The Role of Data Consultants for Transport
Digital fragmentation is one of the biggest risks to UK transport infrastructure. If you’re grappling with outdated legacy systems and disorganised datasets, there’s no need to panic. Oakland’s transport consultants specialise in turning this untapped data across your rail network, fleet, and infrastructure into lean datasets that work together. Plus, assets that provide you with actionable AI models and real-time data insights.
We also get the pressure you’re under to maximise the value of assets. We’ll take some of that pressure off by deploying data solutions at speed, supporting you as the rail industry transforms.
And when it comes to governance, approvals, and change advisory boards, we know the processes like the back of our hand. We’ve got a solid track record in playing by the sector’s rules to make sure you’ve got data and AI strategies and solutions that get the green light.
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The Transport Sector is Our Data Specialism
When we say we’re different from other data and AI consultancies, we mean it.
We speak your language. Our road and rail consultants’ understanding of the UK’s transport sector allows us to design impactful business solutions and bring them to life.
We understand how rail is evolving. We get the pressure that’s on TOCs and the industry to prepare for GBR, and that the success of the rail reform depends on operators, data, and technology working together in integrated systems.
We know how to navigate CP7. From keeping on top of accident reports and passenger on-time data to freight cancellations and compliance inspections, we’ve got your back.
“We have been really impressed with the engagement and general performance of the Oakland team; they have listened to our needs and requirements and have been a pleasure to work with.”
SME at National Rail
GBR
A Once in a Generation Reform
Great British Railways (GBR) is a unique opportunity to move away from fragmented systems into an intelligent railway fit to serve passengers, freight, and staff.
Data is at the core of rebuilding trust in the railway and improving services, so get a head start by structuring and organising your data now.
We know there are hoops to jump through during the nationalisation process, and we’re here to give you meaningful data strategies and insights every step of the way.
Our Data & AI Services for Rail & Transport
Get familiar with your data and learn to interpret it to deliver cost-efficient solutions for the passengers and network you serve.
User-Friendly AI Strategies & Solutions
Whether you’ve already automated processes with AI or you’re taking the first step, we’ll help you identify the tasks that are primed for AI assistance.
- Identify time-consuming tasks as worthy use cases for AI automation
- Increase the effectiveness of contract delivery
- Grow staff confidence in automation and AI governance
Data Governance that Ticks Every Box
You know as well as we do that there are lots of layers to governance in the transport sector. For solutions to get over the line, formal approval is imperative. We develop data solutions in line with necessary governance frameworks to ensure your data projects can progress to production.
Learn more about Data Governance
Accessible Data Management
When data is scattered across different systems, you risk not having the information you need to make vital decisions. When it comes to numbers and commercial impact, everyone needs to be on the same page. We’ll make that your new standard and empower your teams with structured data to inform critical activities.
Our Data Management specialists work with you to link the datasets you need across departments, from ticketing and timetabling to crew, fleet, and performance.
Data Management from Oakland
Our Work
Long-Standing Data Consultant to Network Rail
For over 13 years, we’ve delivered 160+ projects for Network Rail. We’re proud of the long-standing trust Network Rail has shown in choosing us to develop data and AI solutions to empower operational excellence. Oakland has:
Our People
Get in touch
Data and AI consultancy starts with a conversation. Call our friendly team on +(44) 113 234 1944 or complete the form below and we’ll be in touch soon.
Rail & Transport FAQs
What are the benefits of automation in the rail industry?
There are so many opportunities to automate activities across the rail and wider transport sector, ranging from train scheduling and fleet maintenance to signalling and HR.
Automating arduous, time-consuming tasks in rail operations opens the door to numerous benefits. These include:
- Enhanced operational efficiency with more streamlined activities and processes
- Reduced energy consumption due to optimised driving patterns
- Allowing staff to focus their energy and efforts on higher-value activities for more reliable rail services
See automation in action by reading our case study with Network Rail.
How can data management improve rail services in the UK?
Data management is about making an organisation’s data accessible, reliable, and useful. The more effective the management, the easier the right data is to access at the right time, driving numerous benefits to passengers and TOCs alike.
These include:
- Managing performance proactively
- Opening up cost savings
- Optimising train schedules
- Improving planning and resource allocation
- Spotting and remedying risks
- Faster incident responses
For more details on the impact of good data management, please head to our Data Management page.
How does automation from AI improve passenger safety in the transport sector?
Applying AI to automate activities in the transport sector omits the risk of human error, a leading cause of accidents.
AI is primed to monitor assets in real-time and make fast, informed decisions in critical situations. That could be diverting traffic due to the deteriorating condition of a road or re-timetabling platforms to accommodate train delays or cancellations.
Head over to our Custom AI Solutions page for more details about tailoring automation to your sector.
How is artificial intelligence transforming the transport sector?
Transport has traditionally taken (and relied upon) a reactive approach to operations. With AI, it can shift to a more proactive, predictive, and autonomous model. Some of the most common uses of AI in transport are:
- Predictive maintenance: By analysing real-time sensor data from vehicles and infrastructure, AI can anticipate component failures before they occur. Repairs can then be scheduled as a proactive, rather than reactive, activity. As a result, there’s a reduced need for unplanned downtime that would otherwise affect passengers, staff, and the wider network.
- Optimisation of networks and logistics: Large networks can have routing and logistics optimised by complex AI algorithms to:
- Reduce congestion
- Improve on-time performance
- Increase the efficiency of resources and fuel
- Enhancing safety: With the ability to detect potential hazards on roads and tracks, and within assets themselves, AI enhances safety across all modes of transport.
Find out how you can leverage the power of AI by viewing our Artificial Intelligence page.
How does data management help reduce rail delays?
The more structured, accessible, and useful data is, the faster it is to gain the real-time insights needed to reduce rail delays. For instance, data that flags a minor maintenance issue before it has the chance to become a major disruption. Or, data that forecasts a rail diversion conflict before it happens. The more information operators have, the easier and quicker it is for them to keep services running smoothly.
What role does data play in Great British Railways?
GBR’s vision – to create a railway fit for Britain’s future – is underpinned by data. To effectively ‘deliver the leadership’ and ‘long-term strategic thinking’ the sector needs, GBR must prioritise the gathering, consolidating, understanding, organising, and use of data from multiple sources to create one truthful system that supports planning and operations for the entire network.
With the right data and supporting processes (from strategy and management to governance), GBR will be in the best position to make decisions that really can transform the experience, safety, and longevity of the UK’s rail network.
What’s Oakland Everything Data’s experience in working with rail and transport organisations?
For over forty years, Oakland’s data and AI consultants have successfully implemented strategies and solutions tailored to the needs of the transportation sector. We’re particularly renowned in the rail industry, with our specialist team of transport consultants and analysts having completed over 100 projects for Network Rail. We’ve also delivered successful projects for:
- Govia Thames Link
- Cross Country Trains
- East Midlands Railway
To find out more about our experience and who we work with in the transport industry, please contact our team.
What types of activities does Oakland’s consulting solutions support?
Leave the data and AI automation to us so you can concentrate on the complex stuff. Oakland offers support with activities including:
- Knowledge Management
- Financial Reporting and Cost Centre Management
- Signaller Competency Management
- Automating Tasks with AI
- Fraud Monitoring and Compliance Management
- AI Use Case Identification
- Data Platform Development
- Data Forecasting
Contact us to get started.