Urban congestion and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions are two of the most pressing challenges facing cities and regions worldwide. In the European Union (EU), the rail transport has been losing share to road transport over the last decade, for both freight and passenger. This shift exacerbates urban congestion and increases GHG emissions, counteracting the goals of sustainable and efficient transportation networks.
In this blog, I outline these challenges and propose how a single source of truth plays a pivotal role in transforming rail operations, connecting end-to-end processes to improve profitability for freight and customer satisfaction for passengers.
The losing share of rail transport
The decline in rail transport usage can be attributed to several key factors:
Infrastructure Limitations: More than $220 billion is spent annually on global rail infrastructure investments, according to the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development.
In the long term, this will increase infrastructure capacity, but in the short term, it has reduced existing capacity as most of the work will be carried out on the current infrastructure.
Cost and Efficiency: Rail operations can be more expensive and less flexible compared to road transport, making it less attractive for both passengers and freight. COVID changed the travelling habits of passengers. The situation has improved, but still not quite there yet.
Service Quality: Issues such as reliability, frequency, and convenience of rail services contribute to a perception of lower service quality.
Regulatory and Administrative Barriers: Complex regulatory frameworks and administrative procedures hinder the efficiency and competitiveness of rail transport.
Data Fragmentation: The absence of a unified data system leads to fragmented decision-making and operational inefficiencies.
The need for a single source of truth
To address these challenges, rail operators must adopt a single source of truth that integrates all facets of rail operations. This approach brings cohesion and efficiency to the system, transforming operations for both freight and passenger services.
Integrated freight rail operations
An integrated solution can seamlessly connect linehaul, terminal management, and yard management operations. This improves:
Service Reliability: By matching customer demand with available resources and optimizing service configurations.
Operational Efficiency: Coordinating freight arrivals, departures, and in-terminal storage optimally.
Resource Utilization: Ensuring the availability of rolling stock, locomotives, and crews as per service requirements.
Optimized passenger train operations
For passenger rail service, an integrated planning solution could enhance:
Demand Forecasting: Accurately predicting passenger demand to ensure capacity meets requirements.
Disruption Management: Efficiently handling day-of-operations disruptions to maintain service quality.
Resource Allocation: Optimizing the use of trains and personnel while complying with regulatory standards.
DELMIA’s integrated solution for rail operations
DELMIA offers a comprehensive suite of solutions tailored to address the complexities of both freight and passenger rail operations. Leveraging best-in-class technologies for optimization, artificial intelligence (AI), and advanced simulation, DELMIA provides the tools necessary for rail operators to achieve operational excellence and sustainability.
Freight rail operations
DELMIA’s integrated planning solutions for freight rail operations cover key areas such as:
Linehaul: Matching customer demand with rolling stock resources, optimizing service offerings, and ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements.
Terminal Management: Coordinating freight arrivals and departures, optimizing load planning, and managing in-terminal storage.
Yard Management: Managing inbound and outbound train services, marshalling and unmarshalling trains, and optimizing shunting activities.
These solutions enable freight operators to ensure reliability, safety, affordability, and increased service quality.
Passenger train operations
For passenger rail operations, DELMIA addresses planning challenges through:
Strategic Demand Planning: Forecasting and addressing demand to ensure adequate service provision.
Tactical and Detailed Scheduling: Optimizing resources and schedules to meet both short-term and long-term needs.
Day-of-Operations Monitoring: Managing disruptions and maintaining service continuity through real-time monitoring and decision-making.
Transforming your rail operations
The transformation of rail operations through a single source of truth is essential for overcoming current challenges and future-proofing the industry. By connecting end-to-end operations, rail operators can ensure profitability for freight services and customer satisfaction for passenger services.
Are you ready to transform your rail operations? Join us on this journey towards innovation and efficiency. Our experts will be available to have a conversation with you at the InnoTrans 2024 in Berlin. Join us for a discussion on the future of connected rail operation at Hall 6.1, booth 360. You can also book a meeting here.
Buddharatn Ratawal has been the Sr. Manager, Strategic Business Development for the DELMIA brand at Dassault Systèmes since 2022. He is responsible for developing new and innovative business markets and reinforcing the company position as an innovative leader in key industries.