Sustainability is one of the most important topics of the 21st century. That is why VWH GmbH makes the best possible use of existing potentials and thus contributes its share to climate protection. One of the most important building blocks for this is the supply of spare parts to its customers. This business unit, formerly known as "Obsolescence Management", now has a new name: Renessenz.
So how can changing a term have an impact on the sustainability of a business enterprise? In linguistic terms, this is a question of semantics - and ultimately of perspective.
Where does the term come from?
Unfortunately, anyone who enters the word "renessence" in Google or looks it up in a dictionary will not find it there, because it is a neologism, a neologism. Nevertheless, the term is likely to evoke certain associations in some people. In a way, "renessence" is derived from the word "renaissance". In simple terms, the Renaissance stands for a cultural-historical epoch, which was predominant in Europe, especially in the 15th and 16th centuries. The Renaissance was an epoch of revival of past times, technologies and cultural trends, for example, as today fashion trends or musical styles of past decades celebrate their "comeback" and are "recycled" with contemporary elements to something new and modern. The meaning of "renessence" can also be understood in a similar way to this attitude. This can be summarized in three essential core aspects:
Reflecting on what already exists.
Reverting to what is known and proven.
Developing what has been done in the past.
Why renessence? Even proven machines deserve a renaissance
Up to now, the field of spare parts supply has been called "obsolescence management". Regardless of the unwieldiness and unpronounceability of the term, one aspect in particular is worthy of revision here: "Obsolescence", or "obsolete", means "outdated", "obsolete" or "unusable". Thus, the transience of machines and components is primarily emphasized.
"However, this no longer does justice to the meaning of a long-term and reliable supply of spare parts," says Cornelius Neuroth, sales manager at VWH. "While technologies and equipment can naturally become obsolete as a result of innovations or signs of age, this does not mean that valuable capital goods immediately become the proverbial "old iron." Prudent companies like VWH stand for holistic and sustainable support of their customers and are able to manufacture discontinued components or urgently needed custom-made products tailored to the customer's needs: Quickly, accurately and in original equipment quality."
This means that supposedly obsolete machinery and equipment can be given a new lease of lifeand production downtimes, shutdowns or expensive new purchases can be avoided.
"We therefore want to reflect this attitude with a new name for this service area. Renessenz is intended to redirect attention to the potential of renewal and maintenance and make it clear that there is much more behind this than the mere replacement of components. Machines and systems can be maintained and even improved by optimized components instead of being regarded as obsolete and unusable and taken out of service," continues Neuroth.
What can Renessence do?
Renessence includes various services, all of which have the purpose of extending the product life cycles of machines. This can be achieved through re-design or re-engineering. Re-design is the restoration of components for which technical data is no longer available. By means of tactile and optical recording, VWH GmbH is able to measure and reproduce required components exactly at any time. Depending on the scope and requirements, components can thus be produced quickly and reliably as one-offs by 3D printing or provided in small and large series by injection molding and machining. During re-engineering, additional optimizations can be made to the component. These can also be tested and improved beforehand using prototype production from the 3D printer. All measures are accompanied by continuous machine and personal quality control and ongoing spare parts logistics consisting of transport and storage. In this way, the company guarantees long-term security of supply and appreciation of substantial capital goods.
Long story short: New word, new perspective.
"Raider is now called Twix. Nothing else changes." - was how a well-known confectionery manufacturer marketed the re-naming of a candy bar at the beginning of the 1990s. Does this now also apply to the re-naming of VWH's spare parts management? Over 700 words just for a new name? Far from it, sums up Cornelius Neuroth: "We want the new term to establish a new attitude towards repair and maintenance among our customers and employees. Outdated technologies and discontinued components do not mean the end for machines. We can replace, reproduce and even optimize components. In this way, we raise awareness of sustainability and make a valuable contribution to customers and the environment. Renew - Renessence!"
