03/09/2025
How do you maintain and continuously improve one of Europe’s most intensively used railway networks over the course of decades? That’s the challenge national operators like ProRail and NS face every day—and one that requires deep insight, flexibility, and continuous innovation.
For over 25 years, CQM has been closely involved in the rail sector. We’ve completed more than 250 projects with ProRail alone, contributing to optimised infrastructure, process efficiency and rail safety across the Netherlands. But just as important as the technical outcomes are the long-term partnerships we’ve built—relationships based on trust, knowledge sharing and joint ambition.
One of the people who has witnessed this evolution from the very beginning is CQM consultant Jannet van Zante.
From Excel sheets to algorithms
“It all started for me back in 1998 with the optimization of a maintenance roster,” Jannet recalls. “This was triggered by tightened safety regulations following a tragic accident involving track workers. That initial project was soon followed by others. In 2004–2005, I was fully involved in an experiment on the Utrecht–Enschede line, where ProRail ran scheduled maintenance for twelve weeks. I even rode along in a specially designed inspection vehicle. It was tangible work, visibly relevant and easy for everyone to understand.”
That small vehicle, she adds, may well have been the precursor to today’s video inspection trains. “CQM played a major role in that innovation too, designing algorithms to ensure the train could inspect all switches with minimal movement. You can read more about this in Quant 37 (June 2010). What’s great is that we’ve been able to witness the sector’s growth up close. We moved from Excel-based models to advanced algorithms. From manual inspections in small trolleys to automatic defect detection using self-learning systems.” More on that in the case: Smart image recognition makes VolkerRail inspections 5x more efficient.
Over the years, manual processes evolved into automated systems with self-learning defect detection. And simple models built in Excel gave way to state-of-the-art algorithms that are now essential to the sector’s digital transformation. For example:
- How do you choose the optimal locations for sensors so that your detection system remains reliable and representative?
- How do you translate raw data into actionable safety decisions—for example at level crossings? (Read more about our NORM project.)
A partnership with lasting impact
What began with isolated projects has grown into a deeply embedded partnership. CQM and ProRail have taken the stage together at internal symposia in 2010, 2012, 2014 and 2016 to present joint projects and methodologies to a wider audience, later joined by NS as well. Always as a duo: a CQM consultant and a ProRail expert sharing insights and learnings together.
“These sessions weren’t just about the content,” Jannet says. “They also helped build a culture of knowledge sharing across the sector.”
Today, more than half of all CQM consultants have hands-on experience with railway projects. In 2022, CQM was awarded the Operations Research tender by ProRail, officially becoming a preferred supplier for OR projects, a recognition of our consistent contributions.
From manual checks to smart models and beyond
Jannet: “What keeps this work interesting is the constant variety. Every project is different, every challenge unique. We work in rotating teams and keep improving our technical toolkit.”
In the coming months, she plans to launch a blog series highlighting the rich variety of rail projects CQM has worked on. One topic she will certainly cover is our model review approach, a vital technique for making sure your decisions remain valid over time. “Take sensor placement, for example,” she says. “Is your current set-up still optimal, or have conditions changed? Reviewing models is just as important as building them.”
Want to know more?
Interested in learning more about our work in the rail sector?
Or curious how data science, optimization, and simulation can support your own infrastructure or operations?
Feel free to reach out to Jannet, she’ll be happy to help.
Image by: ProRail | Vincent Basler.
