Improvement of transport services for metallurgical production in the application of microprocessor control at industrial railway stations

Subject of research. The study focuses on the industrial transport system of a metallurgical enterprise, specifically on railway traffic management processes and the prospects for implementing microprocessor-based centralization (MPC) as a key element in modernizing railway automation and remote control systems. Objective. To assess the feasibility of deploying MPC at industrial stations of a metallurgical plant. Evaluate the need to replace the existing block route-relay centralization system for train traffic control. Explore modern control systems for railway automation and telemechanics. Identify non-transport benefits of such modernization measures. Methods. Field observations and inspections of the current state of railway automation and telemechanics systems across 19 railway stations of the plant, statistical and objective observations, analytical and deductive methods, comparative analysis of statistical data (traffic volumes, shunting operation intensity, number of failures), technical specifications comparison. Results. The study delivered: identification of ancillary positive effects in industrial transport operations management. Key findings include: a significant reduction in operational costs; confirmed decrease in failure rates at stations equipped with MPC; enhanced reliability due to built-in diagnostic capabilities. Area of application. The results are applicable for: planning modernization of railway automation at industrial railway stations; optimizing operational costs and improving transportation safety; developing methodologies to evaluate the economic efficiency of MPC implementation at enterprises with intensive railway traffic. Conclusions. The research demonstrates that MPC deployment enhances the reliability and resilience of industrial transport systems. This is particularly critical in conditions of increasing turbulence in transport flows and economic relations within the «production-transport-consumption» system.