Transnet Freight Rail selects OPSI Systems' planning software for coal operations

Issued by OPSI Systems
Johannesburg, 08 Jun 2010

OPSI Systems' PLATO software has been selected as the preferred solution following a request for proposal (RFP) from Transnet Freight Rail (TFR) for the dynamic planning of export coal traffic from coalmines to Ermelo.

Transnet put forward the RFP with the aim of improving the scheduling of trains to handle the increased demand for export coal to Richard's Bay Coal Terminal and the complexity due to variability and technical constraints.

Following an in-depth review process between many local and international companies, OPSI Systems was selected as the preferred implementer and software provider for the project. Transnet cited the OPSI Systems' extensive experience in implementing reliable scheduling systems for companies such as SAB, DHL and Clover.

In addition, PLATO - an enterprise-level routing, scheduling and fleet optimisation and management suite - already met many of Transnet's unique requirements for their dynamic planning software.

“We are very excited to be working on a project of such strategic importance to South Africa,” says OPSI System's managing director, David Lubinsky. “I believe OPSI Systems is in the perfect position to provide Transnet with a solution that will greatly enhance their efficiency and customer service.”

The solution will provide real-time visibility to TFR, and RBCT with a mechanism to exchange and view critical information influencing the train plan, a dynamic re-planning facility to allow Transnet to revise the schedule when unexpected events occur, and the capability to utilise GPS based tracking information of trains.

OPSI Systems

Established in 1997, OPSI Systems is an award-winning software provider in transport planning and optimisation, providing solutions for scheduling, routing, management, auditing and financial administration for small, medium and large businesses and enterprises. OPSI Systems' widely established vehicle management, scheduling and optimisation software FLO has assisted numerous organisations streamline their vehicle operations. In addition, OPSI Systems' PLATO full enterprise planning software marries the various functions of enterprise transport planning, operation and documentation in a single, integrated interface.

OPSI Systems' offerings have been adopted by some of the largest companies in the world, including the likes of SAB, Coca Cola, DHL, and Barloworld. With branches in South Africa, the US and Australia, OPSI Systems is well versed in providing solutions for diverse and challenging logistic environments.

Transnet

Transnet is the largest and most crucial part of the freight logistics chain that delivers goods to each and every South African. Every day Transnet delivers thousands of tons of goods around South Africa, through its pipelines and both to and from its ports. It moves that cargo on to ships for export while it unloads goods for overseas. Transnet operates an integrated freight transport company, formed around a core of five operating divisions that complement each other. These are supported by a number of company-wide specialist functions such as Transnet Projects, which underpin the group as a whole. The new Transnet is made up of the following operating divisions:

Transnet Freight Rail (formerly Spoornet - the freight rail division)

Transnet Rail Engineering (formerly Transwerk - the rolling stock maintenance business)

Transnet National Ports Authority (formerly the NPA - fulfils the landlord function for South Africa's port system)

Transnet Port Terminals (formerly SAPO - managing port and cargo terminal operations in the nation's leading ports), and Transnet Pipelines (formerly Petronet - the fuel and gas pipeline business, pumps and manages the storage of petroleum and gas products through its network of high-pressure, long distance pipelines)

Please visit www.transnet.co.za for more information.

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Transnet Freight Rail selects OPSI Systems' planning software for coal operations

OPSI Systems' PLATO software has been chosen for the dynamic scheduling of export coal trains between coalmines and Ermelo.