The ecosystem behind open signaling projects

Through www.opensignaling.org, Prover invites the industry to collaborate on modernizing railway and metro signaling. It’s not just a concept; open signaling is a practical, scalable way to deliver high-integrity signaling systems that reduce vendor lock-in, cut lifecycle costs, and promote innovation. 

Now we turn our focus to the ecosystem behind these projects: how open signaling projects are delivered, who is involved, and why now is the right time for partners to join.

How an open signaling project comes together

Open signaling projects aren’t delivered by a single supplier; they’re built through collaboration. A network of specialized partners collaborates to provide modular, standards-based systems that align with operational, technical, and safety requirements.

Typically, the delivery involves:

• Infrastructure managers, who lead the project and pick signaling principles
• System integrators, who coordinate the delivery, from hardware platform setup to application logic and commissioning
  
• Hardware suppliers, who provide COTS-based platforms, often based on standard PLCs complying with IEC 61131
  
• Software partners like Prover, who create application software that applies signaling principles to every site
  
• Independent Safety Assessors (ISAs), who ensure CENELEC compliance and support the safety case

Around these core roles, a range of additional tasks such as signaling engineering, safety engineering, project management, cybersecurity, quality assurance, testing, and construction can be subcontracted. This creates space for many contributors to bring their expertise into the ecosystem and deliver value within a shared framework.

Where the opportunity lies

Open signaling creates real value in segments that traditional turnkey suppliers often underserve. Projects with smaller scopes or complex legacy environments, typically seen as less commercially attractive, are precisely where the open, modular approach thrives.

Secondary lines, for example, may have limited budgets but require the same level of safety and reliability as mainlines. Relay-based system migrations often aim to modernize infrastructure without discarding proven signaling principles. And line extensions demand careful integration with existing operations, where preserving established routines is just as important as adding new capabilities.

These types of projects benefit from flexible delivery, local expertise, and a collaborative mindset, making them a natural fit for the ecosystem-driven model behind open signaling.

The role of the ecosystem, and how you can contribute

At the heart of the Open Signaling Initiative is a simple but powerful idea: no single supplier needs to deliver everything. Instead, the future lies in strong ecosystems of specialized partners, each contributing independent, interoperable components to a shared, modular solution.

Your organization might contribute by supplying COTS hardware or specialized firmware, developing or adapting application software, or acting as a system integrator or subcontractor in signaling or safety engineering. You could also contribute through cybersecurity, validation, testing, construction, or becoming an accredited Independent Safety Assessor.

By joining the ecosystem, you don’t just contribute, you gain. Partners get access to new projects, collaborate as part of a modular supply chain, and benefit from the growing demand for open, flexible, and future-proof signaling systems.

Why join the Open Signaling Initiative?

Joining the Open Signaling Initiative means becoming part of a growing movement reshaping how railway signaling is delivered. It opens the door to new market opportunities, particularly in small and mid-scale projects that large turnkey vendors often overlook. It creates space for innovation, with open interfaces and modular architecture allowing you to develop and differentiate your solutions.

This is also a model built for the long term. Instead of designing systems that expire, open signaling supports evolution, offering ongoing possibilities for service, upgrades, and support. As part of the initiative, you join a vibrant, growing community of peers, partners, and infrastructure managers working together to build a more open and sustainable future for rail signaling.

At www.opensignaling.org, you’ll find more information, a growing list of ecosystem partners, and a simple way to get involved.

Welcome to join the Signaling Design Automation Forum

You’re also warmly invited to attend SDAF, our event Signaling Design Forum, on October 1st in Stockholm, where this year’s focus will be on open signaling. It’s a chance to connect, exchange ideas, and help shape what comes next. You can join the event via live stream if you can’t attend in person.

Read more and register for the event here.