With a philosophy of using proven modules for many aspects of the automatic fare collection system, from front end devices through to the back office servers, Scheidt & Bachmann is able to provide a replacement module service. Used parts that have been replaced can be taken back and fully re-furbished to become a functional spare part again, with the added benefit that Scheidt & Bachmann offset the replacement cost by the value on the old part that has been replaced and returned.

To ensure easy access to information about spare parts Scheidt & Bachmann offers its customers an electronic catalogue on a CD. The catalogue is produced individually for each customer and provides an easy to use alternative to the standard spare parts price list.

Scheidt & Bachmann maintains all its spare parts catalogues in electronic format which can be integrated into an existing customer eprocurement system to deliver simple, effective support.

Scheidt & Bachmann start at the beginning of a project by offering customers the opportunity to set up a local ‘consignment store’ which means that there is 100% spare part availability throughout the warranty period. Customers can then easily manage stock levels as the system is installed and commissioned, providing a basis for their future spare part needs.

An important feature of any automatic fare collection system is how long it can be maintained in service. Scheidt & Bachmann has recognized this and not only are key spare parts maintained to ensure that the devices enjoy a long life, but also the design process is always undertaken with a view to being able to extend the life of the product through enhancements that can easily be added to an existing device. A typical example is the programme of activity that has developed a wide range of security enhancements for self service machines that allow fleets to be upgraded quickly and easily to meet the challenges of vandalism and forced entry that did not exist when the devices were initially deployed.

However well designed and robust a fare collection system is, there are going to be times when repairs are needed. Scheidt & Bachmann has a major repair facility in Mönchengladbach as well as local facilities in a number of countries. Highly trained staff will analyse repair needs and test all the spare parts that are being used to ensure a quick and reliable return to service for the device concerned.

For customers who undertake simple maintenance tasks with their own staff, Scheidt & Bachmann provides a comprehensive service to provide all the consumables such as batteries, cleaning materials and compatible memory cards.