{"id":8234,"date":"2026-09-11T07:05:35","date_gmt":"2026-09-11T05:05:35","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.scs.ch\/uncategorized-en-us\/retrofits-fit-for-the-future\/"},"modified":"2026-09-20T07:38:55","modified_gmt":"2026-09-20T05:38:55","slug":"retrofits-fit-for-the-future","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.scs.ch\/en\/case-studies\/retrofits-fit-for-the-future\/","title":{"rendered":"Retrofits \u2013 Fit for the Future"},"content":{"rendered":"

Background<\/h2><\/div>

Industrial and infrastructure systems often remain in operation significantly longer than individual electronic components. If a component is discontinued or technically outdated, the question often arises whether the entire system needs to be replaced. A complete new acquisition incurs high investments, even though large parts of the existing hardware are still functional. Closed systems can also lead to operators remaining permanently tied to a single provider for expansions and spare parts. <\/p>\n<\/div>

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Project Overview<\/h3><\/div>

Area of Application<\/strong>
Electronic devices and infrastructure systems, from ticket machines to signal boxes<\/p>\n<\/div>

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Area<\/strong>
Public Transport<\/p>\n<\/div>

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Solution<\/strong>
Targeted modernization of existing systems.<\/p>\n<\/div>

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References<\/strong>
tpg (Transports Publics Genevois), vbl (Verkehrsbetriebe Luzern), ZVB (Zugerland Verkehrsbetriebe)<\/p>\n<\/div>

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Awards<\/strong>
Swiss Dinno Award 2018, Solar Impulse Efficient Solution Label 2020 and 2023<\/p>\n<\/div>

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First Project<\/strong>
2009 for public transport in the Canton of Zug<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>

SCS’s Contribution<\/h2><\/div>

SCS specifically modernizes components that are technically obsolete or no longer economically viable to operate. Where appropriate, SCS simultaneously opens up software and interfaces so that existing systems can be more easily further developed and supplemented with new functions. <\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>

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Replace Only What Is Necessary<\/h4><\/div>
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During a retrofit, only components that are no longer usable or consume unnecessarily high amounts of energy are replaced. Functional hardware can continue to be used. <\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>

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Open Software Instead of Lock-in<\/h4><\/div>
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Open interfaces and access to source code reduce dependence on individual manufacturers. This allows for more targeted planning and independent development of extensions. <\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>

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New Functions Possible<\/h4><\/div>
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A retrofit not only restores the previous range of functions. Modern electronics and software enable additional interfaces, networking, and new functions based on the existing system. <\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>

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Integrating the Existing and the New<\/h4><\/div>
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Retrofits require a deep understanding of existing system architectures. SCS integrates old and new electronics, software, and interfaces so that the existing system can continue to be used. <\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>

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Result<\/h2><\/div>

In 2009, SCS implemented the first retrofit project of this kind for public transport in the Canton of Zug. Instead of procuring new ticket machines, the existing infrastructure was modernized. This pioneering project led to numerous other retrofit projects and a specialized expert group at SCS. Today, Swiss references range from ZVB in Zug to vbl in Lucerne and tpg in Geneva. The retrofit approach makes it possible to continue using existing systems economically, reduce dependencies on individual suppliers, and implement new functions on existing infrastructure. <\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>

since 2009<\/h3><\/div>

SCS retrofit projects, starting with the pioneering project in public transport.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>

3 Transport Companies<\/h3><\/div>

References in Switzerland: tpg, vbl, and ZVB.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>

2018, 2020 & 2023<\/h3><\/div>

Swiss Dinno Award and two Solar Impulse Efficient Solution Labels.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>

Services Used<\/h2><\/div><\/div><\/div>

Retrofit<\/h3><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>

Embedded Systems<\/h3><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>

Data & High Performance<\/h3><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>
\"A<\/div><\/div>

Your Contact Person<\/h2><\/div>
Dr. Florian Andritsch<\/div><\/div>

Software Solutions & Retrofit
+41 43 456 16 00<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>

Speak with the responsible specialist<\/span>Speak with the responsible specialist<\/span><\/div><\/a><\/div>

For questions about retrofits, obsolescence, and the long-term development of existing systems.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>

Further Case Studies<\/h2><\/div>