Process Analyses for Digitalization and Automation at Operational Stop Points for European Rail Freight. : A Case Study of Hallsberg Marshalling Yard (Sweden)

Sammanfattning: The European Rail Freight Transport industry, is critical to the region's logistics and commerce, has experienced considerable alterations in the last few decades. As the need for efficiency, planning, punctuality, and sustainability grows, there is an obvious need to address operational stop points—areas that contribute delays or inefficiencies in the freight transport process.  The current study, "Process analyses for Digitalization and Automation at Operational Stop Points for European Rail Freight Transports," seeks to understand how the integration of digitalization and data image processing, particularly through advanced data analytics techniques and real-time monitoring, can reshape these critical junctures. This research study provides an in-depth process analysis of these stop points, identifying core causes and the ramifications for the entire European rail freight transport system. Several sets of integrated solutions are researched in this case study that uses the revolutionary power of digitalization and automation. When there are a high number of freight trains entering and exiting marshalling yards on a regular basis, terminal yard management and planning become complex. Multimodal choices must be made often in operations management. Manual solutions may result in inefficiencies in the yard's and, as a result, the network's operation. Many freight trains in Europe are currently facing operational difficulties and delays due to these reasons. Only a small percentage of trains arrive and depart on time, whereas the vast majority arrive and depart early. Digitalization and data image processing using advanced data analytics techniques and real-time monitoring, may give visibility and predictive insights into possible disturbances, allowing for prompt response. Meanwhile, when applied to loading, unloading, and route optimization operations, automation may dramatically minimize manual involvement and waiting times. According to the findings, the combination of digitization and sophisticated analytics not only enhances freight operations However also offers a dramatic shift in the robustness and responsiveness of European rail freight transport networks. Which not only improves the throughput of European Rail Freight Transports, however also enhances its operational sustainability by positioning it as a robust, future-ready, and sustainable option for rail freight movement throughout Europe.