Simulation and driving simulator company VI-grade has unveiled CARE and CARE+, a maintenance program developed to ensure customers achieve maximum operational uptime from their respective driving simulators.
VI-grade aims to reduce the risk of unexpected and costly driving simulator downtime through the introduction of the new programs by offering users more than standard preventative and corrective maintenance programs to achieve maximum utility from a customer’s simulator.
Two different support levels are offered by VI-grade within its maintenance program and consist of CARE, the entry-level, basic support maintenance program which covers an annual driving simulator inspection and the thorough inspection and checkup of all wearable parts. If a component needs to be replaced, then it will be ordered after the inspection and charged to the customer. The CARE program also includes the installation of an annual software upgrade, supported by VI-grade engineers.
CARE+ is a more in-depth version of the CARE program and includes the same features plus additional benefits. Customers will have immediate access to an exclusive spare part inventory created by VI-grade to replace any faulty or defective component. This option enables parts to be installed right away with a reduced amount of downtime or delay in a development chain. Additionally, 30% of the annual fee for the CARE+ Program is used as an advance payment for spare parts which may be needed. If no parts fail, however, then 30% of the amount paid will be credited back to the customer at the end of a year period and carried over to the next year.
“I am pleased to announce the launch of our two new customer maintenance programs, CARE, and in particular, our CARE+ program, which provide our customers with premium service and maintenance for their driving simulators,” commented Francesco Ambrogi, global service manager, VI-grade. “Three customers are already benefiting from the CARE+ program.
“VI-grade is quickly moving to address the increasing demand for a high-level service program that provides real value beyond standard preventive and corrective maintenance. Exclusive access to a spare parts inventory created by VI-grade is critical to keeping customers’ driving simulators running smoothly year-round, particularly with the current disruption in global supply chains.”