THE SYSTEM OF CENTRALISED FREIGHT TRAFFIC OF THE BELGIAN NATIONAL RAILWAYS (SNCB)

The need for improving the output of the means of action, i.e. fixed installations, rolling stock, staff, etc., also the quality of service, led the SNCB to introduce a modern system for the centralized freight traffic control. The SNCB chose a decentralised three level system, based essentially on a chain of process computers, situated in marshalling yards and connected to the peripheral points of the operational centres on the one hand, and to a powerful central computer on the other. This paper sets out the reasons for this choice, describes the technical and information processing infrastructure of the system, and explains its functioning. In particular, it covers the applications of the system, both at local and regional level and at central level, on a short, medium and long term basis and demonstrates the advantages which it affords, both to the operating and to other departments. In conclusion, it gives certain consideration on the economic aspects of this achievement.

• Supplemental Notes:
  • Presented at Fourth International Symposium on Railroad Cybernetics, AAR/UIC/IRCA, 21-26 April 1974, Washington, D.C.
• Corporate Authors:

  International Union of Railways

  14 rue Jean Rey
  75015 Paris,   France 
• Authors:
  • Dekempeneer, J
• Publication Date: 1974-4

Media Info

• Features: Figures;
• Pagination: 4 p.

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Computers; Freight service; Information systems
• Identifier Terms: Societe Nationale des Chemins de Fer Belges
• Subject Areas: Data and Information Technology; Freight Transportation; Railroads;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 00053788
• Record Type: Publication
• Source Agency: International Union of Railways
• Report/Paper Numbers: Paper
• Files: TRIS
• Created Date: Apr 17 1974 12:00AM