Research and Development (R&D) is crucial for technological innovation and the implementation of cutting-edge solutions in the rail sector. In this context, Elemaster develops complete products as a third party supplier, mainly for Railways & Transportation, Medical & Healthcare, Industrial Automation & Energy, Metering and High-Tech Mobility, with certified processes (ISO 9001, IRIS ISO/TS 22163, ISO 13485, IEC 61508, ISO 13849, EN 50128/9 and IEC 62304). The IRIS (International Railway Industry Standard) certification, specific to the rail sector, is a key recognition for the work carried out by the R&D department, certifying the quality and reliability of processes and products developed to ensure safety and efficiency in rail transport.
What is IRIS certification?
The IRIS certification is an international standard specific to the rail industry, created to assess and improve supplier quality management systems. Developed by the UNIFE (Union of European Railway Industries), it is globally recognised and aims to ensure that suppliers to the rail industry operate to the highest quality and safety standards. Since 2017, the IRIS certification refers to the technical standard ISO/TS 22163:2017, which combines the requirements of ISO 9001:2015 with additional specific requirements of the railway sector, covering aspects such as design, product development, production and maintenance. This ensures the long-term durability and updateability of the devices, which in the railway sector can perform their function for up to 10 or 15 years in a row.
The impact of IRIS certification on the Research and Development department
Obtaining the IRIS certification involves passing a rigorous audit process that evaluates the effectiveness of quality management processes in all phases, from design to final production. This ensures that the innovative technologies and solutions developed by the R&D department meet excellence criteria in terms of quality and safety. The IRIS certification requires the adoption of structured and documented working methodologies: each new project is subjected to detailed risk analysis to identify and mitigate potential criticalities. Hardware and software design processes comply with strict standards, including:
- EN 50129 for hardware design, ensuring the reliability and safety of physical components.
- EN 50657 for software design, ensuring that the programs used are safe and error-free.
- Failure Mode and Effects Analysis (FMEA) and Fault Tree Analysis (FTA) to identify and evaluate possible faults and their causes.
- Testing and verification: static tests, unit tests and code coverage to ensure that all parts of the code have been properly tested.
- HIL (Hardware in the Loop) to support overall software and hardware testing activities.
The IRIS certification has had a positive impact on Elemaster’s R&D department, certifying the dedication and commitment of workers to maintain a high quality standard and strictly follow regulations and standards in the design and manufacturing phases. This has significantly improved the competitiveness of companies in the global market and fostered a quality-oriented corporate culture and innovation.
Benefits and Importance of IRIS Certification for Elemaster
The IRIS certification is not only a recognition of quality, but also a constant commitment to excellence. For Elemaster, obtaining this certification means being able to guarantee its Customers technological solutions that not only meet but often exceed the safety and quality standards of the railway industry. In addition to these benefits, IRIS certification facilitates the standardization of business processes, improving operational efficiency and reducing the risk of errors and inconsistencies. This ensures consistent and reliable quality, with operating procedures that follow strict, uniform guidelines. Thanks to streamlined and coordinated processes, the development times of new products are considerably shortened, allowing faster response to market and Customers’ needs.
In short, the IRIS certification not only increases Customer confidence but also represents a tangible guarantee of the quality and reliability of the products offered. This international recognition attests that business processes meet high standards, reducing the risk of defects and increasing the security of the technological solutions provided. It also strengthens the company’s reputation in the rail sector, facilitating access to new markets and global collaborations, and positioning it as a reliable and competent partner in the international industrial landscape.
Case study: Practical implementation of IRIS certification
A practical example of the application of the IRIS certification in Elemaster’s R&D department is the hydrogen train project. During the development of the hydrogen cut-off safety system, strict design and testing standards were followed to ensure that the final product conformed to IRIS standards. This system, classified SIL2, uses a complex dual-channel safety architecture based on independent accelerometers, STM32 microcontrollers and relay outputs. It has been independently assessed by TUV to ensure its reliability and safety. Adherence to SIL2 requirements ensures that the system can operate safely and reliably even under abnormal acceleration conditions, demonstrating the effectiveness of the IRIS certification process in ensuring the quality and safety of Elemaster products.
Continuous Excellence and Innovation in the Rail Sector
Elemaster’s R&D continues to set new standards of excellence in the rail industry and beyond. The adoption of IRIS certification and commitment to innovation ensures that each product developed not only meets Customer requirements, but exceeds expectations in terms of quality, safety and reliability. With a clear vision and a constant commitment to sustainability and the updateability of products, the company is ready to lead the industry towards new technological achievements, always maintaining a strong focus on customer satisfaction and operational excellence.