Network Rail & Oakland harness AI to innovate knowledge management

Network Rail has entered into a partnership with Oakland, a premier Microsoft Data and AI Solutions Partner, to enact a monumental innovation in knowledge management using advanced AI technology. This collaboration marks the commencement of Network Rail's new fiscal period, underpinned by a hefty investment plan of 44 billion, with a focus on reducing delays, increasing capacity, and significantly reducing carbon emissions.

The partnership is poised to address the challenges faced by the rail industry in managing vast troves of knowledge. Using the force of AI, Oakland has devised a solution all set to reinvent how Network Rail utilises its vast reserve of information and insights. Network Rail has initiated this significant investment for the UK railway infrastructure over the period 2024 to 2029, with ambitious targets such as a 20% decline in delays, a 30% boost in capacity, and an impressive 70% reduction in carbon emissions.

Network Rail, akin to many multifaceted organisations, grappled with managing valuable information and how it was dispersed across multiple formats such as PDF and video. This challenge presented Oakland with the opportunity to harness AI to share insights from earlier projects in the lifecycle of new projects. Such a proactive strategy is primed to mitigate issues in the later stages of the project timeline, thereby optimising efficiency and efficacy.

The solution devised uses generative AI capabilities that allow users to engage with the language model through a dynamic chatbot interface. Such an interface enables users to ask questions and receive specialised responses derived from Network Rail's substantial library of lessons learned and valuable data sources. Powered by advanced AI algorithms and Azure AI Services, this advancement in knowledge management signifies a new stage not just for the rail industry but across all sectors.

The partnership between Network Rail and Oakland, which has been stable for over a decade, is underpinned by a shared aspiration for innovation and operational prowess, fostering premier solutions and best practices within the industry. Jack Evans, Principal Consultant at Oakland, stated, "Network Rail saw knowledge management as a prime candidate for AI. By placing AI at the heart of the solution, they can unlock a wealth of possibilities to make a real, positive impact for years to come. This is a game-changer for sharing and leveraging knowledge across the organisation."

Mo Momodu, Programme Manager of Rail Infrastructure Centre of Excellence, chimed in, saying “The deployment of generative AI capability within the learning from lessons library will transform the way we harness knowledge, enrich insights, and encourage cross-industry learning”.

In an era marked by swift technological advancements, Network Rail states it remains firm in its commitment to innovation aimed at enhancing collaboration within the organisation and seeking efficiencies. The adoption of AI-driven knowledge management solutions is reflective of their commitment to employ state-of-the-art technologies to push the rail industry forward.