RailServices: Innovative aftermarket services boost safety, quality and sustainability

Managing spare parts efficiently is a vital part of the RailServices offering. We deliver urgently needed components that comply with OEM quality standards via our global logistics network – ensuring that operators receive crucial spare parts promptly and reliably.

RailServices also offers appropriate solutions for older vehicles. By supplying remanufactured parts, spare-part/modernization kits, and alternative components, we ensure that our customers have long-term access to the right spare parts. This reduces downtime, boosts fleet availability and keeps rail operations running smoothly.

RailServices offers manufacturer-independent modernization solutions that bring existing vehicles up to the latest technical standards. Typical solutions include retrofitting state-of-the-art braking systems, vehicle doors or HVAC systems from the Knorr-Bremse portfolio – significantly improving vehicle safety and comfort.
By planned precisely vehicle service lives, modernization projects often represent a financially attractive alternative to new purchases. Because RailServices has access to the Knorr-Bremse Group’s global service network, it can call upon in-depth expertise when devising suitably customized, dependable upgrade strategies.
The benefits to operators are clear: enhanced fleet performance without the costly purchase of brand-new vehicles.

RailServices focuses on digital solutions to improve the efficiency of both maintenance and operations – with condition-based maintenance (CBM) as the key capability.

In CBM, smart onboard subsystems continuously collect data on the condition of key vehicle systems. The data is intelligently analyzed and transformed into actionable information. This makes it possible to identify maintenance needs at the earliest possible stage, so that workshop visits can be systematically scheduled for when they are actually required, rather than at standard fixed intervals.

The outcome: less unplanned downtime and higher fleet availability, all thanks to an optimized maintenance strategy. Potential issues are identified and rectified before they result in operational disruptions.

RailServices Academy offers a broad range of training courses for employees of operators and manufacturers. Focusing on practical, real-world problems, the training sessions are led by Knorr-Bremse experts, who readily impart their in-depth knowledge of how to maintain, repair and operate rail vehicle components.

The various courses range from sessions on technical fundamentals and specific products through to specialized sessions tailored to customers’ individual needs and requirements. The Academy offers training in braking systems, components and climate control systems.
Operators invest in these professional development courses to enhance their own in-house maintenance skills: Well-trained personnel can carry out maintenance work more efficiently, avoiding errors and improving the long-term safety and availability of fleet vehicles.

RailServices operates a global service network with more than 50 service centers and around 2,000 highly qualified experts. For operators, this means fast, local support directly on site. Trained specialists are readily available for maintenance and repairs, and any spare parts required are promptly delivered.

Thanks to this local presence, downtime is reduced to a minimum. At the same time, the global reach of our network keeps the quality of our services consistently high, regardless of region or location. This means that fleets remain operational and reliable at all times.

For RailServices, Lifecycle Management refers to a comprehensive, end-to-end support strategy that covers a rail vehicle’s entire lifetime – from commissioning through in-service operation to modernization.

To implement this strategy, RailServices offers tailormade solutions that cover all servicing requirements – from supplying spare parts to performing regular maintenance and repairs, from optimizing processes to integrating new technical developments. The aim is to maximize vehicle availability and extend service live while at the same time reducing the cost of operating them over the long term.

With RailServices as their lifecycle partner, operators and manufacturers benefit from a single, central point of contact offering a full range of services and solutions that support each phase in each rail vehicle’s lifecycle. A partner capable of responding rapidly and reliably to each customer’s needs whenever new challenges arise.