With KLARSICHT365, DR.SCHNELL has developed an intelligent all-season windshield cleaner for Deutsche Bahn (DB) long-distance rail transport in a very short time. In an interview with us, DB employee Kay Koschnick, Senior Advisor in Vehicle Technology, explains what makes KLARSICHT365 so special—and how DB benefits from the product. 
 
Question: Mr. Koschnick, you work in the Vehicle and Process Engineering department of Deutsche Bahn's long-distance transport division. What exactly does that mean? 

Kay Koschnick: The central Vehicle and Process Engineering department ensures economical, safe, and customer-oriented maintenance at DB Fernverkehr. It develops strategies, processes, and regulations, is responsible for production processes, measurement and testing technology, and promotes quality, efficiency, and standardization. It also coordinates optimization measures and initiatives for new technologies. It monitors processes such as welding, bonding, and non-destructive testing and supports workshops in the introduction of new processes and quality assurance measures. 

Question: What makes cleaning trains so challenging? 

Koschnick: From a maintenance perspective, cleaning our trains is an important and complex accompanying process. Although we are not directly responsible for cleaning, we must ensure that it is carried out in accordance with the technical requirements of our vehicles. Our trains are made 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 we believe it is important to have a thorough understanding of the cleaning agents and processes used and to coordinate them with each other.

Question: DR.SCHNELL and DB Fernverkehr are long-standing partners. What makes this long partnership so special?  

Koschnick: This long-standing collaboration is based on reliability and continuous product development. We know we can rely on DR.SCHNELL 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 several years ago as part of a project to optimize the windshield care of our trains. In addition, as a craftsman at the time, I used DR.SCHNELL products myself in maintenance work, which gave me a very practical insight into their quality and effectiveness. 

Question: You were in charge of a tender that our new product KLARSICHT365 won. What was the tender about? 

Koschnick: The aim of the tender was to find a windshield wiper fluid that could remain in the vehicle for 365 days, so that we no longer had to mix the windshield washer fluid ourselves depending on the season. The product also had to be environmentally friendly, safe to use, and gentle on vehicles in order to protect both the surfaces and the technology of the trains.

Question: How long did it take from the tender to the finished product?  

Koschnick: It took about 18 months from the start of the tender process to the launch of KLARSICHT365. It's great that a new product can be implemented so quickly. The close cooperation between DR.SCHNELL and our team was a decisive factor here. In addition, the excellent cooperation within long-distance transport with all the teams involved is 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 throughout the year.  

Question: What does KLARSICHT365 mean for your processes? 

Koschnick: KLARSICHT365 facilitates daily maintenance and reduces work steps such as mixing concentrate and water. At the same time, it improves visibility for train drivers. 

Question: What does the future hold for the cooperation between DB Fernverkehr and DR.SCHNELL? 

Koschnick: If necessary, we want to continue to jointly develop innovative products and solutions for our rail vehicles in order to continuously improve maintenance, cleaning, and efficiency.