ResourcePlan
Transform train plans into optimised crew schedules that work in the real world.
ResourcePlan
From Complex Crew Rules to Compliant Schedules
The Challenge:
Resource Planning in rail is far more complex than simply assigning people and vehicles to trains. You’re managing intricate union agreements, fatigue regulations, shift patterns, rest requirements, skill qualifications, depot locations and countless operational constraints and other crew rules.
ResourcePlan offers two modules (Anonymous Crews and Vehicles) that seamlessly integrate with TrainPlan to ensure that the desired timetable can be supported by available vehicle and crew resources.
The crew planning process is validated against planning regulations, traction types and working rule directives. It fully supports splitting and joining of trains to provide the given services. Provides tracking crew hours. It also takes into account vehicle attributes to ensure sufficient equipment and crew to support the timetable plan. Any resource constraints are flagged on validation.
For example, changes to vehicle utilisation can affect the timetable and the crew work schedules and any conflict is flagged. This integration removes the need for any re-keying of data.
The Solution:
Our ResourcePlan Software builds anonymous crew schedules that comply with your specific
union agreements and regulatory frameworks, without ever handling names or personal data.
Working directly from TrainPlan, the system can generate optimised valid crew schedules based on roles, qualifications and operational requirements.
Four Core Capabilities:
How It Works
Tailored Resource Planning
for Your Operational Needs
Our ResourcePlan Software transforms your train timetable into compliant, efficient crew schedules whilst being configured for your specific union agreements, regulatory environment and operational practices. Every railway has unique crew arrangements, that’s why our solution is built around your requirements, not generic assumptions.
Input
Vehicle Characteristics
Input vehicle characteristics such as length, seating capacity, traction, number of each vehicle type, etc. This information is critical to determining if the schedule can be met. It feeds into crewing to determine if sufficient crew exist to cover the vehicles.
Define
Crew
Requirements
Import your train plan and define the crew requirements for each service. Specify crew roles, specialist qualifications and any additional staffing needs. The optional optimiser analyses your timetable and calculates total crew resource requirements across all services and time periods.
Configure
Rules &
Constraints
Build your unique operating rules into the system. Define shift patterns, maximum duty lengths, minimum rest periods and fatigue management requirements. Configure union agreement specific rules. Set qualification and skill requirements for different route sections or vehicle.
Generate
Optimised Schedules
The system generates anonymous crew schedules that cover all train services whilst complying with every configured rule and constraint. Optimisation algorithms balance crew utilisation. Multiple schedule scenarios can be generated and compared to find the solution.
Validate &
Implement
Schedules
Review generated schedules for operational viability, with the system highlighting any rule violations or resource shortfalls. Make adjustments with validation, ensuring all changes maintain compliance, then publish approved schedules to operational systems and crew management platforms.
Benefits & Integration
Resource Planning That Delivers Excellence
Your train timetable directly drives crew requirements, every service you add or modify creates specific resource needs. As you develop your train plan, you can immediately see the crew implications and validate that sufficient resources are available before committing to the timetable. Our integrated platform provides a single source of truth empowering you to make effective planning decisions and publish data to downstream consumers.
Improved Resource Utilisation
Valid, efficient crew deployment, reduce idle time and minimise dead-running. Better schedules can mean reduced overtime costs.
Guaranteed Compliance
Crew rule validation eliminates compliance risks. Complete audit trails demonstrate regulatory compliance and reduce grievances.
Faster Response to Change
Instantly understand crew implications when train plans change. Regenerate schedules in hours rather than weeks.
Enhanced Operational Resilience
Build robust schedules with adequate buffer. Identify potential crew shortages before they impact services.