RR-01 RR-01-02-01 — Train Symbol & Blocking Plan
This process involves the development and implementation of train symbols and blocking plans for US Class I freight railroads, ensuring efficient network utilization and compliance with regulatory standards.
🗺 BPMN Process Flow
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📋 Process Attributes
| Process ID | RR-01-02-01 |
|---|---|
| Domain Family | NETWORK & PLANNING |
| L1 Domain | Service Design & Network Planning |
| L2 Process Group | Train Symbol & Blocking Plan |
| Trigger | Initiated by a Service Design / Network Planning Analyst upon receiving updated traffic forecasts or changes in service requirements from the Chairman, President and CEO. |
| Outcome | Successful completion results in an optimized train schedule that maximizes network capacity while adhering to safety regulations and operational efficiency targets. |
| Systems | Unified Plan 2020 NetControl CADx |
| Regulatory Hooks | 49 CFR Part 232 GCOR |
📋 L4 Process Steps
| Step | Name | Role | System | Input | Output | KPI | Pain Point / Risk | Decision? | Exception? |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1.1 | Review Traffic Forecasts | Service Design / Network Planning Analyst | Unified Plan 2020 | Traffic forecast data | Updated traffic analysis report | Accuracy of traffic forecasts within 5% | Inaccurate traffic predictions leading to inefficient scheduling. | N | N |
| 1.2 | Develop Train Symbols | Service Design / Network Planning Analyst | NetControl | Updated traffic analysis report | Train symbol design document | Number of train symbols developed per day | Complexity in designing symbols that meet all operational needs. | Y | N |
| 1.3 | Create Blocking Plans | Service Design / Network Planning Analyst | Unified Plan 2020 | Train symbol design document | Blocking plan draft | Number of blocking plans created per week | Balancing network capacity with safety and operational constraints. | Y | N |
| 1.4 | Review and Approve Blocking Plans | VP Network Planning & Operations | Unified Plan 2020 | Blocking plan draft | Approved blocking plan | Time taken to approve blocking plans (in days) | Delays in approval due to conflicting operational requirements. | Y | N |
| 1.5 | Implement Blocking Plans | Train Dispatcher | NetControl / CADx | Approved blocking plan | Implemented train schedule | Number of trains scheduled per day | Scheduling conflicts leading to delays or rescheduling. | N | Y |
| 1.6 | Monitor Train Performance | Train Dispatcher | NetControl / CADx | Implemented train schedule | Performance report | Train on-time performance percentage | Delays affecting overall network efficiency. | N | Y |
| 1.7 | Adjust Blocking Plans | Service Design / Network Planning Analyst | Unified Plan 2020 | Performance report | Adjusted blocking plan | Number of adjustments made per month | Inability to adapt plans quickly to changing conditions. | Y | N |
| 1.8 | Update Train Symbols | Service Design / Network Planning Analyst | NetControl | Adjusted blocking plan | Updated train symbol design document | Number of symbol updates per quarter | Complexity in maintaining consistent and accurate symbols. | Y | N |
| 1.9 | Review Updated Symbols | VP Network Planning & Operations | NetControl | Updated train symbol design document | Approved updated symbols | Time taken to review and approve updates (in days) | Delays in approving changes affecting network operations. | Y | N |
| 1.10 | Implement Updated Symbols | Train Dispatcher | NetControl / CADx | Approved updated symbols | Updated train schedule | Number of symbol implementations per month | Scheduling conflicts due to symbol changes. | N | Y |
| 1.11 | Monitor Updated Performance | Train Dispatcher | NetControl / CADx | Updated train schedule | Performance report | On-time performance percentage after symbol updates | Impact of symbol changes on overall network efficiency. | N | Y |
| 1.12 | Final Review and Adjustments | Service Design / Network Planning Analyst | Unified Plan 2020 | Performance report | Final blocking plan adjustments | Number of final adjustments per year | Ensuring long-term network stability and efficiency. | Y | N |
📊 KPIs & Risk Register
KPIs
Accuracy of traffic forecasts within 5% Number of train symbols developed per day Number of blocking plans created per week Time taken to approve blocking plans (in days) Train on-time performance percentage Number of adjustments made per month Number of symbol updates per quarter Time taken to review and approve updates (in days) Number of symbol implementations per month On-time performance percentage after symbol updates Number of final adjustments per year
Key Risks
Inaccurate traffic predictions leading to inefficient scheduling. Complexity in designing symbols that meet all operational needs. Balancing network capacity with safety and operational constraints. Delays in approval due to conflicting operational requirements. Scheduling conflicts leading to delays or rescheduling.
Swim Lanes
Service Design / Network Planning Analyst · 1.1, 1.2, 1.3, 1.8, 1.9 VP Network Planning & Operations · 1.4, 1.9 Train Dispatcher · 1.5, 1.6, 1.10, 1.11