Getting Change on Track: Deutsche Bahn’s Camunda Transformation

As Germany’s state-owned national railway company, Deutsche Bahn operates a complex network of services and infrastructure across Germany and beyond; a system of more than 33,000 kilometers (around 20,500 miles) of track. In his on-demand presentation at CamundaCon Berlin, 2024, Alexander Petioky discussed how Camunda has been central to DB’s efforts to modernize and streamline its application processes, enhancing efficiency and adaptability across its many IT systems and critical infrastructure, specifically focusing on adopting and integrating Camunda 7 and Camunda 8.

Deutsche Bahn (DB) is an extensive conglomerate comprising several large business units, each handling different aspects of railway operations. From passenger transport to cargo freight, infrastructure management, and power supply through DB Energy, the organization encompasses a variety of specialized companies. The IT architecture within DB is equally diverse, with numerous applications developed in Java, all pivotal to the safe and timely daily operations of their railway network.

Application development evolution with Camunda

In its decade-long history with Java application development, DB has witnessed a significant evolution in its processes, particularly with the introduction of Camunda. Initially, DB operated applications handling anywhere from 100,000 to over 20 million process instances annually. The shift from their previous Camunda 7 applications to the new Camunda 8 marked a significant progression, moving from established migrations to the development of entirely new, greenfield applications using Camunda, which Alexander discussed at length in his presentation (available now, on-demand).

Smoothing transition with Camunda

Transitioning to Camunda 8 posed several minor challenges, notably in terms of architecture and system coupling, but none were unsurmountable, and Alexander discusses these at length.

One task lay in the decoupling of applications from the process engine, a defining feature of the Camunda 8 architecture, which promises more flexibility and scalability. DB’s strategy involved an intermediary step—retaining the use of Camunda 7 while preparing for a full transition to Camunda 8. This involved employing external tasks and setting up a standalone Camunda engine, easing the switch between the old and new systems.

Migration strategies and production deployment with Camunda

The migration to a production environment with Camunda is a decisive phase involving strategic choices about the migration process. DB’s approach included both “big bang” and incremental migration strategies. The “big bang” approach, while straightforward, carried the risk of downtime and potential issues that might arise during the transition. Conversely, the incremental approach allowed for a more controlled transition. A critical aspect of this phase was the management of dynamic data such as running process instances and variables, which DB managed through careful coordination and planning.

Final reflections on the Camunda journey

DB’s journey with Camunda underscores the importance of a comprehensive strategy when adopting new technology. The process involves more than just technical upgrades—it requires a holistic view that considers the organizational structure, application architecture, and overall operational strategy. Camunda has provided DB with the tools necessary to create more modular, scalable, and efficient applications, which are essential for the railway’s operation and solving the problems of tomorrow in any industry sector.

DB’s experience with Camunda serves as an instructive lesson for other organizations undergoing similar technological transitions. It highlights the significance of innovative solutions like Camunda in navigating the complexities of IT systems and emphasizes the continuous need for adaptability and innovation in a rapidly evolving tech landscape. With the support of Camunda, DB is on track to face future challenges and continue its journey toward operational excellence in railway services.