In this project, a new safety concept for the locks is being developed. The concept is designed to increase the resilience of the locks through remote lock control and the digitalisation of traffic management.
Digital solutions for planning lock personnel will be evaluated and implemented throughout the project. A feasibility study on remote lock control is also being carried out. Digital opportunities are to be utilised in the best possible and most sustainable way to ensure that lock operations continue to be safe and efficient in the future.
News and project status
In 2023 and 2024, important progress was made. Staff scheduling for the teams for lock operation and for navigation was modernised. At the beginning of 2024, an external service provider conducted a market analysis of software solutions for shift work. After identifying the technical requirements in the areas of lock operations, personnel, digitalisation and IT, 47 software solutions were examined. Only the ALEX software from the Austrian supplier Bit Factory met all the requirements, particularly for shift service and payroll accounting. The implementation started in summer 2024 and went into full operation for the teams for lock operation and navigation at the beginning of 2025. Further adjustments and the integration of further organisational units at viadonau are planned.
An implementation roadmap for remote lock control was defined in 2023. The first stage comprises a feasibility study to evaluate technical, organisational, ergonomic, legal and economic aspects. The public procurement procedure for the study began in mid-2024. The best bidder is expected to be awarded the contract in mid-2025.
The project makes a substantial contribution to the implementation of work package 03. Continuously improve lock operation and maintenance of the Action Programme Danube 2030.
