When automation equipment malfunctions or breaks down unexpectedly it can be costly, both in terms of repair costs and lost productivity, as well as potentially affecting the quality of your output. The best way to avoid unexpected production downtime and minimise the impact of equipment repairs on your bottom line is to ensure that you have a comprehensive preventative maintenance plan in place for all of your automation equipment.
The costs of unanticipated equipment maintenance
When unanticipated issues occur with your automation equipment there is a potential impact on your bottom line, in addition to customer satisfaction and your workforce. Here are some of the potential consequences of disruption to your production line:
- Reduced or halted production: When a piece of automation equipment stops working then production can be severely impacted. This can lead to fewer orders making it out of the door and customer dissatisfaction due to delayed deliveries.
- Impact on staff productivity and satisfaction: When production is halted or delayed, staff productivity is affected. Not only does this impact your bottom line, it can lead to frustration as your staff are unable to carry out their normal duties.
- Errors and quality issues: If automation equipment malfunctions it can result in errors and quality issues, such as mislabelling or inaccurate weighing. This has a potential impact on customer satisfaction, as well as profits.
- High call out and repair fees: Calling out an engineer to resolve an urgent issue is often costly and, due to the fault being unexpected, the repair costs may be additional to your usual budget for equipment maintenance.
The benefits of preventative maintenance for automation systems
Having maintenance carried out on automation systems on a regular basis can prevent many of the issues listed above from impacting your operations. It enables you to plan for production downtime, by scheduling maintenance in advance and minimising the risk of unexpected faults disrupting the production line.
Highly trained and experienced automation system technicians are often able to identify potential issues with your automation equipment before they become problems. This means that issues can be addressed early, as part of your regular preventative maintenance, rather than under urgent, and more potentially costly, circumstances.
Dealing with issues before they escalate can also extend the lifespan of your automation systems, reducing how frequently you need to invest in new equipment.
Additionally, preventative maintenance of your automation systems helps to maintain a high level of quality in the packing of your orders. This equips you with the confidence and reassurance that your products are leaving the warehouse at the required standards, since your equipment is in good working order. As well as ensuring production efficiency and customer satisfaction, it is also essential to ensure that your packaging meets the quality standards required in your industry.
At PALpack we provide comprehensive preventative maintenance for automation systems, delivered by our team of highly trained and experienced automation system technicians. Find out more about our maintenance services and how to book a service visit here.
