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Smarter System for Rail Supplier Approval |
05/06/2006 |
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Interfleet Technology has been involved in the delivery of a major application for the UK Rail Industry. The Software Solutions team designed, built and delivered the application on time and to budget. The new scheme, designed to save cost to the industry, improve quality, and support duty holder legal requirements was launched on 31/05/2006.
The Railway Industry Supplier Approval Scheme (RISAS) is aimed initially at critical components and services used in train overhauls. This is an area that represents a major opportunity for efficiency, as there are many customers and a complex supply chain.
Currently, suppliers can be subject to multiple audits by their different customers and the scheme will simplify this by means of a single thorough transferable third party assessment in which customers can have confidence, and which identifies a supplier as ‘RISAS Approved’ for various defined product groups.
The assessors, employed by Rail Industry Supplier Approval Bodies (RISAB), are required to have technical and assessment skills, a thorough appreciation of the key issues and the ability to see under the ‘surface gloss’. Accreditation of the assessment bodies is undertaken and overseen by Rail Safety and Standards Board (RSSB). A cross-industry board, with a mix of engineering, procurement and logistics expertise has been established to manage the scheme.
 Pictured at the RISAS launch seminar held on 23rd May in London from left to right are: Richard McClean (GNER), Ian Papworth (ATOC), Richard Gosling (RIA), Keith Rose (Porterbrook), Jon Leigh (Faiveley), Mark Zawisza (Interfleet Technology) and Maurice Wilsdon (RSSB).
Ian Papworth, Acting Director of Engineering at the Association of Train Operating Companies and Chairman of the RISAS Board commented "This scheme is a significant step forward in the strategic framework of improving train safety and reliability in an efficient and effective manner."
Richard Gostling, Technical Director at the Railway Industry Association added "We see this scheme as a positive step towards a supplier assessment approach which delivers benefit to customers and encourages quality in a supply chain."
Maurice Wilsdon who represents RSSB as a member of the RISAS Board said "The system has been piloted with volunteer suppliers and approval bodies and feedback has been extremely positive. It will streamline the process for both customers and suppliers bringing industry-wide benefits and manage risks arising from the specialist nature of the industry’s requirements."
Suppliers and rail industry customers can find out more at www.risas-online.org
Courtesy of Rail Safety & Standards Board |
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