If you’ve invested in palletisers, conveyors or other automatic handling systems to improve the efficiency of your operation, the last thing you need is a breakdown. Equipment failure is inconvenient and can be costly, disrupting production and causing delays and frustration.
Proactive maintenance agreements and service contracts help to prevent the unexpected downtime caused by breakdowns and ensure you get the full potential from your automation equipment, safeguarding your investment and protecting your bottom line.
Here, we explore what a service contract includes and look at the main benefits to putting one in place.
What is a service contract?
A service contract is an agreement that covers the maintenance, service and repair of your equipment. It provides a structured framework and scope of work: our service contracts include technical support, software updates and performance monitoring as well as preventative maintenance and repairs, so your equipment stays in good working order.
What are the benefits of a service contract?
Having a service contract in place for your automatic handling systems brings multiple benefits:
1. Minimised downtime, maximised productivity
Downtime due to unexpected breakdowns can be disastrous for production schedules and profitability. Service contracts allow you to take a proactive approach to equipment maintenance, offering regular inspections and checks. These are designed to identify and address potential issues before they escalate into full-blown problems, ensuring that your automation machinery and automatic handling systems operate smoothly and without unexpected interruptions. If breakdowns do occur, our experts can be on site quickly to put things right. By minimising downtime in this way, manufacturers can maintain consistent production levels, meet deadlines, and operate to maximum efficiency.
2. Extended equipment lifespan
Automation machinery and automatic handling systems represent a significant investment for manufacturers. Protecting this investment is paramount, and service contracts play a crucial role in doing so. Regular maintenance and timely repairs not only keep the equipment operational but also extend its lifespan. We check wear parts, lubrication points, pneumatic leaks and more so that any issues can be addressed before they require costly replacements and upgrades.
3. Optimised performance
Service contracts go beyond maintenance and include performance evaluations and adjustments that help fine-tune machinery so it performs at its best. Through consistent monitoring and calibration, manufacturers can ensure that their automation systems are operating efficiently, to improve product quality and reduce waste.
4. Cost management
One of the significant advantages of service contracts is their predictable cost structure. Manufacturers can budget for maintenance and repairs without the fear of unexpected expenses associated with sudden breakdowns and this financial predictability allows for better resource allocation and financial planning. Additionally, by investing in preventive maintenance through service contracts, manufacturers can avoid the higher costs associated with emergency repairs and rushed replacements. Our most popular service contract is four visits, you pay for three and the fourth visit is free. Service visits can also be used if you have a breakdown out of warranty, without incurring call out charges.
5. Access to expert advice
Robotic palletisers and other equipment often have complex components and software systems. When issues arise, having access to expert technical support is invaluable. Our service contracts provide direct access to skilled technicians who have trained at our manufacturer’s facilities and have knowledge of every machine we supply. This training includes preventative maintenance, fault finding and programming to ensure accurate diagnosis and efficient problem-solving in a timely manner.
Take a proactive approach
From minimising downtime and extending equipment lifespan to optimising performance and gaining access to expert technical support, the benefits of service contracts are substantial. Taking out a service contract allows manufacturers to take a proactive approach to equipment maintenance, not only safeguarding their investments but also driving productivity, reducing costs and maintaining a competitive edge as a result.