Reference customer Dampfbahn Furka-Bergstrecke AG: Safety management system

Digital security for your journey on the historic steam train

Our Safety management system combines efficient process control, digital documentation and compliance tools in one solution – exactly what Swiss railway companies need for a modern and safe railway system.

Karl Reichenbach from DFB AG explains how our SMS helps easily meet security requirements and ensure safe, efficient, and compliant operations. Learn how our system makes it easy to obtain approved network access and security permits.

🏢 Furka Mountain Railway AG:

The Furka Mountain Railway AG is a historic steam-powered cog railway that runs between Realp and Oberwald. DFB AG is dedicated to operating a tourist cog railway on one of the most spectacular routes in Switzerland. The organization consists of the operating company DFB AG, the SFB Foundation, and the VFB Association – with the strong volunteer commitment of over 800 helpers. DFB AG manages the railway services as a licensed transport company (KTU), operates the trains as a railway undertaking (EVU), manages the tracks and railway facilities as an infrastructure operator (ISB), and oversees the maintenance of the rolling stock.

CHALLENGES

❓ What are your two biggest challenges in digitizing and automating processes?

⚙️ Efficient automation in times of staff shortages
📢 Karl Reichenbach:
“Important processes must be automated in compliance with regulations – despite limited human resources.”

❓What challenges did DFB AG face before introducing SMS?

THE PROJECT

Why did you decide to implement a security management system based on SharePoint and modern Microsoft technologies?

Karl Reichenbach: "We were looking for a solution that would integrate as seamlessly as possible into our existing Microsoft environment, be easily accessible, and usable by various user groups (including volunteers). SharePoint offers the necessary flexibility and scalability. Furthermore, with redIT, we were able to rely on an experienced partner who understood our requirements."

What concrete improvements has the safety management system brought to your process?

Karl Reichenbach: "The new system has enabled us to create a central platform where security-relevant documents and processes are consolidated. Processes are clearly defined, and incidents can be easily recorded and tracked. Audits can be conducted much more efficiently thanks to structured documentation."

How much has your efficiency increased since implementing the solution? How do you notice the increase in efficiency?

Karl Reichenbach: “The increase in efficiency is primarily evident in the following areas:”

  • Shorter processing times for security reports
  • Fewer queries during audits
  • Clearer allocation of responsibilities
  • Manual effort in maintaining and distributing documents is eliminated

To what extent has the introduction of SMS facilitated the submission and obtaining of network access authorization, safety certificate, and safety approval for DFB AG?

Karl Reichenbach: "The Federal Office for Occupational Safety and Health (BAV) places high demands on the structure and traceability of safety processes. With the new SMS, we were able to digitally map these requirements and document them in a comprehensible manner. This simplifies both the application process and the communication with the supervisory authority."

Which functions or features of the solution offer you the greatest added value?

Central document control and versioning

Uniform reporting forms for safety-relevant incidents

Automated workflows and task distribution

Accessibility via various devices (including volunteers)

OUR COOPERATION

How would you describe the collaboration with redIT in three short bullet points – both during the project and beyond?

Karl Reichenbach: «The collaboration with redIT can be described as follows:

💡 Solution-oriented & adaptable – 📞 Very good accessibility and support – 🚂 Understanding of the special needs of a historic railway organization.»

Karl Reichenbach, Managing Director of the DFB

"The introduction of SMS was a major step for us toward digitalization and security. The close support from redIT was particularly valuable, enabling us to develop a solution that meets both regulatory requirements and our operational needs.» 

 Karl Reichenbach

Managing Director, Furka Mountain Railway AG

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