IPTIS · UK public procurement notice

The IPTIS algorithm has been refined over many years to meet the specific requirements of RDG and SilverRail clients. Due to the complexity of features built around this system, replacing it would disrupt numerous interconnected National Rail services, including the nationalrail.co.uk website. Introducing a new journey planner engine would likely lead to system incompatibilities, which could degrade customer experience, cause outages, and harm RDG’s reputation.

A wide network of over 100 downstream industry organisations—including TOCs and third-party retailers—depend on data feeds generated by IPTIS. Critical systems such as IDMS (Industry Data Management System), the Disruption API, and the Bulletins service all rely on IPTIS data to function effectively. Additionally, the NRE Contact Centre depends on a bespoke interface built on this platform to deliver accurate and timely information to customers.

The interdependencies between these systems are extensive and deeply embedded. Changing the core journey planning engine would trigger cascading technical and operational challenges, requiring significant reengineering of APIs, frontend platforms, and third-party systems. Furthermore, differences in data schemas and endpoints would necessitate broad changes across the ecosystem, some involving data structures originating from IDMS itself.

Given the critical role these services play in RDG’s operations and their alignment with mandated directives and stakeholder expectations from the DfT, maintaining continuity and compatibility is essential.