The “Shunting with TMS (RmTMS)” project adopts a staged approach to gradually digitalise the shunting process while minimising risk. Implementation takes place in the Digital Train Paths Solution (DSO TRS) in defined implementation steps.
The staged approach provides sufficient time to secure the acceptance of all parties involved and allows processes to be adapted flexibly. At the same time, it enables the gradual introduction of new technologies and processes, thereby minimising risks during development and implementation.
What was achieved in the “Live test” implementation step.
During the “Live test” implementation step, the core functions of Shunting with TMS were tested under real operating conditions. The focus was not only on technical feasibility, but also on the interaction between processes, roles and general operational conditions. This provided important findings and laid the foundation for the next implementation steps.
Objectives of the next implementation step: “Pilot operation”.
This phase is intended to test the technical functionality and organisational workflows and to make gradual preparations for commercial operation. The main focus during pilot operation is to test how the transition to workable daytoday operations can be achieved. Shunting movements are recorded digitally, planned in the system and presented transparently to the parties involved. The aim is to determine the extent to which this can create a more standardised, transparent and efficient workflow between railway undertakings and the traincontrol centre.
As part of pilot operation, individual workflows, responsibilities and amendments to regulations will initially continue to be tested and developed further jointly. The pilot provides the opportunity to identify and refine such issues at an early stage before the transition to commercial operation.
The derivation of planned shunting movements is not part of pilot operation.
Pilot operation will be conducted at the following operating points in order to test and optimise the new processes under real operating conditions:
- Biel Produktionsanlage Ost
- Givisiez Dépôt
- Hunzenschwil
- Luzern (in supervised test windows)
- Spiez
- St. Gallen Haggen
- Ziegelbrücke
Initial grade of automation in the “Automated shunting processes” implementation step.
The next step is intended to achieve an initial, targeted increase in the grade of automation. Shunting requirements can be derived from the planning already in place, requisitions can be further simplified, and automated approvals can be introduced in suitable areas. This will further standardise workflows and reduce the number of manual steps. In addition, control centres of railway undertakings can be involved in planning shunting routes.
Further implementation steps being planned
This will be followed by further implementation steps in which Shunting with TMS will be gradually expanded, more closely integrated and further developed. Topics such as the joint planning of train and shunting movements and systembased conflict detection will form part of later development stages.
