Seamless energy supply, telecommunications and electricity generation are the cornerstones of our society. What is required is technical expertise, conceptual thinking and economically viable solutions. ISS offers all of this – we are also experts in electrical services.
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Fit-Elektro – A Program with a Wide-Reaching Impact
One such program is “Fit-Elektro,” which ISS developed exclusively in collaboration with Swisscom and has been implementing since 2019 (see box). “Through the Fit-Elektro implementation, we bring electrical systems back up to the current state of the art. It addresses customer needs in terms of personal safety, operational safety, investment protection, and environmental responsibility,” says Daniel Bichsel, Fit-Elektro program manager at ISS. “As the client’s representative, we manage an annual investment budget and prioritize the projects.”
“Through our work, we make a significant contribution to the operational safety of telecommunications systems. That’s what makes our work exciting and meaningful.”
Martin Born, Head of Electrical Engineering at PECE, with ISS since 2015
“Our strength lies in an innovative program approach, in which we not only develop well-thought-out and customized solutions, but also thoroughly assess our clients’ individual needs on-site and integrate them specifically into the projects. However, we do not perform traditional electrical design or installations,” explains Martin Born, Head of Electrical Engineering at PECE, ISS. Together with his team of ten, he coordinates the Switzerland-wide delivery of electrical services for ISS clients.
Standardization with Flexibility as the Recipe for Success
The success of the Fit-Elektro program is based on a mix of a standardized, holistic approach that takes project-specific conditions into account. “We follow a clear standard in our analysis, but we take the varying on-site needs just as seriously,” explains Daniel Bichsel. This dialogue on equal terms is part of the success. Other key factors are the team’s expertise and continuity. “Intensive collaboration always leads to the best solutions. By making a significant contribution to ensuring a technically sound and state-of-the-art electrical supply, we support the operational reliability of telecommunications systems. That’s what makes our work exciting and meaningful,” says Martin Born.
“With the Fit-Elektro implementation, we’re bringing electrical systems back up to the current state of the art. In doing so, we’re helping to ensure both personal safety and operational safety.”
Martin Born, Fit-Elektro Program Manager, with ISS since 2018
Applicability to Other Companies
Other companies with large real estate portfolios could also benefit from the expertise ISS has developed through Fit-Elektro. “Our standardized, holistic approach is particularly well-suited for companies operating nationwide with multiple locations,” says Martin Born. Similar programs in the areas of energy efficiency, building safety, or digital infrastructure are also conceivable.
With the Fit-Elektro program, ISS demonstrates how collaborative development, experience, customer focus, and strategic thinking come together to ensure safe, sustainable, and cost-effective buildings.
Expertise, team continuity, and mutual trust are key factors in the Fit-Elektro program.
Fit-Elektro – A Success Story
The Fit-Elektro program is gradually ensuring that the electrical infrastructure in Swisscom’s approximately 900 telephone exchanges remains safe, efficient, and future-proof. Many of the buildings date back to the 1970s and 1980s. The electrical systems installed in them generally no longer meet today’s requirements - which increases both personal and operational risks. ISS and Swisscom have developed a standardized approach to modernize these systems in a targeted manner. The key: factors such as changes in usage, plans to sell a property, or the removal of emergency power systems are considered holistically. Following a preliminary assessment, the partners jointly decide whether to conduct an in-depth analysis. This results in a detailed decision-making framework that includes specific measures, costs, and a timeline.
ISS specialists carry out “Fit-Elektro” implementations at 15 to 20 telephone exchanges annually. The program saves costs, reduces interfaces, and improves the allocation between operating and real estate budgets. At the same time, it mitigates risks and ensures that all legal and operational requirements are met.