RR-03 RR-03-08-02 — Yardmaster Operations
This process outlines the operations for managing train movements within a terminal and yard environment, focusing on classification and switching activities at Bailey Yard in North Platte, NE.
🗺 BPMN Process Flow
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📋 Process Attributes
| Process ID | RR-03-08-02 |
|---|---|
| Domain Family | OPERATIONS |
| L1 Domain | Terminal & Yard Operations |
| L2 Process Group | Yardmaster Operations |
| Trigger | Arrival of trains with mixed carloads requiring reclassification |
| Outcome | Efficiently classified and switched trains ready for departure, ensuring compliance with safety regulations and operational efficiency targets. |
| Systems | NetControl I-ETMS PS Technology (PST) EHMS TRAIN II ISS / SSDX / CHDX |
| Regulatory Hooks | 49 CFR Part 232 GCOR Rule 88 and related |
📋 L4 Process Steps
| Step | Name | Role | System | Input | Output | KPI | Pain Point / Risk | Decision? | Exception? |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1.1 | Receive Train Arrival Notification | Yardmaster | NetControl | Train arrival notification from Harriman Dispatching Center (HDC) | Arrival confirmation in NetControl | Time to confirm train arrival < 10 minutes | Delayed notifications affecting initial planning | N | Y |
| 1.2 | Review Train Manifest and Classification Plan | Yardmaster | TRAIN II | Train manifest from HDC | Classification plan | Plan preparation time < 30 minutes | Inaccurate manifests leading to misclassification | N | Y |
| 1.3 | Assign Yard Crews and Equipment | Yardmaster | PS Technology (PST) | Classification plan | Crew assignment and equipment allocation | Time to assign crews < 15 minutes | Insufficient crew availability affecting operations | N | Y |
| 1.4 | Conduct Pre-Departure Inspections | Car Inspector (Carman) | EHMS | Train manifest | Inspection report | Inspection time per car < 2 minutes | Defective cars released to the road | Y | Y |
| 1.5 | Prepare Hump Yard for Classification | Switchman/Switch Foreman | I-ETMS | Classification plan | Hump yard setup | Time to prepare hump yard < 30 minutes | Technical issues with hump yard equipment | N | Y |
| 1.6 | Classify and Switch Cars | Switchman/Switch Foreman | I-ETMS | Hump yard setup | Sorted train cars | Cars sorted per hour > 500 | Misrouting of cars leading to delays | N | Y |
| 1.7 | Perform Post-Classification Inspections | Car Inspector (Carman) | EHMS | Sorted train cars | Final inspection report | Inspection time per car < 2 minutes | Defective cars released to the road | Y | Y |
| 1.8 | Update Train Manifest and Classification Data | Yardmaster | TRAIN II | Final inspection report | Updated train manifest | Time to update manifest < 10 minutes | Data entry errors affecting tracking | N | Y |
| 1.9 | Conduct Final Train Inspection | Car Inspector (Carman) | EHMS | Updated train manifest | Final train inspection report | Inspection time < 30 minutes | Train safety issues delaying departure | Y | Y |
| 1.10 | Prepare Train for Departure | Yardmaster | I-ETMS | Final train inspection report | Departure clearance | Time to prepare train < 20 minutes | Technical issues preventing departure | N | Y |
| 1.11 | Notify Harriman Dispatching Center of Departure | Yardmaster | NetControl | Departure clearance | Departure notification to HDC | Time to notify HDC < 5 minutes | Delayed notifications affecting subsequent operations | N | Y |
| 1.12 | Update Interline Settlement System (ISS) | Yardmaster | ISS / SSDX / CHDX | Updated train manifest | Settlement data exchange | Time to update ISS < 10 minutes | Data synchronization issues affecting billing | N | Y |
📊 KPIs & Risk Register
KPIs
Terminal dwell under 24 hours Train speed above 20 mph Time to confirm train arrival < 10 minutes Plan preparation time < 30 minutes Time to assign crews < 15 minutes Inspection time per car < 2 minutes Cars sorted per hour > 500 Time to update manifest < 10 minutes Inspection time < 30 minutes Time to prepare train < 20 minutes Time to notify HDC < 5 minutes Time to update ISS < 10 minutes
Key Risks
Air brake test defect released to the road Technical issues with hump yard equipment Misrouting of cars leading to delays Data entry errors affecting tracking Train safety issues delaying departure Technical issues preventing departure Delayed notifications affecting subsequent operations Data synchronization issues affecting billing
Swim Lanes
Yardmaster · 1.1, 1.2, 1.3, 1.8, 1.9, 1.10, 1.11, 1.12 Car Inspector (Carman) · 1.4, 1.7 Switchman/Switch Foreman · 1.5, 1.6