Developing a crucial scheduling software module for Qnamic

CLIENT

CHALLENGE

The Swiss are the world’s keenest train users, each traveling on average more than 2,000 km by rail annually. To cope with this demand, half-hourly service recently replaced hourly service between the country’s main cities. Optimal efficiency depends on train operators’ knowledge of rail routes. Until recently, this entailed reference to two paper documents: a 470-page reference manual covering all rail infrastructure, including stations, signals, sections and appropriate train speeds; and a rail timetable, updated daily, with station codes.

Extra sheets with additional information such as temporary speed restrictions or timetable adjustments were often attached to the timetable, with details of the location and speeds to be observed and presented to the driver when he booked on duty.

With the format and structure of information differing between the reference guide and the timetable, however, constantly switching between the two was an awkward and distracting process for train operators working in such a pressurised environment.

To ensure compliance with the newly tightened schedules, the paper reference manual and timetable needed to be replaced with a digital Driver Information System (RailOpt DIS), which train operators would find easy to use, and which could be accessed online. Qnamic, tasked with producing the replacement software, decided to outsource the development of a customised server and web server to add web functionality while obtaining a significant cost advantage.

RESULTS

Our development of a customised application enhances the functionality of Qnamic’s existing system. Today, information relating to infrastructure and scheduling, which was previously spread between two documents and ran to hundreds of pages, has now been combined into an electronic document that presents the latest schedule in digital format.

Train operators can access the electronic DIS from any browser via the company intranet in advance, ensuring familiarity with routes and track changes. The DIS has also reduced bureaucracy and increased flexibility – when unplanned scheduling changes are made, the update can be loaded at any time via internet.

The RailOpt DIS offers drivers the convenience of an in-cab office. This saves paper and time, as well as reducing the potential for error through direct communication. The system also ensures high transparency and simplifies accounting.

The localisation mechanisms we introduced multiply Qnamic’s return on investment, enabling the company to offer the software to other rail operators in other countries. Today, the software is used by rail operators in Switzerland, Belgium, Luxembourg and Sweden.