Retrofits – fit for the future
A retrofit is the modernisation of a system by retrofitting subcomponents. This allows costs to be saved in an environmentally friendly way. SCS has already carried out a number of retrofits, particularly for ticket vending machines, and has been honoured with a Solar Impuls Award for this.
Retrofit of electronics
Supercomputing Systems AG has been observing the sub-optimal utilisation of resources in industry for some time now. In the case of electronic devices, from simple cooling units to locomotives, entire new systems regularly have to be procured due to individual outdated components.
In 2009, SCS implemented its first project to counter such partial obsolescence with a retrofit. Thanks to our modernised IT solution, it was no longer necessary to purchase a new complete solution. For public transport in the canton of Zug, it was decided to implement a retrofit instead of buying new ticket vending machines. This pioneering project at the time paved the way for numerous other projects, which a group of experts at SCS specialised in.

Relevance
Coupled with the opening of the system and its interfaces for the owner and user, this has resulted in a disruptive business model. The original business model of vending machine suppliers with vendor lock-in has been replaced by a customer-orientated model. Access to the source code guarantees investment protection. In addition, further developments can be planned based on requirements and implemented more cost-effectively. This is possible for traffic light systems, lockers, airport infrastructure, railway technology and other industrial systems, for example. All of these infrastructure areas can benefit from retrofits and thus be made fit for the future with minimal investment. SCS is endeavouring to modernise further systems.

Technical expertise at SCS
The implementation of retrofit projects requires a wide range of expertise and specialised skills. At the hardware level, SCS has the necessary expertise in the development of printed circuit boards (PCBs), which are a key component in the modernisation of hardware systems.
It is also crucial that the retrofit solutions fulfil the applicable norms and standards. SCS is able to guarantee compliance with important certifications such as EMC (electromagnetic compatibility) and fire protection. This not only ensures the safety and compliance of the modernised systems, but also increases their market acceptance.
Software development
On the software side, SCS has mastered the best practices of software development. This includes advanced methods such as CI/CD to enable fast and reliable software delivery. In addition, regular code reviews and comprehensive testing are part of the development processes to ensure that the software fulfils high quality standards and works well with new or updated hardware.
Such comprehensive retrofit projects also require a deep understanding of the underlying system architectures and the specific requirements of the respective area of application. The ability to integrate both existing and new technologies and adapt them to individual customer requirements is crucial to the success of such projects.
Finally, a multidisciplinary team is required that combines expertise in the fields of electronics, software development, system integration and project management. By combining this expertise, SCS can offer effective and sustainable retrofit solutions that significantly improve the service life and performance of existing systems.
Prices / Labels
SCS has received the following awards or labels for these projects:
2018: Swiss Dinno Award(https://www.swissdinno.ch/)
2020: Solar Impulse Efficient Solutions Label(Solar Impulse)
