Case Study

Rail Maintenance Depots

Background

This rail maintenance depot client, consistently
struggled to meet its performance targets.

Senior management expectations didn’t align with the on-site operations team, resulting in a reactive firefighting approach. However, by implementing
visual managmen, data-driven solutions and standardized processes, the depot achieved impressive results: a 61% reduction in work backlog, an 18% increase in train arrival performance, and improved service request fulfillment. Read further for the practical steps
and outcomes of this step change improvement.

Challenge

Gaps existed between Senior Management expectations and the performance of the Maintenance Depot

Situation

  • Reactive organisation always in “fire-
    fighting” mode

  • Performance data was not utilized to root cause and prevent key problems from reoccurring

  • Data was hidden deep inside numerous systems and not easy to extract and view

  • Lack of ownership & accountability
    for challenging current conditions,
    actions, and due dates.

Solution

  • Implemented Visual Performance Management Boards & Meetings
    — Reporting dashboards created to enable quick and easy assessment of data trends
    — Key KPI’s and targets were displayed and analysed
    — Standardized data review meetings were setup up with a standing agenda that included:
  • Updating of performance charts
  • Assignment of root cause investigation work
  • Review of current improvement initiatives
  • Allocation of actions and next steps
Established Draft KPI’s and data collection methods.
Board designs decided & installed in agreed location.
Populated boards with KPI’s, targets and data.
Weekly review of KPI performance with the process owners.

Results

61%

REDUCTION

In Work Arising
Backlog > 30Days.

18%

REDUCTION

In train arrival
performance.

Open service requests
achieving target

Significantly increased control and ability to influence process performance

Detailed view of Visual Performance Management Board reviewed weekly by management team:

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