RR-01 RR-01-01-03 — Operating Plan Design
This process involves the design and implementation of an operating plan for a US Class I freight railroad, focusing on optimizing train schedules, crew management, and equipment utilization to enhance overall efficiency and safety.
🗺 BPMN Process Flow
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📋 Process Attributes
| Process ID | RR-01-01-03 |
|---|---|
| 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 demands from the Chairman or President and CEO. |
| Outcome | Successful completion results in an optimized operating plan that maximizes rail capacity, reduces dwell times at terminals, and ensures compliance with all relevant regulations. |
| Systems | Unified Plan 2020 NetControl I-ETMS (Interoperable Electronic Train Management System) PS Technology (PST) EHMS (Equipment Health Management System) Wayside defect detector network (hot bearing / wheel impact / acoustic) |
| Regulatory Hooks | 49 CFR Part 232 49 CFR Part 220 49 CFR Part 228 AAR Interchange Rules |
📋 L4 Process Steps
| Step | Name | Role | System | Input | Output | KPI | Pain Point / Risk | Decision? | Exception? |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1.1 | Define Operating Objectives | Service Design / Network Planning Analyst | Unified Plan 2020 | Traffic forecasts, network demands | Operating objectives document | Network utilization above 85% | Balancing capacity with safety requirements | Y | N |
| 1.2 | Develop Train Schedules | Train Dispatcher | NetControl | Operating objectives document | Train schedules | Train speed above 20 mph | Ensuring adherence to regulatory speed limits | Y | N |
| 1.3 | Assign Crews and Equipment | Crew Caller / Crew Dispatcher | PS Technology (PST) | Train schedules | Crew assignments, equipment allocations | Terminal dwell under 24 hours | Managing crew fatigue and compliance with Hours of Service regulations | Y | N |
| 1.4 | Monitor Train Performance | Control Operator | I-ETMS (Interoperable Electronic Train Management System) | Train schedules, crew assignments | Performance metrics | On-time performance above 90% | Dealing with unexpected delays and rerouting trains | N | Y |
| 1.5 | Conduct Pre-Departure Inspections | Car Inspector (Carman) | EHMS (Equipment Health Management System) | Crew assignments, equipment allocations | Inspection reports | Defect rate below 1% | Ensuring all safety protocols are followed | Y | N |
| 1.6 | Implement Positive Train Control (PTC) | Train Dispatcher | I-ETMS (Interoperable Electronic Train Management System) | Inspection reports, train schedules | PTC activation logs | PTC compliance rate above 95% | Technical issues with PTC systems | N | Y |
| 1.7 | Monitor Wayside Defects | Track Inspector | Wayside defect detector network (hot bearing / wheel impact / acoustic) | Train schedules, PTC activation logs | Defect reports | Hot bearing detection rate above 90% | Responding to critical track defects | N | Y |
| 1.8 | Update Operating Plan | Service Design / Network Planning Analyst | Unified Plan 2020 | Performance metrics, defect reports | Updated operating plan | Network reliability above 98% | Adjusting plans in response to real-time data | N | Y |
| 1.9 | Review and Approve Changes | VP Network Planning & Operations | Unified Plan 2020 | Updated operating plan | Approved changes document | Change approval time under 48 hours | Coordinating with multiple stakeholders | Y | N |
| 1.10 | Communicate Changes to Crews | Crew Caller / Crew Dispatcher | PS Technology (PST) | Approved changes document | Communication logs | Crew awareness rate above 95% | Ensuring all crew members are informed | N | Y |
| 1.11 | Monitor Compliance with Regulations | Train Dispatcher | NetControl | Approved changes document | Compliance reports | Regulatory compliance rate above 99% | Continuous monitoring of regulatory requirements | N | Y |
| 1.12 | Review and Report Performance | Service Design / Network Planning Analyst | Unified Plan 2020 | Compliance reports, performance metrics | Performance review report | Overall efficiency improvement above 10% | Identifying areas for further optimization | N | Y |
📊 KPIs & Risk Register
KPIs
Network utilization above 85% Train speed above 20 mph Terminal dwell under 24 hours On-time performance above 90% Defect rate below 1% PTC compliance rate above 95% Hot bearing detection rate above 90% Network reliability above 98% Change approval time under 48 hours Crew awareness rate above 95% Regulatory compliance rate above 99% Overall efficiency improvement above 10%
Key Risks
Air brake test defect released to the road Network congestion leading to delays Crew fatigue impacting safety and performance Technical failures in PTC systems Track defects causing derailments
Swim Lanes
Service Design / Network Planning Analyst · 1.1, 1.8, 1.9, 1.12 Train Dispatcher · 1.2, 1.6, 1.10, 1.11 Crew Caller / Crew Dispatcher · 1.3, 1.9, 1.10 Control Operator · 1.4 Car Inspector (Carman) · 1.5 Track Inspector · 1.7