around NRHS's operational requirements, while maintaining a close working relationship throughout deployment and ongoing support.

 

Supporting NRHS Beyond Go-Live

​AMX's support has continued throughout the deployment and into the go-live period. The ticketing and help desk function has provided assistance with minor issues and ongoing queries, while the implementation continues to evolve in response to NRHS's needs and priorities. ​​​​The immediate priority for NRHS is to complete the minimum viable product deployment and migrate all remaining disciplines from the legacy system to AMX. The remaining rollout is expected to take approximately six to nine months, after which further enhancements will be identified and prioritised. As more disciplines become established on AMX, NRHS will be able to build on the capabilities already delivered. Advanced deployments, such as the track implementation, will provide opportunities to refine processes and introduce further functionality. 

 

There is also significant potential for wider integration. Future opportunities could include connecting AMX with systems such as SharePoint, Outlook, SCADA, Building Management Systems (BMS), GIS platforms and condition monitoring devices. The longer-term ambition is to create a truly data-led asset management environment, bringing information from across the railway together within a unified approach. By combining AMX's flexibility with NRHS's operational expertise, the organisation is creating a platform that can evolve alongside its asset management strategy — supporting not only today's requirements, but the future of railway infrastructure management.

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"The system shows incredible potential and is a truly solid upgrade that massively enhances asset management visibility. It moves us forward and gives us a strong foundation for significant AM maturity — and I genuinely appreciate the amazing people behind it who make this journey inspiring and enjoyable."

 

Bhavesh Raval

Project Manager – Asset Management System

Network Rail High Speed