DIRECT – Dynamic Inspector Routing for Efficient Coverage in Trains

Problem Statement

Quality inspections in rail operations are currently planned manually, inconsistently, and reactively. This results in inspection gaps, uneven coverage, and limited comparability across regions, fleets, and service providers.

Proposed Solution

A standardized, data‑driven approach for dynamic routing and deployment of quality inspectors. The solution ensures that every train is inspected at least once within a defined period, under real operational constraints, with efficient resource use and consistent coverage.

Required Expert Profiles

• Automated resource and workforce planning
• Rail operations and planning (timetables, rotations, crew planning)
• Quality management and inspection processes
• Optimization, Operations Research, Data Science / Analytics
• Optional: Software and prototyping expertise (e.g. Python, Jupyter, Excel-based models)

Challenge Owners

Sebastian Unger, Lisa Oswald (ÖBB)