Network Rail gives a red light to risk

Integrated systems ensure the company can better manage operational risks

Network Rail now has a single view of risk

Network Rail has rolled out new systems to give a single view of risk across the company, from maintenance projects to operational and corporate issues.

The organisation, which maintains the nation’s rail infrastructure such as tracks, signals, level crossings and tunnels, has rolled out enterprise risk management software to help assess risk levels across all projects.

Network Rail can now view risk summaries at the press of a button through Active Risk Manager from supplier Strategic Thought.

Previously, risk was assessed using spreadsheets and bespoke legacy systems, with more than 20,000 risks identified across the organisation.

Because of the large number of projects, which can vary from structural projects such as replacing level crossings and bridges to organisational change initiatives, Network Rail needed easy risk reporting for management at all levels.

The firm says a central automated risk system has led to easier and more accessible reports, with greater visibility and consistency.

Risk can be defined as anything from day-to-day issues running the railway within a geographical area to corporate risks such as finance and engineering projects.

By having a central view of such activities, Network Rail’s board can make more effective decisions and understand he consequences of major projects.

In conjunction with the rollout of Active Risk Manager, Network Rail also installed a number of project management systems from Oracle, P3e and Pertmaster for risk analysis.