Approach for Development of Real-Time Marshalling Yard Management System

In this paper, we present an approach for development of a novel real-time marshalling yard management system (RTMYMS). Based on an advanced simulation/optimization approach the expected impacts shall lead to improved punctuality, system efficiency and competitiveness of freight rail transportation, particularly of marshalling yards as important nodes in railway freight network. Based on the state of the art in yard operations the requirements for a RTMYMS are defined. These requirements should serve as a framework for the IT solution and the experimental proof of concept. In next step the IT solution should be implemented and tested in order to be verified in a real-world marshalling yard. An intelligent decision-making on a real-time basis is therefore required and presents a main element of automation and optimization in marshalling yards.