ECM services

Since 2013, Plasser & Theurer has been offering all services prescribed in the ECM regulation (Entity in Charge of Maintenance). In addition to the manufacturer's technical know-how, we also have valuable experience in implementation. Our ECM services will give you the legal certainty required, and you can simply outsource all the associated work. In addition to the specific services, we also engage in developing digital tools for implementing the ECM standard.

In recent years, legal certainty has been gaining importance for operators of rail vehicles. The introduction of the EU regulation 445/2011 has been governing the maintenance of freight wagons. It must be performed by an Entity in Charge of Maintenance (ECM) according to a strictly defined set of rules since 2011. 

The EU regulation 445/2011 has been a particular concern of ours right from the beginning. In July 2013, Franz Plasser Dienstleistungsgesellschaft mbH (DLG) based in Purkersdorf obtained the ECM certificate for all four main functions of the EU regulation. At the same time, the Purkersdorf maintenance workshop was awarded with the ECM certificate for the maintenance delivery function. Since then, we have performed maintenance according to the ECM standard.

In mid-2016, DLG also obtained the Safety Certificate Part A and Part B as a railway undertaking. This has enabled us to take aspects of railway operation into account for maintenance.

In addition, we now offer the web-based platform PlasserFleetControl. As a part of PlasserSmartMaintenanceSuite, it gives access to the entire maintenance history, the current maintenance status and other information that can be defined individually - at a push of a button. Protocols and documents make the progress achieved during maintenance transparent at any time. The integrated fleet management shows the next servicing and maintenance dates, facilitating the planning of machine operation. At the same time, malfunctions can be inputted, triggering our service technicians to react promptly.

Based on PlasserFleetControl, we also meet the requirements of the ECM certificate on documentation and record keeping for the operation and maintenance of your machine.

A maintenance guideline (IHLF) contains all required maintenance and servicing steps to be carried out over the entire service life of the machines. In addition, it suggests measuring and testing methods with regard to standards and regulations. 

Together with renowned experts, we have developed the first IHLF according to ECM criteria tailored for special vehicles and track maintenance machines. Its structure makes it possible to take full account of national particularities, infrastructure features, and customers' requirements. It will soon be available as an electronic tool. 

EUROPTEN (European Trans Energy GmbH) is one of the major players in overhead line construction in Europe. With around 140 technicians, it carries out projects in Germany, Switzerland and Austria. Plasser & Theurer machines are used for many of the works performed. At the Purkersdorf location, fifteen machines and ten freight wagons have been maintained according to the ECM standard since 2013. Markus Straka, Head of Overhead Line Projects, EUROPTEN, shares his experiences with us:

Why does your company place importance on maintenance according to ECM standard?

Straka: The safety authorities increasingly delegate responsibility to the contractors. Therefore, legal certainty is important for us to be protected in case problems occur.

Why did you select Plasser & Theurer for the maintenance of your machines?

Straka: When the EU regulation 445/2011 was published, we realised that it would involve too much effort to have EUROPTEN certified according to the ECM criteria. To ensure the legal certainty required, we had to find a partner who could maintain our machines according to the ECM standard. We have known Plasser & Theurer for many years as manufacturer of our machines and maintenance service provider.

Has it been the right decision?

Straka: Absolutely. I would even say that Plasser & Theurer is the perfect partner for this task as the company has the manufacturer's expertise and knows the machines better than anybody else. It produces spare parts in-house. Therefore, the timely supply is always ensured. This is also true for old or rarely needed parts. At the Purkersdorf location, Plasser & Theurer has the infrastructure and the staff required to perform maintenance works according to ECM standard.

Has maintenance changed since the introduction of ECM?

Straka: Yes. Its quality has clearly increased. The documentation has improved significantly. All processes have become more transparent for us as a customer. Traceability has definitely increased.

What is the greatest advantage in outsourcing maintenance?

Straka: There was no need for us to obtain the ECM certificate. In addition, we appreciate that maintenance is taken care of for us. If we had to maintain the machines in-house, it would be necessary to always stay up-to-date on laws and technical developments. Plasser & Theurer is taking care of this on our behalf so that we can fully focus on our core business.

Thank you for your time.