The object of this paper is the development of a decision support system involved in
the bidding for invitations to tender in the railway field. The proposed methodology
is based on the characterization of the whole train and its components, through
several attributes according to a digital pattern approach. In particular some key
components were chosen such as the traction motor, the bogie and the auxiliary
equipment converter. The system measures the extent to which the products offered
by the company fit the one required by the customer, comparing the homologous
attributes. Such analysis is called ‘adopt/adapt/innovate’ (AAI). In this way it is
possible to identify products already designed that fully or partly fit what required,
obtaining huge benefits in terms of effectiveness and efficiency
