Implementing Agile in Railway Product Development: A Balance of Compliance and Innovation
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.63282/3050-922X.IJERET-V3I3P103Keywords:
Agile, Railway Product Development, CENELEC, EN 50126, EN 50128, EN 50129, Compliance, Innovation, Safety StandardsAbstract
The global railway industry has been facing the challenges of bringing more flexibility and agility to the product development life cycles while complying with strict safety standards and norms. Long-time mechanics such as V-model have failed to effectively address the constantly changing technological demands as well as customer requirements. Hence, this paper aims to undertake a study on the adopted methodology of agile regarding railway product development. It aims to achieve the best practices from Agile while at the same time responding to strict requirements within the railway sector, such as CENELEC EN 50126/8/9 and other regulations. This paper presents a systematic literature review of Agile, suggests an appropriate approach for rail systems that combines the Agile methodologies and describes the case of an American railroad maintenance equipment manufacturer. One is convinced that the findings demonstrate changes in the necessity of project adaptability communication with stakeholders, the enhancement of product quality, and continued compliance with regulations. However, issues such as documentation methodical, tool interoperation, and obstacles to cultural adaptation have also been identified. Suggestions and a plan of action for Agile adoption to be used by the practitioners and the researchers working in railways.
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