This is one of the best example of system architecture (SA) application. Model is based on The Railway Architecture Framework (TRAK), a general enterprise architecture framework that sets the rules to develop systems architecture models across the aerospace, defense and transport industries, and is based on MODAF. Actual model adopts languages as: Unified Profile for DoDAF and MoDAF (UPDM), UML, SysML.
Model was presented at 27th annual INCOSE international symposium Adelaide, Australia, July 15-20, 2017 by Gary Arabian Systems Architecture and Requirements Manager at Asset Standards Authority.[1]
Model
The Transport Network Architecture (TNA) is a conceptual model that represents the structure and behavior of the transport system. The expected users of this model are planners, project managers, designers, operators and maintainer. The objective is to provide a robust yet flexible framework for consistent network asset planning and procurement. This will enable transport planners and project delivery teams to develop and acquire innovative solutions across all transport assets and modes.
On initiation of a project, the TNA supports the users in defining the business needs and requirements which determine what is to be achieved in the project and why. The users can use this model as the basis to introduce a solution that describes what the system must do in order to meet the business needs and requirements. The TNA bridges the link between the business needs (i.e. problem domain) and the system needs (i.e. solution domain) through its enterprise and concept perspectives. This model provides users with a visual representation of the traceability between the business needs and goals right down to the system level. [2]
Figure 1 shows the welcome page when opening the TNA model.
Figure 1. ‘Welcome to the Transport Network Architecture v1.0’ screen
Motivation and Rationale
The vision of transport is documented in publicly available strategies and plans on the Transport for New South Wales (TfNSW) website. To achieve this vision, Gary has led the development of the TNA model. The TNA model integrates multiple strategic documents into a structure, visual and relational format that can be used consistently across the cluster.
With the introduction of the Asset Standards Authority (ASA) within TfNSW, and the development of the Authorized Engineering Organization (AEO) framework, it was highly likely that each AEO would interpret standards and approach engineering disciplines differently unless guidance is made available for them to follow. To help ensure that AEOs adopt a uniform approach to engaging with Transport for NSW (TfNSW) for various transport projects, a model-based approach to engineering for the NSW railways was proposed. The principles around this strategy are that there should be an upper level of commonalities. [3]
Why TNA model?
- Enable innovative solutions
- Requirement traceability to long term goals
- Improve quality of requirements
- Encourage use of model-based approach
Figure 2. Strategy (TNA schema)
TNA Structure
The structure was developed from the enterprise, concept, management, and solution viewpoints represented in the TRAK metamodel and the boundaries from UML-based design.
Figure 3 shows the high level structure of the TNA, where an ‘enterprise’ view is supported by a ‘concept’ view, that itself is realized by a ‘solution’ view. The engineering disciplines that support the transport network (heavy rail, light rail, bus network, ferry network, and so on) all interconnect and contribute to developing the physical, system or resource items that form the solutions represented in the ‘solution’ view. Alongside this structure is the management information that applies across all layers, capturing requirements and standards as they are specified.
Figure 3. Architecture
In general the TNA is developed through the use of both structural and behavioral modelling approaches. Structural modelling describes the network functions and their relationships, including:
- functional hierarchy – which describes the functions, not the assets; for example, asset = escalator, function = permit vertical movement
- physical architecture – which describes how functions are apportioned or deployed to physical systems and assets
- geographic architecture – which describes how functions and assets are deployed geographically on the transport network
Behavioral modelling uses diagrams to describe how the network functions behave, for example:
- use case diagrams that describe how functions are grouped within a system and how external ‘actors’ interact with these functions; actors can be humans or external systems
- sequence diagrams that describe how various functions and actors interact with each other in processes over time
- activity diagrams show a sequential flow of inputs, outputs and control, specify sequence and conditions for coordinating other behaviors
Modeling Techniques and Specifics
Please refer to document [3] for full description of used techniques. One of the great techniques used in this model is “Diagram identifier scheme”. Model contains a large number of diagrams with a variety of content and for different purposes. This causes problems in being able to identify which diagram should be consulted when looking for particular types of information. The ASA has therefore developed a TNA diagram identifier scheme based on the conventions used on their publications. This scheme (shown in Figure 3) begins with identifying the architecture framework standard set (shown as ‘AF set’ in Figure 3) from which the diagram is based. [3]
Figure 3. TNA diagram identifier scheme
Figure 4. Sample
Figure 5. Diagram name sample
The purpose of the TNA diagram identifier scheme is to quickly convey the intended content of the diagram along with the mode of transport and discipline applied. This multi-dimensional naming convention benefit the user in helping reduce the time required to find the diagram. [3]
Resources:
[1] Gary Arabian. The Transport for NSW Transport Network Architecture Model, 27th annual INCOSE international symposium Adelaide, Australia, July 15-20, 2017
[2] T MU AM 06011 MO Transport Network Architecture model – package zip model published to view with web browser. Please read Appendix “D” of the below document for instructions on how to download and install the TNA model.
[3] T MU AM 06011 TI Transport Network Architecture – technical information document
Author:
Gary Arabian
Systems Architecture and Requirements Manager
Asset Standards Authority
Freight, Strategy and Planning Division Transport for NSW