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High speed train project: Belgian National Railways

A management information system is a means of integrating and converging various systems and technologies into one single platform.

Take cameras, link them to the access control, tie in with fire and safety, and then bring in a building management system (BMS) to allow an all in one configuration, giving you a cohesive reporting structure. From this platform, users can then improve management and control, create efficiencies, improve utilisation of resources and provide a realistic return on investment. All of this is based on an open architecture infrastructure that allows for the choice of best-of-breed products.

Computerised management is the heart of any of the above operations, collectively known as facilities management (FM), BMS, security management or a management information system (MIS). The key to an MIS system is allowing each separate device to perform its relevant functions and then provide a central control management software interface that will manage, confirm and display the event, be it a trigger, an exception, alarm, or whatever the device has been programmed to perform.

Antwerp Central Station is being revamped for the Paris to Amsterdam High Speed Train. The reconstruction maintains the former façade but incorporates four levels of operation allowing for trains to arrive and depart on three levels, incorporating the current underground, and then a fourth level (ground floor) to include shops, offices and services. In addition Kongigin Astrid Square is being totally redesigned to facilitate more space for pedestrians and public transport including a large car park under the square.

The chosen Sky-Walker MIS integrates both existing and new systems as listed below:

* Fire detection and sprinkler installation.

* Intruder detection.

* Access control.

* CCTV.

* Water detection.

* EBP - signalling system for the railways.

* Document management.

* Weather station.

* DEG - emergency evacuation signage and signalling system.

* Lighting - including emergency lighting.

* Escalators and lifts.

* HVAC and electricity distribution.

* Alarms controlled by PLCs.

* RWA - smoke extraction systems.

* Window controller.

* Public address system.

Sky-Walker, supplied by Entelec Control Systems has enabled the National Railways control room to develop a range of standard operating procedures using its own control room staff to program and update the MIS system having completed their short and inclusive training course. This has seen a recent scenario enacted where some youths broke into a storeroom in one of the main access tunnels and started a fire. As the fire developed, the fire detection system alarmed, alerting the control room and immediately the nearest camera turned to view the detector location, at the same time a sequence of events started informing the operator on the required steps to be taken and allowing interaction as required. Simultaneously, the fire department was able to log-on through the website access and see the alarm notification with relevant footage; enabling dispatch of the correct fire fighting vehicles. Meanwhile, the operator checked on the weather station information and noted wind direction, which gave him the knowledge to activate emergency evacuation procedures for the affected areas rather than the complete station. Other systems were given the go ahead including the suspension of relevant train services through signalling, the activation of emergency signage, the appropriate changes for affected HVAC and the implementation of the smoke extraction systems.

The event was handled with the minimum of fuss enabling the safe clearance of all affected persons and the deployment of emergency services, in a clear, briefed and rapid manner allowing for the resolution of a life threatening incident. The complete event was recorded and a report produced highlighting response times and allowing for evaluation on what areas could be improved for safer event handling in the future. Besides the obvious financial benefit, a possible disaster was diverted largely helped by the MIS system, which gave full detailed information on the situation enabling the staff to co-ordinate their relevant efforts and functions. Belgian National Railways has been delighted with its choice of Sky-Walker for its MIS system.

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