Case Study: CleanSweep-Railway Cleaning Operations Optimisation
By RADD Solutions Limited
Overview
CleanSweep represents an innovative solution developed by RADD Solutions Limited to optimise train cleaning operations for Northern Trains. This sophisticated web application integrates real-time train movement data with cleaning schedules to help staff efficiently manage cleaning operations during scheduled dwell times at stations. The system combines data from multiple railway systems including Network Rail's TRUST system, Darwin’s live train times message queue, IVU train formation data, and MPro5 cleaning records to provide a comprehensive view of cleaning requirements and opportunities.
Problem Statement
Train presentation teams face significant challenges in managing cleaning operations within the constraints of service schedules. Cleaning staff need to work efficiently during limited dwell times at stations while maintaining high standards of cleanliness. The existing process lacked real-time visibility of train movements and cleaning history, making it difficult to optimise resource allocation and ensure consistent cleaning standards.
Key challenges included:
- No centralised way to view both scheduled and actual train arrival times
- Difficulty tracking when different types of cleans (basic and partial) were last performed
- Limited ability to coordinate cleaning activities with actual train movements
- Complex data integration requirements across multiple railway systems
- Need for mobile access for cleaning staff working across different stations
- Lack of systematic work prioritisation, resulting in inefficient resource allocation and inconsistent service delivery
Solution Implementation
RADD Solutions delivered a comprehensive web-based solution that integrates multiple data sources to provide cleaning staff with the information they need. The system includes:
Live Train Movement Integration
The solution implements a dual-layer integration with Network Rail's TRUST system, combining scheduled movement data from daily flat files with real-time movement updates from Darwin. This provides accurate arrival and dwell time information essential for cleaning operations planning.
Cleaning History Integration
Integration with the MPro5 system enables tracking of cleaning history by vehicle, with support for different cleaning types. The system runs frequent updates to maintain current cleaning status information.
Vehicle Tracking Integration
The solution integrates with the clients’ train movements control, receiving both daily full exports and 15-minute delta updates to maintain accurate vehicle-to-service mappings.
Mobile-Optimised Interface
A user-friendly interface allows staff to filter by station and view all relevant services, including scheduled arrival times, dwell times, and time since last clean for each type of cleaning operation.
Challenges Overcome
Authentication System Evolution
The initial implementation using email-based user registration was revised based on user feedback. The system was first simplified to use shared passwords managed by administrators, improving accessibility while maintaining security through features like protection against common passwords and failed attempt monitoring. The system was then further modified to increase security by only being accessible from client managed devices.
Complex Data Integration
The system needed to handle multiple data sources with different update frequencies and formats:
- Daily schedule updates from Network Rail
- Real-time train movement data
- 15-minute delta updates from IVU
- Frequent cleaning record updates from MPro5
Infrastructure Requirements
The solution needed to be accessible to mobile users on their own devices while integrating with internal Northern systems. This was achieved through careful infrastructure planning and secure external access configuration.
Business Benefits
The implementation of CleanSweep has delivered several key operational improvements:
- Real-time visibility of train movements and cleaning requirements
- Improved coordination between cleaning staff and train schedules
- Better utilisation of available dwell times for cleaning activities
- Enhanced tracking and reporting of cleaning activities
- Mobile access for cleaning staff across multiple locations
Future Developments
RADD Solutions continues to enhance the system based on user feedback and operational requirements, maintaining an open and collaborative partnership with Northern Trains Limited. This partnership approach has been characterised by transparent communication and realistic assessment of what's technically feasible, leading to practical and implementable solutions.
Recent and planned developments include:
- Simplified authentication system to improve user adoption
- Enhanced security features for shared access
- Ongoing refinements to the user interface
The potential applications of CleanSweep extend beyond cleaning operations. The system's architecture could be adapted to support other operational needs, such as:
- Real-time tracking and reporting of service quality faults
- Management of low-level maintenance issues that fitters can address during station stops
- Coordination of other time-sensitive activities that need to align with train movements and dwell times
These expanded applications would leverage the existing data integration framework while extending the system's value across additional operational areas.
Conclusion
CleanSweep demonstrates RADD Solutions' ability to deliver practical solutions to complex operational challenges in the railway industry. By combining multiple data sources into a user-friendly mobile interface, the system helps cleaning staff work more efficiently while maintaining high standards of train presentation.
The solution's success lies in its ability to bridge the gap between various railway systems while remaining simple and accessible for end users. Its implementation has helped Northern Trains improve the efficiency and effectiveness of their train presentation operations.