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1. Overview

Connections (Connessioni) are the logical “glue” that links commercial Services to physical Traces. They define the network topology, including specific paths, transit times, and critical operational handovers (Ready/HO times) between stakeholders.

2. Technical Field Mapping

Testata (Connection Header)

Defines the high-level routing and service association.
FieldSourceHTML NameDescription
Serviziojs-serviziid_servizioAssociated commercial service.
Origine / Dest.js-nodesluogo_partenza/arrivoFixed endpoints for the connection.
Viajs-nodesluogo_viaMandatory transit node (optional).
SpotStaticspotFlag for non-regular ad-hoc services.

Relazioni (Segments & Handovers)

Connections define a rigorous timeline for intermodal handovers. All fields are Time inputs.
Handover TypeHTML NameDescription
Booking Cut Offrelazione_booking_cutoffDeadline for order entry.
MAD IFrelazione_..._mad_shunting_railway_companyReady for Railway Co.
HLR IFrelazione_..._hlr_railway_companyHanded over to Railway Co.
MAD Terminalrelazione_..._mad_shunting_terminalReady for Terminal handling.

Connection Segment Interface

The interface below illustrates the technical configuration of a Railway Relation, including handover timelines, rolling stock (Muta Carri), and commitment parties.
Relazione Ferroviaria

3. Operational Handover Logic

A Connection is the technical blueprint that ensures commercial promises (Services) are technically feasible.

I. The Handover Timeline (MAD/HLR)

The system enforces a rigorous timeline for intermodal responsibility:
  • MAD (Messa a Disposizione): The timestamp when the cargo is physically ready at the terminal for the railway company.
  • HLR (Handed Over): The timestamp when legal and physical custody is transferred to the Carrier.
  • Logic: These times are used in the Execution module to generate the “Ready-to-Load” alerts for terminal operators.

II. Rolling Stock Integration

Connections link specific Rolling Stock Models (Mute Carri) to a route. When a trip is generated from this connection, the system automatically pre-populates the Rail Planning “Tetris” view with these specific technical wagons, reducing manual effort for planners.

4. Connectivity Matrix & Propagation

Inbound Dependencies

  • Services Module: Links the route to a commercial offering (e.g., “Bavaria Express”).
  • Traces Module: Links the logical connection to physical train numbers and Infrastructure Manager (IM) paths.

Outbound Impact

  • Trip Generator: This is the primary input for the batch generation tool. Without a valid Connection, no operational Viaggio (Trip) can be instantiated.
  • SLA Monitoring: The MAD/HLR baseline defined here is compared against live timestamps in the Admin & Reports module to calculate carrier performance KPIs (Service Level Agreements).