New equipment is one of the most expensive line items for businesses in nearly all industries. From heavy machinery on construction sites to instruments that utility companies rely on, these tools of the trade are imperative for operations. So, when the success of your business depends on functioning equipment, one would think maintaining equipment would be a priority. But the reality is that many businesses don’t take a proactive approach to quality check-ups of equipment.
Faulty equipment always seems to be noticed when it’s too late. Unplanned repair or replacement costs can damage the health of the business and potentially, customer relationships. If you’re guilty of this kind of approach to maintenance, keep reading. Here are three ways that regularly-scheduled proactive equipment checks can positively impact your business.dd
Proactive Equipment Checks Inform Future Decisions
Unplanned repair or replacement costs can damage the health of the business and potentially, customer relationships.
Any industry involving manual labor is one that you can expect to be hard on the company’s tools and equipment. Nevertheless, proactive equipment checks can empower you with insights on when equipment is prime for repairing. Armed with that information, you can then schedule that work in advance. This depth of knowledge can inform your spending and budgeting decisions. Planning proactively is preparation for the costs associated with either repair work or replacement.
Additionally, proactive equipment checks can offer awareness about potential equipment misuse. If one specific type of equipment is wearing down faster than normal, investigate. If you’re able to determine that someone us using it incorrectly, use that as a coaching opportunity. Turn it into a positive, helping the employee to become better at their craft.
Through proactive checks, you may also learn that over time the durability of certain products isn’t what you expected. That could mean it’s time to look for another equipment provider or manufacturer that’s going to meet your quality standards.
Save money on repair costs
The best way to avoid the cost of repairs is to fix a problem before it gets worse. Think about a tire that has a small hole in it, an issue solved with a tiny patch applied to the tire. Plugging the hole so that the tire stays inflated. If you let that tiny hole go you’ll soon be inflating your tire each day until it needs replacing.
The inspection process helps identify defective equipment prior to a job, possibly avoiding future work stoppages or delays.
That line of thinking is the crux of any preventive maintenance model. By taking the time upfront to inspect the equipment, you can usually sidestep the high-dollar repairs at a later date. In addition, your equipment should last longer. This means you may be able to hold off on purchasing new equipment sooner than you’d like.
Productivity remains high
Proactive equipment checks can also have a direct correlation to productivity. The inspection process helps identify defective equipment prior to a job, possibly avoiding future work stoppages or delays. Let’s say your business has 10 generators that you use for a specific type of job. Your schedule is more than likely going to get thrown off if one of those generators abruptly goes down. With only nine generators, you’re likely to reschedule some jobs during repairs. This reduces revenue for that period.
Related: SOPs: When to Change Them and How to Make Them Stick
If equipment fails while on-site, you could also damage the relationship you have with the customer. Also, you could potentially lose future business due to reputational or dependability concerns. Mechanical equipment will always be prone to fail, but proactive maintenance increases predictability. Regular check-ups mean you’re more likely to catch problems before they affect the business.
Related: Prioritizing Customer Service Across the Business
Along with construction companies, utilities and energy co-ops are among the types of businesses that could see substantial benefits from regularly scheduled quality check-ups of equipment. Utility Partners of America has partnered with these companies in a variety of ways and would love to talk to you about your operations. Contact us today to learn more.
