For more than 15 years, Systematiq has helped to shape the success of some of Australia’s most ambitious infrastructure projects.

Drawing from its deep roots in the defence sector, the consultancy brings a disciplined, holistic systems engineering approach to the rail industry.

From light rail to metro networks, and from mobilisation right through to project completion, it ensures everything from safety protocols to technical documentation is meticulously planned and executed.

With a unique combination of specialist industry expertise, thorough risk mitigation processes, and commitment to strong client partnerships, Systematiq is striving to set a new standard for excellence in project delivery.

We spoke to Rhiannon Stratford, Capability Manager of Systems Engineering and Integrated Logistics Support at Systematiq, to find out more.

When it comes to light rail, Systematiq has a strong track record.

The consultancy has provided systems engineering services for multiple Yarra Trams projects in Melbourne, working both remotely and on-site.

In collaboration with the operator, it delivered reliability and lifecycle cost modelling to enhance asset management and support ISO55001 certification, and developed a compliant Systems Engineering Management Plan and Competency Guidelines, as required by the MR4 franchise agreement with the Department of Transport.

It also conducted a technical review of Asset Condition Assessment Guidelines (ACAGs), with its consultants mobilising quickly to assess the technical accuracy and operational relevance of 88 guidelines across key asset classes.

“Our consultants worked closely with Yarra Trams’ engineers and maintainers to classify parts, gather failure rates, and assess asset condition,” explained Stratford.

“That’s really the bread and butter of our integrated logistics team. They know the tools, they know the processes, the systems and the terminology.

“They can come into any rail project with that mindset and methodology to easily provide the client with a set of data to go forward with – so they know exactly what needs to be done in terms of maintenance, for example, and how much it’s going to cost them.”

Stratford said Yarra Trams gained some clear benefits from its work with Systematiq.

“When it came to developing their systems engineering framework, we leveraged our past experience to audit the plan they had at the time, developed an Engineering Competency Framework, and compiled technical guidelines and product templates to meet ISO standards,” she said. “With our help, Yarra Trams was able to demonstrate compliance to the Victorian Department of Transport, strengthening operational frameworks and technical documentation across the project lifecycle.”

Using some of the cutting-edge technology at its disposal, Systematiq also assisted the operator to improve its maintenance planning and asset health by developing models to predict its maintenance needs, inform investment strategies, and ensure service reliability.

“Our experts demonstrated the impact of effective asset management to the customer, helping them to meet the requirements of their contract while strengthening their operational decision-making,” Stratford added.

Many of Systematiq’s consultants have spent their entire careers in the industry, while others come from varied backgrounds, with specialised expertise in everything from engineering to safety and assurance.

The team’s broad base of experience means Systematiq can quickly mobilise consultants with the right combination of technical skills and adaptive thinking, ready to make an impact on complex light rail projects from day one.

However, Stratford said what really sets the company apart from its competitors is its cross-industry experience in defence and rail.

“Defence is a very rigorous, structured and process-driven industry, with milestones that need to be hit and standards that need to be met,” she explained.

“For every step taken, you must look at how that fits in the overall plan for the project and what the flow-on effect will be.”

Stratford said Systematiq’s consultants apply this same approach to light rail projects, ensuring that the holistic package comes together as intended.

“Sometimes engineers can get lost in the weeds – they can get bogged down in the design of a seat, for example, and forget to think about the bigger picture,” she said. “We make sure one decision doesn’t negatively impact on another, so you don’t end up with situations like a train not fitting in a tunnel.”

Systematiq’s consultants are skilled in supporting project teams through every stage of the lifecycle.

At the project mobilisation stage, they are there to help with key project management planning and interim service engineering support while teams are being established.

“Our consultants can step in from day one, often before a full operational team is in place, to establish project frameworks, clarify requirements, and begin immediate risk assessment and schedule planning,” said Stratford.

Stratford said early involvement from Systematiq’s experts comes with many advantages.

“If a project team isn’t getting things right from the start, they’re going to be picking up the pieces later on,” she explained.

“Sometimes we’ll come in halfway through a project and find mistakes and it’s too late to fix them.

“In other cases, fixing those mistakes is going to lead to delays and cost blowouts.”

Stratford shared an example of this that she personally experienced during a project for the defence industry.

“The company brought us in when they were already halfway through their design, and they were starting to struggle,” she said.

“Unfortunately, they hadn’t properly looked at the requirements for the project – they were focusing on designing something that looked great.

“That’s where our systems engineering experience comes in, because we could point out straight away that they hadn’t actually met the requirements of the client and end user.”

While embedding Systematiq’s team from the start works well, its consultants provide value at any stage of a project.

As projects progress into delivery, they excel in supporting verification and validation (V&V), risk evaluation, and system testing – phases where technical rigour, communication, and consistency are crucial.

“Our approach is flexible – we will provide the manpower the client needs when and where they need it,” Stratford added.

She said that often a client will intend to use Systematiq’s services for a couple of months, only to end up keeping the consultant on the project team for several years.

“We have one consultant that has stayed with a rail operator for over three years – he’s even moved up the ranks there,” she said.

“We always work with what the client wants. They might just be looking for short-term guidance, or for us to send in a specialist to work on something specific.

“We can also swap out our consultants to find the best fit for what’s needed as the project progresses. We always do a thorough handover if this is the case to make sure the process is beneficial to the client.”

As light rail projects become more complex and the demands on networks intensify, Systematiq stands as a trusted partner – ready to meet the transport challenges of tomorrow.