Network Rail, a complex organization tasked with managing vast amounts of information across its business, recognized the need for improved information management practices. To address this challenge, Network Rail embarked on a project to develop its own generative AI robot, designed to facilitate easier and faster access to information and insights gleaned from past projects.
Network Rail partnered with Oakland, a renowned data consultancy firm, to design and develop a generative AI solution powered by Microsoft AI and cloud technology. This solution, now fully launched, provides users with a dynamic chatbot interface through which they can interact with a language model. The AI tool empowers users to pose queries and receive tailored responses based on Network Rail’s extensive library of learned lessons and invaluable data sources.
Mo Momodu, Programme Manager in the Rail Infrastructure Centre of Excellence, expressed his belief in the solution’s potential to enhance the utilization of past project learnings and foster cross-industry learning throughout the entire lifecycle of new projects. This, in turn, will enable Network Rail to proactively address potential issues, leading to improved efficiency and effectiveness.
Jack Evans, Principal Consultant at Oakland, highlighted the transformative impact of AI on the solution, unlocking a wealth of possibilities to create a lasting positive impact for Network Rail. He emphasized the game-changing potential of this tool in facilitating knowledge sharing and leveraging across the organization.
According to research conducted by McKinsey & Company, generative AI emerges as one of the most promising emerging technologies, projected to contribute up to $4.4 trillion annually to the global economy.
