Project REACH – Connectivity Design & Supply
Project overview
Passcomm was engaged to support Project REACH, a major rail network infrastructure project delivered by Network Rail and Neos Networks.
As an experienced supplier to the UK rail industry, Passcomm provided PADS approved connectivity solutions for use by major rail contractors involved in the national roll-out. The project included the kitting, stocking and supply of AFL Apex closures for trackside installation, alongside the development of bespoke fibre connectivity products designed specifically for the requirements of Project REACH.
We also worked directly with Network Rail, Neos Networks and telecoms design teams to support product development, supply continuity and technical readiness across the contractor network.
Challenges
For a project of this scale, Network Rail needed to ensure consistent product availability, reliable supply and continuity across multiple contractors working on the national roll-out.
The connectivity products being installed trackside had to meet rail-specific requirements, with approved products supplied in the correct configuration and available when contractors needed them. Any disruption in supply or inconsistency in product kitting had the potential to delay installation programmes and create additional pressure for contractors working to strict delivery schedules.
There was also a requirement to adapt existing AFL products and develop bespoke ODF solutions to suit the technical demands of Project REACH. This meant the supply partner needed not only product knowledge and stockholding capability, but also the technical understanding to work with design teams on practical, project-specific solutions.
Solution
Passcomm was selected as the product supply channel for AFL Apex closures intended for trackside installation on Project REACH.
From its Warrington warehouse, Passcomm managed inventory, kitting and supply of AFL Apex closures to key rail contractors. This ensured contractors had access to the required products in the correct configurations, helping to support consistent installation standards across the roll-out.
Passcomm’s long-standing experience in kitting and supply for the UK rail sector was central to the project. By managing stock availability and preparing products to meet specific rail requirements, Passcomm helped reduce complexity for contractors and provided confidence around product readiness.
In addition to supply and logistics, Passcomm worked closely with telecoms design teams to develop prototype ODF solutions for the project. These bespoke connectivity products were designed around the specific requirements of Project REACH and were assessed as highly beneficial to the overall programme.
Passcomm also provided AFL training courses to rail contractors, helping fibre engineers gain the technical knowledge required to install and work with the connectivity products being deployed as part of the nationwide roll-out.
Outcome
The project gave Network Rail, Neos Networks and their contractors a reliable supply channel for critical rail connectivity products.
By managing the kitting, stocking and supply of AFL Apex closures, Passcomm helped ensure that contractors could access the products they needed, when they needed them. This provided greater confidence around product availability, installation readiness and continuity across the project.
The development of bespoke ODF solutions also added value to the programme, giving the project team products that were better aligned with the practical and technical requirements of the roll-out.
Through product supply, bespoke design support and contractor training, Passcomm helped create a more consistent and technically informed delivery environment for Project REACH.
Conclusion
Project REACH required a connectivity supply partner with rail sector experience, approved products, strong stock management and the ability to support bespoke technical development.
Passcomm Connectivity Solutions Ltd provided a complete support package, combining PADS approved connectivity products, AFL Apex closure kitting and supply, bespoke ODF development and technical training for rail contractors.
The result was a dependable product supply route and practical technical support for one of the UK rail sector’s major infrastructure connectivity programmes.