In-process product quality assurance for rail vehicles

Our development support ensures that operational experience and rail-specific interface knowledge are incorporated at an early stage in the development of your project.

A joint review process, software development support and type testing are essential tools in this process. The intensity of development support is generally based on the degree of maturity of the product and its components, which we will determine using the maturity level model we developed with the VDB and Round Table Rail (RTR, an initiative of vehicle and component manufacturers and European rail companies).

The design review process assesses all essential aspects of the main technical concepts based on the key requirements of the specifications and the relevant standards/TSI. The process has three to five stages, from assessing the high-level design to the final design, and aims to create a functional specification coordinated with both parties.

We conduct type tests at the component and system level to ensure that the results of technical development and designs that were created during design review are in compliance before production begins.

If type test results from previous projects and tests are already available, they can be recognized if product conformity is confirmed to avoid unnecessary expenses for new tests.

We provide support during vehicle software development and testing to ensure that everything happens on schedule and meets quality standards. Our first step is to consult with you on the software release and development plan you developed and on planned quality assurance measures.
Over the course of the project, we regularly monitor the progress of software development and the implementation and effectiveness of the quality assurance measures.

If you supply rail vehicles to us, we will usually set up a project. Quality gates are important synchronization points during these projects when the progress is measured and evaluated by a specific group of participants based on criteria set in advance. This allows you and us to identify risks in time and take countermeasures. Quality gates are an essential tool for us to ensure projects are successful. Quality gates are designed in accordance with the project requirements and arranged with you in the contract. Our staff will help you use them.

DB AG expects suppliers of certain safety-critical rail vehicle parts to carry out first article inspections (FAI, "EMP" in German). Which rail vehicle parts require this depends on the specific contract. FAI is usually performed on the first product manufactured under series conditions. It is intended to demonstrate that the quality requirements set out in drawings, specifications and purchase orders are being fulfilled. You inspect the first articles you produce, proving to us that you have mastered the production and inspection processes.

the requirement set out in the contract. Testing can include various components, for example, to determine that the vehicle documentation and vehicle functioning comply with contractual requirements. We use the VDB's list of defects as a guide when conducting acceptance testing..