Weighing is critical to most manufacturing processes.
However, many manufacturers overlook the importance of regular maintenance of their weighing assets, leading to equipment failure and downtime. A new Mettler Toledo article details 11 reasons why proactive rather than reactive maintenance can help manufacturers protect their profit margins.
Reduced cost of maintenance over the life of equipment is a compelling reason to adopt a proactive maintenance (PM) approach. Here are 11 reasons to tackle problems before they arise:
1. Extended equipment life.
Better conservation of assets and increased life expectancy of assets eliminates premature replacement of weighing equipment.
2. Improved equipment uptime.
External and internal cleaning prohibits dust and debris from entering the weighing cell and contaminating the electronics to help avoid equipment failure.
Battery testing prevents loss of calibration data and other customer-specific information.
3. Sound equipment conditions.
When electronics, sensors, and faultless keyboard/ display functions are checked, it helps ensure the balance is operating according to manufacturer specifications. Adjustments are performed if needed.
4. Cost reductions from emergency repairs
Secondary failures caused by neglected maintenance are reduced, as are maintenance costs. Additionally, the risk that parts failure during routine operation leads to damage of other parts downstream is also decreased for another positive impact on repair cost.
5. Secure financial forecast
Maintenance costs can be budgeted predictably, particularly if a contract includes an extended warranty clause. Financial safety is optimised during the contract.
6. Cost savings through discounts
PM agreements allow a service provider to schedule workload and make more economical use of service technicians. Thus, overtime costs incurred for emergency repairs are eliminated and end users benefit from discounts.
7. Professional work by expert technicians
Users rely solely on factory-trained and certified technicians who guarantee professional execution of maintenance activities. Third party providers may not have access to up-to-date service manuals, nor can they guarantee OEM parts in case of repair.
8. Improved productivity and product quality
Better overall equipment condition based on PM results in improved weighing processes, as well as reduced product rejects, rework, and scrap.
9. Improved safety
PM ensures safe and reliable balance operation, because nothing is more important than the safety of the user. It is a form of hazard control in the workplace that helps prevent injuries from issues such as defective power cords and faulty power supplies.
10. Priority support
When support is needed immediately, customers on a PM agreement enjoy scheduling priority and discounted labour/ parts rates.
11. Software updates
During PM visits, technicians can upgrade balance software. Newer versions are more streamlined, easier to use, and offer additional applications or other features. A software upgrade is synonymous with an investment in productivity enhancement.
