INFORM Optimizes Norfolk Southern Terminal in Atlanta

INFORM has successfully implemented its solution Syncrotess Optimization Plus at the Austell terminal of Norfolk Southern in Atlanta, Georgia. It provides the terminal with complete transparency of stacking operations as well as optimization of storage and crane movements.

(Aachen/Atlanta) “The INFORM solution Syncrotess Optimization Plus helps us revolutionize our operations at the Norfolk Southern terminals in Austell and Rossville,” says Will Deshazor, Norfolk Southern Group Vice President Intermodal Automotive Terminal Operations. “It gives us unprecedented transparency and efficiency in our stacking operations, storage, and crane movements. The implementation in Austell marks another step forward in our commitment to providing our customers with exceptional service while optimizing our terminal operations.”

“I am very proud of our team and their commitment to the Norfolk Southern project,” adds Dr. Eva Savelsberg, Senior Vice President for Terminal & Distribution Center Logistics at INFORM. “I am very pleased that we were able to put the second Norfolk Southern location into operation. This underscores our collaborative partnership with Norfolk Southern.”

Modular Approach

INFORM’s AI and optimization solution offers a modular approach to complement existing terminal operating systems (TOS) with advanced intelligence. This allows them to specifically address the unique challenges of a terminal. Norfolk Southern has implemented the required optimization solution as an add-on to the existing Terminal Operating System (TOS) OPTCS 2.0.

Austell is the second Norfolk Southern location where INFORM’s Syncrotess Optimization Plus solution is being used. The company implemented the solution in 2023 at its terminal in Rossville.

Norfolk Southern uses INFORM’s Yard Optimizer (YO) to intelligently manage its stacking operations. The Yard Optimizer works in conjunction with the TOS to assign storage locations for containers within the yard, automatically determine the next operationally efficient handling, and better allocate transfer spots for external trucks to minimize the distance containers travel in and out of the stack.

“The future of most North American intermodal terminals lies in stacking operations,” Savelsberg adds. “Demonstrating to the industry that stacking operations can be conducted without compromising delivery times and thus customer satisfaction has been an important goal of this project from the beginning.”

Benefits of Additional Tools

Furthermore, Norfolk Southern uses INFORM’s Crane Optimizer (CO) to optimize the movements of the bridge cranes, minimize empty runs, and maximize the productivity of the lifting devices. Austell operates with Künz RTG Freerider cranes. INFORM offers a suite of six industry-proven optimization modules that improve operational efficiency and reduce operating costs, ultimately leading to higher revenues. These modules include: Crane Optimizer (CO), Yard Optimizer (YO), Vehicle Optimizer (VO), Train Load Optimizer (TLO), Rail Scheduler (RS), and Machine Learning (ML) modules.

Photo: © INFORM