EICHLER feature article in B&I

An EICHLER technical article was published in the October 2026 issue of B&I. Entitled “Better to Repair Than Throw Away”, the article explores how companies can deal with ageing automation technology, discontinued components and limited spare parts availability.

This issue directly affects many maintenance departments. Control systems, drives and electronic assemblies operate reliably in numerous industrial systems for many years. However, when one of these components fails, a suitable replacement is not always readily available. As a result, a technical fault can quickly pose a risk to system availability, production and spare parts procurement.

The article explains why Life Cycle Management in automation technology should begin well before a component fails. The key is to identify critical components at an early stage, assess supply risks and prepare appropriate measures in advance.

These measures include repairs, replacement units, spare parts supply, stockholding and, where necessary, modernisation. The most suitable solution depends on the specific circumstances, including the nature of the fault, the condition of the electronic assembly, the feasibility of technical testing and economic considerations.
 

A key focus of the technical article is the repair of industrial electronics. Component-level repair can be a valuable option, particularly for older components or those that are difficult to source. However, it does not replace thorough technical testing - rather, it depends on it.

EICHLER therefore first assesses whether an electronic assembly can be repaired and whether the repair is economically viable. Based on this assessment, system operators can decide whether repair, a replacement unit, spare parts supply or another measure is the most appropriate solution.

The published article also includes a practical example from EICHLER's Technical On-Site Service. It describes a 24-volt short circuit in a control system application. The example demonstrates the importance of a structured fault analysis carried out directly on-site.

Particularly in the event of an unexpected breakdown, it is essential to systematically narrow down the cause of the fault and assess potential measures from a technical perspective. The Technical On-Site Service can help to avoid unnecessary component replacements and determine the most appropriate next steps.

The technical article makes it clear that repair alone cannot solve every spare parts supply issue. When components have been discontinued or spare parts remain in limited supply, a broader strategy is required.

This includes analysing obsolescence risks, evaluating replacement solutions and reviewing spare parts stockholding strategies. This provides maintenance and procurement teams with a more informed basis for decision-making before a critical failure occurs.

The article also highlights two presentations by EICHLER at maintenance Munich. These presentations likewise address the challenges of ageing automation technology, product discontinuations and spare parts supply risk.

The technical article therefore addresses a challenge faced by many companies: how can existing technology continue to be used cost-effectively without compromising system availability and planning certainty?

The publication of EICHLER's technical article in B&I highlights the importance of repairs, spare parts supply and Life Cycle Management in industrial maintenance. The article explains why system operators should assess critical automation technology proactively, rather than waiting until a breakdown occurs.

EICHLER focuses on a practical approach: technically assessing components, evaluating repair options, identifying spare parts supply risks and working closely with system operators to develop viable solutions for keeping existing systems operational.