RR-01 RR-01-02-03 — Train Symbol & Blocking Plan
The Train Symbol & Blocking Plan Process involves creating and managing train symbols and blocking plans to optimize rail traffic flow, ensure safety compliance, and enhance operational efficiency in a US Class I freight railroad.
🗺 BPMN Process Flow
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📋 Process Attributes
| Process ID | RR-01-02-03 |
|---|---|
| Domain Family | NETWORK & PLANNING |
| L1 Domain | Service Design & Network Planning |
| L2 Process Group | Train Symbol & Blocking Plan |
| Trigger | Initiated by the Service Design / Network Planning Analyst upon receiving updated network planning data or changes in service requirements. |
| Outcome | Successful completion produces an optimized train symbol and blocking plan that enhances rail traffic flow, ensures regulatory compliance, and improves overall operational efficiency. |
| Systems | Unified Plan 2020 NetControl (service design use) I-ETMS (Interoperable Electronic Train Management System) 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 | Review Network Planning Data | Service Design / Network Planning Analyst | Unified Plan 2020; NetControl (service design use) | Network planning data, service requirements | Updated network plan document | Accuracy of network plan review within 48 hours | Inaccurate or outdated network data | N | Y |
| 1.2 | Develop Train Symbols | Service Design / Network Planning Analyst | Unified Plan 2020; NetControl (service design use) | Updated network plan document | Train symbol document | Number of train symbols developed per day | Complexity in defining unique and efficient train symbols | Y | N |
| 1.3 | Create Blocking Plans | Service Design / Network Planning Analyst | Unified Plan 2020; NetControl (service design use) | Train symbol document | Blocking plan document | Number of blocking plans created per week | Ensuring optimal blocking to avoid congestion | Y | N |
| 1.4 | Review and Validate Plans | VP Network Planning & Operations | Unified Plan 2020; NetControl (service design use) | Blocking plan document | Validated blocking plan document | Time taken to validate plans within 7 days | Regulatory compliance issues | Y | Y |
| 1.5 | Update Train Schedules | Train Dispatcher | NetControl / CADx (Computer-Aided Dispatch) | Validated blocking plan document | Updated train schedule document | Accuracy of updated schedules within 24 hours | Synchronization with other rail operations | N | Y |
| 1.6 | Implement Blocking Plans | Train Dispatcher | NetControl / CADx (Computer-Aided Dispatch) | Updated train schedule document | Implemented blocking plan | Number of trains successfully blocked per day | Real-time adjustments due to unforeseen circumstances | Y | N |
| 1.7 | Monitor Train Operations | Control Operator | I-ETMS (Interoperable Electronic Train Management System) | Implemented blocking plan | Operational status report | Number of operational issues identified per day | Monitoring and responding to real-time operational changes | Y | N |
| 1.8 | Adjust Blocking Plans as Needed | Train Dispatcher | NetControl / CADx (Computer-Aided Dispatch) | Operational status report | Adjusted blocking plan document | Number of adjustments made per week | Balancing operational efficiency and safety | Y | N |
| 1.9 | Update Equipment Health Records | Locomotive Engineer | EHMS (Equipment Health Management System) | Operational status report | Updated equipment health records | Accuracy of equipment health records within 24 hours | Ensuring accurate and timely updates | N | Y |
| 1.10 | Review and Report on Performance | VP Network Planning & Operations | Unified Plan 2020; NetControl (service design use) | Operational status report, equipment health records | Performance review document | Number of performance reviews conducted per month | Identifying areas for continuous improvement | Y | N |
| 1.11 | Update Network Planning Data | Service Design / Network Planning Analyst | Unified Plan 2020; NetControl (service design use) | Performance review document | Updated network planning data | Frequency of network planning data updates per quarter | Keeping up with changing operational needs | Y | N |
| 1.12 | Close Process Cycle | Service Design / Network Planning Analyst | Unified Plan 2020; NetControl (service design use) | Updated network planning data | Closed process cycle document | Time taken to complete the entire process cycle within 3 months | Ensuring seamless integration of changes | N | Y |
📊 KPIs & Risk Register
KPIs
Accuracy of network plan review within 48 hours Number of train symbols developed per day Number of blocking plans created per week Time taken to validate plans within 7 days Accuracy of updated schedules within 24 hours Number of trains successfully blocked per day Number of operational issues identified per day Number of adjustments made per week Accuracy of equipment health records within 24 hours Number of performance reviews conducted per month Frequency of network planning data updates per quarter Time taken to complete the entire process cycle within 3 months
Key Risks
Regulatory compliance issues Synchronization with other rail operations Real-time adjustments due to unforeseen circumstances Balancing operational efficiency and safety Ensuring accurate and timely updates
Swim Lanes
Service Design / Network Planning Analyst · 1.1, 1.2, 1.3, 1.4, 1.11 VP Network Planning & Operations · 1.4, 1.10 Train Dispatcher · 1.5, 1.6, 1.8 Control Operator · 1.7 Locomotive Engineer · 1.9