Systems Engineering in complex rail projects - a state-of-the-art scoping review

As rail projects become increasingly complex, a Systems Engineering approach—widely used in various technical disciplines—can be effectively applied. This scoping review evaluates the application and current state of the art for Systems Engineering (SE) in complex rail projects and focuses on Technical Management and Technical Processes as per ISO 15288 standards. The review highlights the rationale and challenges of SE in managing the processes in ISO 15288 within rail infrastructure. Findings reveal a lack of consensus on SE practices and terminology, emphasizing the need for standardized approaches. Further research is needed to align research and industry practices with ISO standards for improved implementation.