Annual Report 2012 - Knorr-Bremse AG.

Report
87
RailServices is a byword for schedule effectiveness, optimum spare-part availability and excellent
overhaul quality – all delivered with a minimum of red tape. The service covers standardized original
spare parts kits for overhauling Knorr-Bremse equipment, high-quality customer training and extensive
on-site support by mobile field service teams for the installation, calibration and repair of components.
Rail vehicle braking and onboard systems are safety-critical products, and Knorr-Bremse service centers
therefore operate with the same state-of-the-art test rigs that are used in OEM manufacture.
Overhauled components are only returned to the customer if they pass the same rigorous tests as
new products.
Staff members at RailServices are familiar with every detail of the components and systems produced
by Knorr-Bremse. It makes sense that no-one can deliver a better quality of service than the original
manufacturer when it comes to maintaining, repairing, overhauling and upgrading complex systems.
Service centers located in virtually every European country and a total of over 20 further centers
around the globe ensure comprehensive provision of the full range of modern services. Because
systems manufactured by Knorr-Bremse are often directly integrated into the service centers, many
repair and maintenance jobs can be carried out at a single location. Close cooperation with the engineering
and production sections ensures that the latest technologies are always used, even in the
aftermarket.
Knorr-Bremse expands training
Rail vehicle brakes are highly complex systems made up of sophisticated components and modules,
and make very high demands on those responsible for their maintenance and inspection. In the past,
many major operators accumulated their own expertise in the field, but demographic change and
the introduction of new technologies calls for a new approach to employee training. With decades
of experience in developing braking systems, combined with a highly-qualified workforce, Knorr-
Bremse is an ideal partner for meeting this challenge. In the year under review the company therefore
launched an across-the-board process of professionalizing its training offer for rail vehicle maintenance.
A comprehensive market survey had identified increasing demand for such training amongst
operators.
Special training
concepts are tailored
to the needs of the
operators.
One important element in this restructuring of the company’s training program was the development
of special concepts tailored to the – usually highly individual – requirements of operators and
covering the full range of service needs occurring in the day-to-day operation of rail vehicles.
Most of the training takes place directly on the vehicle at the operator’s premises and covers general
brake technology, electronic brake control, pneumatics, hydraulics and diagnostics. In order to ensure
a balanced and thorough transfer of knowledge, the training sessions consist of a combination of
theoretical and practical modules.
The program is designed to ensure very high quality, particularly when it comes to knowledge transfer.
To achieve this, Knorr-Bremse only uses teaching staff who can demonstrate practical experience
of the technologies involved – and the trainers themselves are provided with ongoing further training
in didactics and technology. The company has now built up an international network of trainers
that ensures that throughout Europe the training takes place in the language of the participants.
During the year under review, Knorr-Bremse launched a pilot project in collaboration with logistics
provider DB Schenker covering basic training, refresher sessions and further training measures – all
related to the braking systems of the locomotives operated by the company. The project involves