Without proper maintenance, manufacturers are more likely to experience expensive downtime. Equipment that’s properly maintained performs better and lasts longer. Routine maintenance, while not inexpensive, costs far less than repairing equipment that fails at the most inopportune times. Here are a few advantages manufacturing facilities enjoy when equipment is correctly maintained.
Reliability and Performance Are Enhanced
When routine inspections and maintenance are scheduled, potential problems are identified and corrected quickly, and major issues and extended downtimes are avoided. In many instances, welding services play a crucial role in keeping manufacturing equipment functioning. Professional welders repair or replace worn or damaged components, which enhances their structural integrity and improves their functionality. Using that type of proactive approach helps companies reduce downtime and waste while simultaneously boosting overall productivity.
Properly Maintained Equipment Lasts Longer
Replacing or repairing equipment is expensive, and all manufacturers routinely take steps to cut expenses wherever possible. That’s a primary reason for conducting inspections and following equipment suppliers’ maintenance recommendations. Properly lubricating machinery, for example, reduces wear and keeps the equipment functioning as designed. In some cases, the damage will still occur, and that’s when manufacturers call in expert welders to make appropriate repairs. Certified welders provide a range of repairs to equipment and extend the life of equipment like boilers and pressure vessels.
Maintenance Reduces Overhead Expenses
Company budgets generally include funds to deal with equipment issues, but keeping repairs to a minimum and extending the life of machinery always helps a company’s bottom line. As already alluded to, identifying potential issues quickly also cuts costs, as major problems are often avoided. In addition, repairing a minor problem is far easier and less expensive than waiting until a problem shuts down production. For example, welders can repair minor cracks quickly, but major issues take more time to deal with, which means the total costs are higher.
Safety Is Enhanced
No one wants to deal with OSHA or see employees injured on the job. Equipment that’s properly maintained protects workers from hazards like electrical shocks, burns, or lacerations. When machinery and equipment are proactively maintained, workers know that the company values their safety. That, in turn, often results in employee loyalty, which is another important aspect of keeping everyone safe and production on schedule.
Maintenance Is Crucial for Remaining Compliant with Safety Regulations
Government regulators and insurers require companies to maintain equipment properly. Failure to comply with their requirements often results in costly fines or penalties. In many cases, non-compliance leads to shutdowns and lost revenue, which further complicates the situation. Companies quickly find out that complying is less expensive than delaying maintenance or repairs. That’s especially true when pressure vessels are involved, as many manufacturers have found out the hard way.
Is Meeting Codes Good Enough?
Manufacturers are always concerned with meeting codes, but is simply complying with minimal code requirements good enough? Many companies don’t feel meeting minimum standards is sufficient. They want to ensure their facilities and workers are always safe.
Those companies explore new and innovative strategies that keep their production on schedule, prevent accidents, and ensure their products always meet or exceed required standards. That’s where customized maintenance plans enter the picture. Employers concerned about improving their facilities and boosting productivity are strongly encouraged to be proactive when it comes to scheduling inspections and maintenance.
