The European Union has introduced new legislation that clearly defines the right to repair. The aim is to make repairs easier and reduce the throwaway culture in the economy. While many of the regulations initially focus on household appliances and consumer electronics, industrial manufacturing is now increasingly coming into focus. Manufacturers and operators of industrial equipment should become familiar with the new legal framework and its potential implications as early as possible.
 

A key tool for implementation is modern maintenance software such as WAKU Care.
 

What the New EU Right to Repair Directive Regulates

 

With Directive 2024 1799, the European Union obliges manufacturers to offer repair services for certain products even after the warranty has expired. Spare parts must be available for several years. Repair manuals, diagnostic tools and required software must no longer be kept exclusively by the manufacturers. Consumers have the right to choose whether they use the manufacturer’s repair service or an independent provider.
 

Even though industrial equipment is not yet explicitly listed in the annex of affected product groups, it is likely that the list will be expanded in the future. In addition, new market standards and customer expectations are emerging that many manufacturers must already address.
 

Why Industrial Manufacturers Are Affected

 

Many business customers in sectors such as production, logistics or warehouse automation are already demanding sustainable and transparent maintenance solutions. Increasingly, tenders contain specific requirements for repairability, traceability and spare part availability. Those who prepare early gain clear competitive advantages.
 

It also makes economic sense to organize maintenance and repair processes in a digital, structured and sustainable way. This is exactly where WAKU Care provides support.
 

WAKU Care as a Solution for Right to Repair Compliance

 

WAKU Care is a specialized maintenance and service management software for mobile robots, systems and automated machinery. It helps manufacturers and operators to implement the legal requirements of the EU directive in a practical and efficient manner.
 

Digital Device Files for Full Transparency

 

WAKU Care creates a digital device file for each machine or system. All maintenance tasks, repairs, part replacements and spare parts are documented. This creates an auditable record of all service activity. It supports internal quality assurance and is essential for complying with warranty extensions or official documentation requirements.
 

Structured Repair Processes with Clear Oversight

 

Repairs are logged in WAKU Care as service requests, prioritized and handled in a structured workflow. This ensures that all parties have a clear view of status, costs and resources. Timely repair completion, as required by the EU directive, is thus reliably ensured.
 

Smart Spare Parts Management

 

The directive requires manufacturers to provide spare parts for several years and ensure delivery within a few business days. WAKU Care enables centralized control of inventory, suppliers and delivery timelines. This helps to prevent shortages and meet legal obligations.
 

Support for Independent Repair Providers

 

A key aspect of the new regulation is customer choice. They may freely select any repair provider. WAKU Care supports this by integrating external service partners into repair workflows. All relevant data and service information is centrally available and transparent for everyone involved.
 

Predictive Maintenance via Sensor Data

 

WAKU Care analyzes sensor data and usage patterns to detect maintenance needs early. This prevents downtime and enables timely repairs. The system therefore also supports the directive's requirement for prompt and adequate repair.
 

Now Is the Time for Manufacturers to Act

 

EU member states must transpose the directive into national law by mid 2026. However, companies that wait until then to adapt their service processes are likely to fall behind. Clients and regulators already expect greater transparency and structured spare part management.
 

WAKU Care enables manufacturers and operators to meet all relevant requirements today. It increases maintenance efficiency, reduces long-term costs and builds customer trust.
 

Conclusion

 

The right to repair is more than just a legal obligation. It is a strong signal in favor of sustainable product responsibility and a circular economy. For manufacturers of industrial systems this means that those who embrace transparency, digital service processes and efficient spare parts management today will be clearly ahead tomorrow. WAKU Care delivers the solution to make this possible.