Compliance with due diligence requirements is a major challenge for cable car operators. Staff must accordingly perform and document a great deal of maintenance work. In addition, operations managers coordinate tasks and employees, administer contracts and manage risks. So that an overview can be maintained here at all times, Swiss company REMEC has developed the software Sambesi.

Open, independent & customised

The operating and maintenance software is manufacturer-independent and open for systems of other cable car components (such as the controller). It has been developed with the involvement of cable car specialists – by whom it is also implemented on site and customised to the respective line.

“Whether checklists, deadlines or technical specifications: we tailor the software to the respective needs and have the content checked both by the cable car manufacturer and by the authorities,” REMEC CEO Johannes Stadler reports.

Moreover, the company provides on-site training in the customer’s location and supports the team the first few weeks. Even after that, REMEC is on hand for operators via remote maintenance – and if necessary also with technical managers. “We can view the system at any time, connect in and give tips on maintenance,” Stadler says. Regular updates and the cloud installed in Switzerland ensure data protection and IT security.

Organising tasks

Sambesi is essentially self-explanatory to run and intuitive to operate on all standard devices – both online and offline. The programme replaces the otherwise thick maintenance books and mountains of paper for documentation of the maintenance and due diligence requirements.

On the one hand, therefore, nothing is forgotten; on the other hand, the internal communication works. Whether shift change or sick leave: every machine operator knows what has already been done, what is still to do, and even which tasks could be brought forward, such as during the quiet, night shift. Additional information, such as inspection dates and events that will produce high passenger numbers, is also shared.

Documenting work

Every problem and its solution are documented straight away in a legally secure manner, by tablet or smart phone, on site, with photos and key words. This means that everyone has the same level of knowledge – even the authorities, if necessary. For maintenance, the exploded drawings from the railway manufacturer are particularly helpful. The machine operator can stand right by the component and display all the technical documentation, such as plans and manuals, on the tablet.

SAMBESI is especially valuable for operations managers. With the software they can analyse problems, improve processes and plan tasks. “They can therefore contribute to predictive maintenance,” Stadler outlines. Here, Sambesi exchanges data such as operating hours and passenger numbers with the interfaces of components from other manufacturers.

This is interconnected with stock management. Not least, knowledge is also preserved in the case of staff fluctuations: the archive in the cloud does not forget.

Administering contracts

Urban cable cars generally have numerous contracts with third parties – such as easement agreements, maintenance packages or annual compensation for overflight rights etc. “These obligations to third parties are often very numerous and complex. Sambesi helps operators to record, process, pay and evaluate contracts,” Stadler emphasises.

Managing risks

Being available every day almost around the clock: The demands on an urban cable car are high. It is accordingly important to assess hazards, document incidents and establish preventive measures. Johannes Stadler therefore summarises: “Sambesi is one piece of software for the whole business.”