Deutsche Bahn's Passenger Division went to Carmen Systems for a new way of planning more than 30,000 of the company's crew members.

The Carmen software automatically produces optimal crew shifts and rosters, and has progressively been taken into production at Deutsche Bahn, since 2002. In the long-distance operation, the project is close to finishing, whilst in the regional area the roll-out is ongoing at full speed. Union and legal rules are considered in the process, as well as social and other quality issues.

The software has now been used to do large improvements in crew efficiency within the long-distance operation, which have reached 7 per cent. Although this is only a part of the total passenger operation, the saving corresponds to over EUR 8 million yearly.

Robert Etmans, Director of Personnel at DB Fernverkehr, explained, "The Carmen software plays a vital role in improving our productivity to be best in our class in Europe. The opportunities that simulation provides are extremely useful and enable us to make well-informed decisions influencing our future."

Carmen's CEO, Per Norén, added, "The Deutsche Bahn project has confirmed our ability to deliver to the largest of the transportation organizations in the world. We look forward to extending the co-operation with Deutsche Bahn, and further supporting the railway industry with its specific issues relating to operational crew and fleet planning and disruption management.