Case Study: Norfolk Southern achieves faster blocking plan optimization with Optym

Norfolk Southern cuts blocking plan development from weeks to days with Optym

Norfolk Southern, one of the largest freight railroads in the United States, sought a better software solution to generate an optimal blocking plan that would minimize railcar rehandling and travel distances. The company engaged with Optym to license its blocking optimizer and integrate it within Norfolk Southern's own Operating Plan Developer (OPD) system.

Optym implemented its blocking optimizer algorithm, enhancing it to meet Norfolk Southern's unique business practices and integrating it with the OPD. As a result, the service design department can now revise its blocking plan in days instead of weeks or months. The Optym solution is used to improve plans as volumes change, redirect traffic during disruptions, and conduct special studies, making it an integral component of the railroad's service design suite.

Norfolk Southern