> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://railnology.gitbook.io/railnology-docs/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://railnology.gitbook.io/railnology-docs/getting-started/understanding-tripintel.md).

# Understanding TripIntel

TripIntel is Railnology's trip management module. Access it from the left navigation under **Operations → TripIntel**.

### Trip Management Dashboard

The main view shows all trips organized by status with summary cards at the top:

| Card                    | What It Shows                                               |
| ----------------------- | ----------------------------------------------------------- |
| Planned Trips           | Trips created but not yet started                           |
| In Progress             | Trips currently active                                      |
| Pending Acknowledgments | Trips where crew have not yet acknowledged their assignment |
| Upcoming                | Trips scheduled for the future                              |
| Completed               | Trips that have finished                                    |

### Trip Tabs

* **Planned Trips** — view and manage trips ready to start
* **Active Trips** — monitor trips currently in progress
* **History** — review completed trips and their records

### Creating a New Trip

Click **+ New Trip** to open the trip creation form. Enter:

* Origin and destination
* Estimated duration
* Subdivision
* Departure date and time
* Crew assignments

### AI Optimal Crew Assignment

When creating or editing a trip, Railnology's AI analyzes your roster and recommends the optimal crew based on:

* Current HoS availability
* Position qualifications
* Rest status

Trips assigned using AI recommendations are tagged **AI Optimal** in the trip list.

### Crew Acknowledgment

Once a trip is created and crew are assigned, each crew member must acknowledge their assignment before the trip can be started. The Pending Acknowledgments counter tracks how many crew members have not yet responded.

### Starting a Trip

Once all crew have acknowledged and the trip is ready, click **Start Trip** on the planned trip card to activate it.