RR-01 RR-01-01-02 — Operating Plan Design
The process of designing an operating plan for a US Class I freight railroad involves creating detailed schedules and routes that optimize train movements, ensure compliance with regulations, and maximize efficiency.
🗺 BPMN Process Flow
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📋 Process Attributes
| Process ID | RR-01-01-02 |
|---|---|
| Domain Family | NETWORK & PLANNING |
| L1 Domain | Service Design & Network Planning |
| L2 Process Group | Operating Plan Design |
| Trigger | Initiated by the Service Design / Network Planning Analyst upon receiving updated traffic forecasts and network conditions from the Unified Plan 2020. |
| Outcome | A comprehensive operating plan that includes optimized train schedules, crew assignments, and equipment utilization, ensuring efficient rail operations and compliance with all relevant regulations. |
| Systems | Unified Plan 2020 NetControl CADx (Computer-Aided Dispatch) I-ETMS (Interoperable Electronic Train Management System) PS Technology (PST) EHMS (Equipment Health Management System) |
| Regulatory Hooks | 49 CFR Part 232 GCOR (General Code of Operating Rules) |
📋 L4 Process Steps
| Step | Name | Role | System | Input | Output | KPI | Pain Point / Risk | Decision? | Exception? |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1.1 | Gather Traffic Forecasts | Service Design / Network Planning Analyst | Unified Plan 2020 | Traffic forecasts and network conditions | Traffic analysis report | Accuracy of traffic forecast data | Inaccurate traffic forecasts leading to inefficient planning | Y | N |
| 1.2 | Define Train Routes | VP Network Planning & Operations | NetControl | Traffic analysis report | Train route schedules | Number of trains on optimal routes | Suboptimal routing leading to increased dwell times | Y | N |
| 1.3 | Assign Crews | Crew Caller / Crew Dispatcher | PS Technology (PST) | Train route schedules | Crew assignment plan | Crew utilization rate | Insufficient crew availability leading to delays | Y | Y |
| 1.4 | Schedule Maintenance Activities | Mechanical Engineer | EHMS (Equipment Health Management System) | Train route schedules | Maintenance schedule | Number of trains on time after maintenance | Overdue maintenance leading to equipment failures | Y | N |
| 1.5 | Review and Approve Plan | Chairman, President and CEO (plan sponsor level) | NetControl | Operating plan draft | Approved operating plan | Plan approval time | Delays in plan approval affecting operational readiness | Y | N |
| 1.6 | Implement Operating Plan | Train Dispatcher | NetControl / CADx (Computer-Aided Dispatch) | Approved operating plan | Implemented train schedules | Adherence to planned schedules | Disruptions in train movements due to unforeseen circumstances | Y | Y |
| 1.7 | Monitor Train Performance | Control Operator | I-ETMS (Interoperable Electronic Train Management System) | Implemented train schedules | Train performance data | Train speed above 20 mph | Slow-moving trains affecting overall network efficiency | Y | N |
| 1.8 | Adjust for Variations | Chief Dispatcher | NetControl / CADx (Computer-Aided Dispatch) | Train performance data | Adjusted train schedules | Number of schedule adjustments | Inability to adjust schedules in real-time leading to delays | Y | N |
| 1.9 | Conduct Crew Briefings | Trainmaster | PS Technology (PST) | Adjusted train schedules | Crew briefing records | Number of crew briefings conducted | Inadequate crew briefings leading to operational errors | Y | N |
| 1.10 | Ensure Regulatory Compliance | Service Design / Network Planning Analyst | Unified Plan 2020 | Operating plan and regulations | Compliance report | Number of regulatory violations | Non-compliance with regulations leading to fines and penalties | Y | Y |
| 1.11 | Monitor Equipment Health | Mechanical Engineer | EHMS (Equipment Health Management System) | Operating plan | Equipment health status | Equipment failure rate | Equipment failures due to poor maintenance leading to delays | Y | N |
| 1.12 | Review and Update Plan | VP Network Planning & Operations | Unified Plan 2020 | Operating plan performance data | Updated operating plan | Plan update frequency | Failure to update plans leading to outdated and inefficient operations | Y | N |
📊 KPIs & Risk Register
KPIs
Accuracy of traffic forecast data Number of trains on optimal routes Crew utilization rate Number of trains on time after maintenance Plan approval time Adherence to planned schedules Train speed above 20 mph Number of schedule adjustments Number of crew briefings conducted Number of regulatory violations Equipment failure rate Plan update frequency
Key Risks
Inaccurate traffic forecasts leading to inefficient planning Suboptimal routing leading to increased dwell times Insufficient crew availability leading to delays Overdue maintenance leading to equipment failures Delays in plan approval affecting operational readiness Disruptions in train movements due to unforeseen circumstances Slow-moving trains affecting overall network efficiency Inability to adjust schedules in real-time leading to delays Inadequate crew briefings leading to operational errors Non-compliance with regulations leading to fines and penalties Equipment failures due to poor maintenance leading to delays Failure to update plans leading to outdated and inefficient operations
Swim Lanes
Service Design / Network Planning Analyst · 1.1, 1.2, 1.5, 1.10 VP Network Planning & Operations · 1.2, 1.12 Crew Caller / Crew Dispatcher · 1.3, 1.9 Mechanical Engineer · 1.4, 1.11 Train Dispatcher · 1.6, 1.8 Control Operator · 1.7 Chief Dispatcher · 1.8 Trainmaster · 1.9