The innovative project which aims to create more efficient and effective depots sees East Midlands Railway work with engineers from the University of Sheffield’s Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre.

Network Rail‘s Performance Investment Fund is supporting the project and allows engineers to work hand in hand with the rail operator’s operations staff to build a representational model of the Nottingham Eastcroft depot which involves the recording of rules, processes and the timings of train movements.

The Nottingham Eastcroft Depot which recently saw a £2.56 million upgrade, provides East Midlands Railway’s Regional fleet with daily maintenance which is a very complex process due to the nature of the fleet which is made up of three differing train types – Class 156, 158 and 170s.

The creation of a virtual simulation tool will detail activities underway on the shop floor of the depot providing the user with the ability to identify capacity constraints as well as modelling scenarios in order to quickly recognise any impact on performance.  This invaluable tool will give the rail operator the ability to plan, stress test and simulate operational scenarios in much less time than using a regular approach which is hoped will bring improvements in rail services for passengers.

Richard Gardiner, Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre senior innovation fellow and sector lead for rail, reported that they have thoroughly enjoyed the opportunity to work with East Midlands Railway on the project, he also said:

“We are collaborating to assess the application of state-of-the-art process flow simulation tools to assist the efficiency and effectiveness of rail depot operations.

“The AMRC is drawing on its manufacturing intelligence team’s significant expertise in modelling and optimising manufacturing production facilities using a range of tools. These tools create a virtual simulation of activities taking place on the shop floor and give the user the power to identify capacity constraints, model scenarios and rapidly visualise the impact on performance.

“The model incorporates the depot and local Nottingham station roads and accommodates a range of units. It provides a virtual representation of activities in a 24-hour period and assists the current ‘beat-rate’ exercise. This model will add a dimension of scenario planning that was previously difficult and time-consuming to accomplish.”

Richard also said: “Since usability is a key feature of the project, a user-friendly interface is being developed that allows users to adjust variables and model scenarios without detailed process modelling software knowledge. As a net result of all the features and components of the model, depot operations can be made more efficient with an improved unit availability and better service to the public.”

Neil Bamford, Fleet Director at East Midlands Railway, said: “We are always looking at ways we can embrace technology to help us run our services more effectively and are delighted to be working with the AMRC on this project.

“We hope this collaboration will result in a more detailed understanding of all the barriers that impact on running depot operations as efficiently as possible.”