Annual Report 2012 - Knorr-Bremse AG.
Annual Report 2012 - Knorr-Bremse AG.
Annual Report 2012 - Knorr-Bremse AG.
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<strong>Report</strong><br />
87<br />
RailServices is a byword for schedule effectiveness, optimum spare-part availability and excellent<br />
overhaul quality – all delivered with a minimum of red tape. The service covers standardized original<br />
spare parts kits for overhauling <strong>Knorr</strong>-<strong>Bremse</strong> equipment, high-quality customer training and extensive<br />
on-site support by mobile field service teams for the installation, calibration and repair of components.<br />
Rail vehicle braking and onboard systems are safety-critical products, and <strong>Knorr</strong>-<strong>Bremse</strong> service centers<br />
therefore operate with the same state-of-the-art test rigs that are used in OEM manufacture.<br />
Overhauled components are only returned to the customer if they pass the same rigorous tests as<br />
new products.<br />
Staff members at RailServices are familiar with every detail of the components and systems produced<br />
by <strong>Knorr</strong>-<strong>Bremse</strong>. It makes sense that no-one can deliver a better quality of service than the original<br />
manufacturer when it comes to maintaining, repairing, overhauling and upgrading complex systems.<br />
Service centers located in virtually every European country and a total of over 20 further centers<br />
around the globe ensure comprehensive provision of the full range of modern services. Because<br />
systems manufactured by <strong>Knorr</strong>-<strong>Bremse</strong> are often directly integrated into the service centers, many<br />
repair and maintenance jobs can be carried out at a single location. Close cooperation with the engineering<br />
and production sections ensures that the latest technologies are always used, even in the<br />
aftermarket.<br />
<strong>Knorr</strong>-<strong>Bremse</strong> expands training<br />
Rail vehicle brakes are highly complex systems made up of sophisticated components and modules,<br />
and make very high demands on those responsible for their maintenance and inspection. In the past,<br />
many major operators accumulated their own expertise in the field, but demographic change and<br />
the introduction of new technologies calls for a new approach to employee training. With decades<br />
of experience in developing braking systems, combined with a highly-qualified workforce, <strong>Knorr</strong>-<br />
<strong>Bremse</strong> is an ideal partner for meeting this challenge. In the year under review the company therefore<br />
launched an across-the-board process of professionalizing its training offer for rail vehicle maintenance.<br />
A comprehensive market survey had identified increasing demand for such training amongst<br />
operators.<br />
Special training<br />
concepts are tailored<br />
to the needs of the<br />
operators.<br />
One important element in this restructuring of the company’s training program was the development<br />
of special concepts tailored to the – usually highly individual – requirements of operators and<br />
covering the full range of service needs occurring in the day-to-day operation of rail vehicles.<br />
Most of the training takes place directly on the vehicle at the operator’s premises and covers general<br />
brake technology, electronic brake control, pneumatics, hydraulics and diagnostics. In order to ensure<br />
a balanced and thorough transfer of knowledge, the training sessions consist of a combination of<br />
theoretical and practical modules.<br />
The program is designed to ensure very high quality, particularly when it comes to knowledge transfer.<br />
To achieve this, <strong>Knorr</strong>-<strong>Bremse</strong> only uses teaching staff who can demonstrate practical experience<br />
of the technologies involved – and the trainers themselves are provided with ongoing further training<br />
in didactics and technology. The company has now built up an international network of trainers<br />
that ensures that throughout Europe the training takes place in the language of the participants.<br />
During the year under review, <strong>Knorr</strong>-<strong>Bremse</strong> launched a pilot project in collaboration with logistics<br />
provider DB Schenker covering basic training, refresher sessions and further training measures – all<br />
related to the braking systems of the locomotives operated by the company. The project involves