IT/OT lifecycle alignment for reliable railway assets

Digitized railway assets increasingly integrate information technology (IT) with operational technology (OT), enabling applications such as remote monitoring and predictive maintenance. However, IT systems typically have shorter life cycles than physical assets and are often managed separately, leading to lifecycle misalignment, higher costs, and reduced availability. This study examines how the Dutch railway operator NS can align IT and OT lifecycles to enhance operational performance. Using Design Science Research Methodology and co-design workshops with industry professionals, we supported and evaluated three initiatives that complement the ISO 55000 asset management framework: the IT/OT Aspect Plan, Baseline Planning, and the Integrated Design Team. These initiatives aim to improve planning transparency and foster collaboration across IT, OT, and asset management domains. Validation through stakeholder feedback confirmed their perceived value while identifying areas for improvement, such as creating a more dynamic visualization and adding risk indicators. This study highlights the need to strengthen collaboration and cross-domain relationships between IT and asset management teams, as doing so is essential for bridging organizational silos and achieving integrated lifecycle planning. Future research will focus on developing an interactive planning tool and testing the framework in other asset-intensive sectors.

Keywords: IT/OT convergence, Asset Management, Lifecycle alignment, ISO 55000, design science research, cross-domain collaboration, Railway.