Railway: Software scrutiny
Verification and validation are key concepts in train system management. They form the backbone of software component testing, which involves almost every aspect of modern train operations and is essential for safety, integrity and compliance.
ALTEN engineers are responsible for verifying and testing a wide variety of software to ensure the safety and security of train operations. While most of this software is developed by their customers, ALTEN’s specialists are thoroughly familiar with the standards under which the software is expected to function. This familiarity allows them to identify key areas for scrutiny and maintain the objectivity required to ensure reliability, particularly regarding current issues in data encryption and cybersecurity.
Many levels
Ensuring the proper functioning of train systems involves integrating a large range of software through multiple communication protocols. ALTEN’s engineers validate the interoperability of onboard subsystems that must communicate with each other via the Ethernet network; they look for compliance with the train control and management system standard, the quality of radio communications between the train and the control station, and the automation of certain driving processes related to railway signaling. “We perform software testing at the unit level, the component level, and the integration level,” explains Andrea Marano, Project Manager at ALTEN in Italy.
Testing activities are performed using various techniques. In “black box” testing, Andrea and his team assess how the software functions without examining the code itself. Conversely, in “white box” testing, the teams examine the actual software, the code, and its compliance with coding rules. At the unit and component levels, this helps to avoid considerable costs that could result from failures identified only in the final stages of product development. They focus on the functioning of the interfaces between subsystems during subsequent integration phases at the system level. In some cases, the software is tested directly in the actual operating environment.
“We look at how the software behaves, comparing the expected behavior with what we obtain through stimulations,” says Andrea. These tests can be performed on train simulators, which interface real and simulated equipment on a smaller scale, or directly at train integrator sites. ALTEN is able to conduct this kind of test at its site in Bologna, where Andrea and his team are located.
More than technical
ALTEN’s engineers select the methodologies and strategies they will use to ensure compliance with existing norms and regulations. The standards may be national, regional or international. “Because of our extensive experience,” explains Andrea, “we know exactly how to achieve our objectives. We know the norms inside-out.” ALTEN’s specialists are familiar with the range of applicable requirements and have developed approaches and tools to help their customers complete their projects successfully – and on time.
“It’s our engineers – their knowledge, their expertise – that sell our services, says Daniele Fontanelli, Business Manager at ALTEN in Italy. “But it’s not only a question of technical expertise,” clarifies Andrea. “Easing daily activities, daily processes, is key. We weigh in with relevant project management skills and best practices. For example, we can suggest the best KPI’s to estimate the effort involved based on the specific programming language or the software of to be tested.”
A revolution in small things
As engineers coming from diverse areas of industry, ALTEN’s specialists have learned to apply their knowhow to the specific challenges of railway systems, but it is an ongoing process. As technology and regulations evolve – and as environmental concerns require closer scrutiny of operating systems and modes – their tools must be continually adapted.
“One of our main challenges,” says Andrea, “is cultivating the ability to adapt. Most of this type of knowledge you won’t gain by attending the university. It’s not so much the software we test, but how we perform our activities. Over the years I have seen people make small modifications to the processes we use to monitor something or other. We’re always trying to simplify, to optimize – that is where the real revolution lies.”
