How does this affect me as I modernise the network?

The strategy will help me to:

1.understand our direction

The strategy sets out our objectives and targets for operational technology over the next 15 years. This includes how we’ll adapt to changes in technology, such as connected and autonomous vehicles, while continuing to deliver services to our customers.

By understanding our strategic direction, I can work more effectively with my colleagues to achieve our objectives, to the benefit of our customers.

2. identify innovation opportunities for the future

In support of the strategy, Digital Services is mapping out the current operational technology estate and identifying how it will evolve moving forwards to deliver improved services to our customers.

As a moderniser, I’m relied upon to identify and use industry-notable practice here in the UK and further afield, as well as innovations to better deliver services to our customers. The strategy will help me understand the future plans for operational technology and how these could affect the schemes I work on.

  • Safety
  • Net zero
  • Connecting customers
  • Collaboration
  • Efficiencies
  • Legislation and Regulation
  • Technology

signage being constructed

Developments in operational technology will result in:

1. technology innovation opportunities

As operational technology develops, it presents new opportunities to modernise our network. I’ll work with my colleagues across the organisation to support innovation and the use of new technology to improve safety, delivery and customer experience.

2. collaboration and efficiencies

We’re looking to continually improve how technology is procured, tested and handed over into operations and maintenance, for example through the Operational Technology Commercial Framework (OTCF) and improvements to how we test new products and services.

This will impact on how I design, develop or deliver operational technology and how I work with other parts of our organisation and supply chain to feedback and implement new and improved technologies.

Next steps

To deliver the strategy Digital Services is producing an implementation plan which will turn its high-level objectives into activities, projects and plans. This will be shared as the work begins and we’ll be in contact to discuss any changes which may affect your role.