When using a service support contract is a good idea

By waiting until a problem occurs before it is repaired, many issues arise. Understanding those problems help you to realize the benefits of having a service support contract in place.

By David Manney August 16, 2016

Many businesses tend to take a reactive stance when it comes to facilities maintenance. By waiting until a problem occurs before it is repaired, many issues arise. Understanding those problems help you to realize the benefits of having a service support contract in place.

One of the primary problems associated with waiting until a problem occurs is that it typically results in higher costs. By identifying the problem before it becomes a serious issue, you are likely able to repair the problem before the time that it becomes catastrophic. Also, any smaller problems that exist will likely affect other parts of the equipment, resulting in further damage.

Another issue associated with reactive maintenance is downtime. When an unexpected failure occurs at your facility, it is likely to lead to extensive downtime until the equipment can be repaired. Identifying the problem before it becomes too large may result in the ability to schedule the downtime when it is most convenient.

Service contract benefits

By putting the service contract into place, you will experience fewer problems at your facility. These agreements provide a guarantee that the personnel will be available, and you will be given priority status when any problems do occur. This faster response time will result in multiple benefits, especially when an emergency breakdown should happen to occur.

As part of the service support contract, annual system checks may also be completed. Some routine checkups could happen, but the following equipment is typically tied into a service contract, depending upon your facility. That equipment includes accumulators, filters, bladders, and calibration of governors. System troubleshooting may also take place, either when a problem arises or as part of a preventative maintenance program.

A service support contract may also include an extensive preventative maintenance program that is custom designed for your facility. This would also result in some significant benefits, and it will complement your existing maintenance program. Some of the advantages of a preventative maintenance program include the following:

  • Longer equipment life: The need to replace machinery or equipment prematurely is reduced because problems that arise within the equipment are often detected before they become a larger issue.
  • Equipment downtime: Because there is reduced amount of major repairs taking place at your facility, equipment downtime is also going to be reduced.
  • Scheduled downtime: Along with a lower rate of equipment downtime, you also have the possibility of scheduling downtime when equipment does need repair. This is in direct contrast to any unexpected, major malfunctions or breakdowns that would occur outside of a preventative maintenance program.
  • Safety: When the equipment is checked regularly through a preventative maintenance program, any factors that could lead to an unsafe working environment are often detected early. These can then be repaired so that the safety conditions are improved for everyone.

There are many benefits to having a service support contract in place. It is something that can benefit your business, both now and in the future.

– David Manney is a marketing administrator at L&S Electric. This article originally appeared on L&S Electric Watts New Blog. L&S Electric Inc. is a CFE Media content partner.

Original content can be found at lselectric.com.