Performance Metrics Program

Data Privacy, Confidentiality and Use Statement

At Western Canadian Shippers’ Coalition (WCSC), we take privacy seriously. Below is an overview of how data you provide when accessing the Quasar Platform is used and handled.

  1. What is "Enhanced Data"?
    "Enhanced Data" refers to information that has been generated or processed by the Quasar Platform by aggregating, anonymizing, or otherwise transforming the data you provide in a way that it can no longer be traced back to you or your company. This Enhanced Data is used to improve the services offered.

  2. How Data is Used
    By using the Quasar Platform, you agree that Enhanced Data may be disclosed. However, this data will only be disclosed in anonymized or aggregated form, meaning it won't identify you, your company, or any other individuals connected to you. The information is shared in a way that protects your privacy and your company’s confidential information and ensures that it cannot be linked back to any specific person or organization.

  3. Why Do We Share Enhanced Data?
    Sharing anonymized and aggregated data helps improve the platform and services. It helps identify trends, make improvements, and offer insights to a broader audience. However, data is never disclosed in a way that could identify you or your company.

  4. Your Privacy Matters
    All data shared by the Quasar Platform will be anonymized or aggregated to protect the identities of all users, whether they are individuals or organizations. The Quasar Platform follows strict data protection standards to keep your information safe.

By continuing to use the Quasar Platform, you confirm your understanding and acceptance of these terms related to Enhanced Data.

IMPORTANT MESSAGE: Log in details will be provided once member representatives complete a training session. Sessions will be scheduled in April. If you have any questions, please contact Carmen Cayer (ccayer@westshippers.com).

If you are experiencing any issues or have questions about using the platform, please contact Trinsight Support at trinsightsupport@trin.net. For inquiries or assistance, all emails will be followed up within 24 hours during regular business hours. Trinsight is dedicated to ensuring a positive user experience and providing timely support.

Objective

To track railway performance experienced by participating companies using key metrics and provide aggregated performance reports to support WCSC’s mandate and communications with government officials.

Phase 3

In June 2024, WCSC’s Western Canadian Rail Visibility and Metrics project was one of 19 digital infrastructure projects selected to receive funding from the National Trade Corridors Fund, which supports supply chain infrastructure projects throughout Canada.

The project will provide the Western Canadian Shippers’ Coalition and our members with a digital tool that enhances the visibility of the Western Canadian rail network, benefiting stakeholders. By integrating data from coalition members and other sources, the platform will offer real-time reporting, forecasting, capacity analysis, and performance dashboards, empowering stakeholders with comprehensive insights.

Total project cost: $4,304,500

  • Eligible project costs: $3,904,500

  • Federal Contribution: $1,952,250

  • Recipient Contribution: $2,352,250

The project is scheduled to be completed by December 31, 2026.

Phase 2

In October 2021, NRCan approached WCSC with a proposal to provide a one-time payment through its Small Scale Research Funding Program to move PMP into Phase 2. A Contribution Agreement was signed on January 25, 2022. PMP Phase 2 was implemented in August 2022. The added data for PMP Phase 2 includes:

Automation of existing PMP Phase 1 metrics:

  • Volume demand fulfillment (actual carloads shipped vs demand), by week vs monthly in Phase 1

  • Switches performed as planned vs switches performed, by week

  • Switches performed vs planned switches, by week

New automated metrics:

  • Railcar counts by location, by day, week, month, quarter and year

  • Dwell time by location or station, by day, week, month, quarter and year

  • Cycle time by location or station, by day, week, month, quarter and year

  • Corridor cycle time by route or origin/destination pair, by day, week, month, quarter and year

  • Automation, reduction in administration; enables more timely reporting

  • Advance data analytics, enhanced data validation and timeliness

  • Real-time and historical reportin

Phase 1

WCSC conducted a pilot project in which four member companies participated for the period of October 1, 2019 to April 30, 2020.

Phase 1 of the project commenced on May 1, 2020. Participants are tracking the same data that was collected during the pilot project.

Data Collection

Data is provided by multiple WCSC members and aggregated for all participants, all commodities and all railways. Participating companies track and submit on a monthly basis data indicating:

  • their demand for rail service, in carloads, and the number of carloads actually moved

  • planned service frequency (the number of switches planned at origins/destinations)

  • actual service frequency (the number of switches performed at origins/destinations)

  • service accuracy (the number of switches at origins/destinations that were performed but did not proceed as planned).