Biarri Rail has been awarded a contract to deliver new planning and scheduling software for TasRail, including programs that will reportedly create efficiencies in train scheduling.
An Australian-based leader in the development of planning and scheduling software, Biarri Rail, will soon undertake the design of a Boss MP cloud-based system for Tasmania’s major rail operator.
The reported aim of the new software is to provide TasRail with improved train design planning, locomotive selection, rollingstock utilisation, rostering and train pathing.
Freight data provided by a customer (such as freight tonnage) will be able to be entered into the system, which will then determine various efficiency measures that can be taken by TasRail, providing the operator with an estimation of the number of days the trains need to be run, the amount the wagons, the time of day, and the preferable organisation of the driver and crew roster.
According to Bob Parton, TasRail’s freight services general manager, this would mean a marked improvement on the existing system, where “planning is currently undertaken utilising excel spreadsheets and across a number of departments”.
Parton said that the new system would enable better use of TasRail’s railway assets and its organisation of planning activities.
“This will result in more effective and efficient planning to meet our customers’ needs and ensure we continue to deliver freight in a safe, timely and competitive manner,” Parton said.
Biarri’s tender won out over five other mainland-Australian and overseas companies. While the Request for Tender was in step with TasRail’s “Buy Local” policy, no Tasmanian firms submitted a tender for the new software development.
Tom Forbes, Biarri Rail’s CEO, said that they would be providing an innovative solution which would provide measurable outcomes.
“Boss MP is a new concept in planning and scheduling software, bringing together man and machine through a great user experience and powerful algorithms to help manage the complexity associated with railway planning,” Forbes said.
“Ultimately, this helps railways save money, improve asset utilisation and drive efficiency.”
The software will be introduced to TasRail’s operations in three separate stages, while the complete system is expected to be finalised in early 2019.