Depot flow modelling of a constrained depot

Our client was investigating opportunities to optimise the flow of its multi-traction maintenance depot in preparation for upcoming fleet and timetable changes. The depot is particularly constrained, being surrounded by housing on either side, meaning expansion was not an option. The feedback from senior depot operations staff was that the depot was running at capacity, and any additional train arrivals would lead to delayed departures and an increase in (maintenance) concessions. IPEX was brought onboard to analyse the possible solutions using the bespoke IPEX depot modelling process.

We shadowed the operations team over a night shift, timing standard processes and movements. This allowed us to develop an understanding of the depot’s  specific challenges and bottlenecks through observation and feedback from depot staff. We subsequently modelled all possible flow permutations from which we could calculate the flow rates of each area and identify conflicts within the flow of the depot processes.  

Our client had developed several possible infrastructure upgrades and workflow changes to improve the depot operations for the incoming changes, such as a Locally Operated Points System and extension to the fuel pad. These were built into the model, allowing us to assess the suitability of them individually and combined. The outcome of our work was a recommendation of which combination of upgrades to progress with and the benefits they would deliver. The quantitative analysis our team carried out fed directly into the business case, giving our client a clear and reliable solution to their complicated challenge and a means of justifying funding for any infrastructure investment.