Customer interview: “Delta Pi comes up with ideas that the average software company doesn't come up with.” 

Alf: "ERTMS is a new rail safety system that digitally transmits all kinds of information, such as speeds and braking distances, to the driver. But that's not all: we'll soon be able to monitor more effectively and predict preventive maintenance. This will prevent problems and automatically increase reliability. I've said this is the biggest change of the century."

John: "This is a huge digitalization push, creating a different and faster dynamic. It means, among other things, that we have to update safety files more frequently: we can no longer spend two years building a safety file if it has to be updated every eighteen months. A new way of working requires different tools. PRISMS, the Delta Pi tool, helps us handle this faster dynamic."

John: "Delta Pi confronted us with the facts and said: 'You have a problem, but you just don't see it yet. You're not ready for the volume of safety files and the associated speeds that will soon increase due to ERTMS.' Delta Pi's software could help us with that. That was a stimulating thought, and the beginning of PRISMS."

Alf: "Delta Pi's added value lies in their insights. Delta Pi approaches safety files from a RAMS perspective. This leads them to ideas that an average software company wouldn't come up with. Those companies understand software development, but lack the knowledge or understanding of why a piece of software might be interesting." 

John: "We agreed that both Delta Pi and ProRail would contribute 50 percent of the software investment. If it proved successful, ProRail would actually purchase the software. That was a unique client model, where you collaborate extensively during the construction and testing phases, discovering, developing, stumbling, and getting back up again. Now that those phases have been completed satisfactorily, we're purchasing the software."

Alf: "If you use the metaphor of the body, we no longer work with our hearts, but with our brains. By digitizing the track, we work more intelligently, and the possibilities are limitless."

John: "The biggest change is that we'll be working differently, which will allow us to be faster and make fewer mistakes. We'll be less dependent on the knowledge and skills of individuals and will let the system support us in being traceable and transparent."

John: "Certainly, we still have some work to do. We've involved our safety managers throughout the process, of course, but now they'll really get started with it. New tools require a different way of working. I'd like to listen carefully to hear their thoughts."

Alf: "I suspect the safety managers will still have requests. I think Delta Pi will continue to develop the software for the time being until it's fully fit for the job ."

John: "First of all, Delta Pi speaks the same language as our safety managers. That's been a huge help in communication with us over the past few years. Furthermore, Delta Pi doesn't portray itself as a major software manufacturer; they stand by our side. That's helpful."

John: "Take contracting, for example. Delta Pi said, 'Come on, present us with the contract you want.' Well, other companies don't offer that option. They simply send you a contract and you can sign it."

Alf: "In the future, Delta Pi wants to deploy PRISMS not only at ProRail but also with other parties involved in safety matters. I can tell from their attitude that they're very keen to succeed with us as a launch customer . That gives me great hope that this isn't just a hit-and-run collaboration, but can develop into a lasting relationship."

John: "Hopefully, we'll sign the contract for the first licenses within a few months. After that, I expect ProRail to come up with new functionalities that Delta Pi will implement. This will result in new versions, which we hope will win over the end user!"