Resource and maintenance planning solution for Eurostar

Eurostar high-speed rail operator relies on Ordina to deliver a resource and maintenance planning solution

Ordina announced today that it has been chosen to optimize resource and maintenance planning for Eurostar, a leading international high-speed rail service operating through the Channel Tunnel. Ordina outlined a two-pronged solution for resource and maintenance planning, which will optimize scheduling for conductors, managers and control room staff. In addition, the solution will streamline the delivery of detailed train maintenance plans across time zones.

Eurostar trains transport passengers to and from London, Paris, Brussels, Rotterdam and Amsterdam via the Channel Tunnel and has carried 10.3 million customers since 2017. The rail firm has ambitious expansion plans that prioritize offering more trips while maintaining the same superior customer experience levels.

User friendly, flexible and suitable for a diverse user base

“We sought a solution capable of planning across all time horizons that can be configured for multiple sets of rules and regulations,” explains Philippe Dabancourt, director of Train Services & Performance at Eurostar. “It also had to be a user-friendly system that our rostering and maintenance planners could use. So multiple language and time zone support was crucial.”

Wouter Tielemans, director supply chain optimization at Ordina: “We’re delighted to be chosen as Eurostar’s partner in solving a complex workforce and maintenance planning puzzle. Our industry experience gives us the background to configure the solution exactly to Eurostar’s requirements, and to integrate it seamlessly with their existing IT landscape. As a result, Eurostar will be fully equipped to deliver high service levels while simultaneously expanding their business.”

Centralized control and communication via intuitive interfaces

Integrating the new solution with Eurostar’s existing IT systems enables optimized rosters and maintenance schedules to be created based on centralized data, reducing manual data and administrative work on the part of planners. Planners can see the impacts of changes through an intuitive visual user interface and assess multiple alternatives before taking action. Staff schedules are shown in local time for clarity, and conductor competencies are clearly marked, enabling planners to assign suitable substitutes in case of disruptions.

Even more, the solution features a mobile app that maintains consistent communication flows between Eurostar staff, enabling conductors and crew to easily spot, report and respond to potential disruptions before they become critical.

Ideal planning for significant productivity gains

Ordina’s solution will also give Eurostar the ability to forecast train maintenance activities performed at depots in four European countries. The resulting plans are optimized across all time horizons and compliant with complex rulesets regarding train types, time and mileage rules and legal requirements.

“This project helps guarantee the quality of Eurostar’s long-term planning capabilities and enhance productivity across its entire operational process landscape,” Wouter Tielemans concludes.

About Ordina

Ordina is the largest independent IT services provider in the Benelux, with around 2,650 employees. We focus on giving our clients a digital edge in the sectors: financial services, industry, the public sector and healthcare. We do this by devising, building and managing technological applications. Ordina helps its clients to stay ahead of the challenges and changes in their business. Ordina was founded in 1973. Ordina’s shares have been listed on Euronext Amsterdam since 1987 and are included in the Smallcap Index (AScX). In 2018, Ordina recorded revenues of EUR 359 million.