Increasing requirements of modern trains and a rising cost pressure caused by obsolescence problems prompted the CNA/Cluster Bahntechnik to found a working group, which wants to contribute with standardized guidelines for customers and suppliers to decrease costs.

The CNA member MEN is now actively contributing its long-standing experience in obsolescence management.

Avoidance of obsolescence problems in railways

The working group, which was initiated in the advisory board of Cluster Bahntechnik in 2014, aims at avoiding obsolescence issues respectively their consequences for the development of future railway systems.

At least 25 representatives from different companies and organizations, including operators, suppliers, and system integrators are already pulling together.

The guideline for the strategic obsolescence management, which is already available as a draft, describes the different points of view of the involved company’s working units and is planned to be ratified at this year’s Innotrans in September.

Key elements of the guideline are for example transparent life cycle information, consideration of follow-up and maintenance cost in combination with investment costs and lifecycle management as a holistic approach.