DB employee Kay Koschnick on the positive impact of the smart all-season windshield washer fluid.
With KLARSICHT365, DR.SCHNELL has developed an intelligent, all-season windshield cleaner for Deutsche Bahn’s (DB) long-distance rail service in a very short time. In an interview with us, DB employee Kay Koschnick, Senior Specialist in Vehicle Technology, explains what sets KLARSICHT365 apart—and what benefits DB gains from the product.
Question: Mr. Koschnick, you work in the Vehicle and Process Engineering department for Deutsche Bahn’s long-distance rail service. What exactly does that entail?
Kay Koschnick: The Central Vehicle and Process Engineering department ensures cost-effective, safe, and customer-focused maintenance at DB Fernverkehr. It further develops strategies, processes, and regulations; is responsible for production processes, measurement, and testing technology; and promotes quality, efficiency, and standardization. In addition, it coordinates optimization measures and initiatives for new technologies. It monitors processes such as welding, bonding, and non-destructive testing, and supports the workshops in implementing new processes and quality assurance measures.
Question: What makes cleaning trains such a challenging task?
Koschnick: From a maintenance perspective, cleaning our trains is an important and complex supporting process. Although we are not directly responsible for the cleaning ourselves, we must ensure that it is carried out in accordance with the technical requirements of our vehicles. Our trains consist of many different materials and sensitive components—from electronics and seals to painted surfaces. Incorrect or incompatible cleaning agents can quickly cause damage here. That is why, from our perspective, it is important to have a thorough understanding of the cleaners and procedures used and to ensure they are properly coordinated.
Question: DR.SCHNELL and DB Fernverkehr have been partners for many years. What makes this long-standing partnership so special?
Koschnick: This long-standing partnership is based on reliability and continuous product development. We know we can rely on DR.SCHNELL’s products because the company develops innovative solutions that meet our high quality standards.
Question: When did you first come into contact with DR.SCHNELL?
Koschnick: That was a few years ago as part of a project to optimize windshield maintenance on our trains. In addition, back when I was a maintenance technician, I personally used DR.SCHNELL products during maintenance work, which gave me very practical insight into their quality and effectiveness.
Question: You played a leading role in a request for proposals that our new product, KLARSICHT365, won. What was the request for proposals about?
Koschnick: The goal of the request for proposals was to find a windshield washer fluid that could remain in the vehicle for 365 days, so that we would no longer have to mix the washer fluid ourselves on a seasonal basis. In addition, the product was required to be environmentally friendly, safe to use, and gentle on the vehicles in order to protect both the surfaces and the technical components of the trains.
Question: How long did it take from the initial announcement to the finished product?
Koschnick: It took about 18 months from the launch of the request for proposals to the implementation of KLARSICHT365.
Question: Were you surprised that it happened so quickly?
Koschnick: Yes and no (laughs). It’s great that a new product can be implemented so quickly. The close collaboration between DR.SCHNELL and our team was a key factor here. The excellent cooperation within the long-distance division with all the teams involved is also remarkable.
Question: Why did DB Fernverkehr choose KLARSICHT365?
Koschnick: KLARSICHT 365 meets our requirements: high cleaning performance, compatibility with vehicle surfaces, environmental friendliness, and ease of use year-round.
Question: What does KLARSICHT365 mean for your processes?
Koschnick: KLARSICHT365 simplifies daily maintenance operations and reduces the number of steps, such as mixing concentrate and water. At the same time, it improves visibility for train operators.
Question: What does the future hold for the partnership between DB Fernverkehr and DR.SCHNELL?
Koschnick: We intend to continue working together to develop innovative products and solutions for our rail vehicles as needed, in order to continuously improve maintenance, cleaning, and efficiency.