Supply chain technology provider Navis has developed a module that seeks to optimize and manage crew scheduling, master rosters and working rosters.

The workforce management module, a software-as-a-service system, also includes tools that manage short-term changes to timetables and staff availability, capture and record staff attendance electronically, and extract reports for payroll and analytics. The system is part of the cloud-based Navis Rail Planning Suite, which also has service design tools for train and rolling stock planning.

The complete application supports railways’ workforce management end to end, from master roster development through to capture of time and attendance, according to Navis’ Thursday release. Its mobile portal allows workers to view their rosters, see roster changes, respond to call-in shift offers and record their attendances electronically, Navis said.

“Rail undertakings need rail-specific process management to build safe and efficient crew rosters that simultaneously consider personnel, route, traction, workflow, rules, regulations, labor agreements and other constraints,” said Tom Forbes, head of Navis Rail. 

Freight railway crew management is one of the largest variable costs for a railway and general-purpose personnel scheduling and rostering systems do not meet the challenges of workforce management for a freight railway, Forbes said. 

Read the full article >>