Retrofits - Fit for the future
A retrofit is the modernization 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, for which it has received a Solar Impuls Award.
Retrofit of electronics
Supercomputing Systems AG has been observing the suboptimal use of resources in industry for some time. In the case of electronic devices, from simple cooling units to locomotives, entire new systems regularly have to be procured because of individual obsolete components.
In 2009, SCS implemented a 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 overall solution. For the public transport of the canton of Zug, it was decided to implement a retrofit instead of purchasing new ticket vending machines. This pioneering project at the time paved the way for numerous other projects in which a group of experts at SCS specialised.
Relevance
Coupled with the opening of the system and their interfaces to the owner and user, this has developed into a disruptive business model. The original business model of vending machine suppliers with vendor lock-in has been replaced by a customer-oriented model. Access to the source code ensures investment protection. In addition, further developments can be planned on the basis of requirements and implemented more cost-effectively. This is possible, for example, for traffic light systems, lockers, airport infrastructure, railway technology and other industrial systems. All these infrastructure areas can benefit from retrofits and thus be made fit for the future with little investment. SCS is striving to modernise further systems.
Technical know-how at SCS
The implementation of retrofit projects requires a wide range of expertise and specialized skills. At the hardware level, SCS has the necessary know-how in the development of printed circuit boards (PCBs), which are a central component in the modernization of hardware systems.
It is also crucial that the retrofit solutions comply with 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 modernized systems, but also increases their market acceptance.
Software development
On the software side, SCS masters 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 meets high quality standards and works well with the 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 electronics, software development, system integration and project management. By combining this expertise, SCS can provide effective and sustainable retrofit solutions that significantly improve the 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)