9 benefits of a service contract
High-quality output only comes from an optimised production environment compromised of compatible high-performing machinery.
A service contract plays a vital role in protecting the performance of your production line. Over time, machinery is prone to wear and tear, which leads to significant issues if unaddressed. Eventually, if left unchecked, you will face machine breakdowns, unplanned downtime and lost productivity until you can resolve the problem.
A service contract offers routine maintenance that resolves potential hazards before they unfold further. Regular servicing ensures consistent performance across your machinery so that production stays on track and meets your objectives.
This guide further explores the benefits of service contracts and what to look for when seeking one for your plant.
The benefits
Maintain efficiency
The purpose of a service contract is to keep your machinery in good working order. It includes calibration, repairs and replacements of parts as needed.
Regularly reviewing the health of your production line and taking the necessary steps to improve it will maximise your overall equipment efficiency. With better efficiency, you will enjoy many rewards, including faster production timescales, cost reduction and minimised environmental impact.
It will also ensure the correct tasks are being done for optimum output.
Get expert support
A service contract should be sourced from experts with experience of maintaining your machines. As a result, the engineers carrying out the work on your equipment will have the right knowledge to deal with any issues that arise on your machines.
It also means repairs will be more effective and faster.
The alternative is allowing less experienced engineers to attempt the repairs, which could worsen the problem.
Remove the internal burden
Some plants don’t utilise external service engineers, instead appointing internal resources to handle maintenance and repairs. This option requires your staff to have the appropriate skills and tools. They will probably need specialist training.
By sourcing an external contract, you reduce the internal pressure. You won’t need the skills in-house or training. You also won’t need to allocate time for the repairs or maintenance, as it should be included in your contract. These engineers will have experienced a variety of issues with your equipment in different environments and scenarios and being able to deal with any issue thrown at them.
Protect your whole line
A service contract offers maintenance at regular intervals, allowing you to ensure consistent performance across your machinery and that everything is correctly calibrated. It will cover the various equipment that makes up your production line. Every piece of equipment is catered for and ensures that issues are identified across the line.
Secure long-lasting fixes
When recruiting an expert to service your machinery as part of a contract, you will benefit from a longer-lasting repair as well as more first-time fixes due to their equipment knowledge.
An engineer should use genuine spare parts for effective fixes that are fully compatible with your machines and won’t lead to issues later down the line.
The repairs will also be backed by a warranty, assuring you in case anything goes wrong.
Avoid unplanned downtime
If a breakdown or fault occurs in your production line, it could lead to a complete standstill. Some equipment may no longer operate, or you may need to pause everything until the issue is fixed.
Unplanned downtime is detrimental. It damages productivity, causing you to miss deadlines and reduces profit margins (through the product or labour waste).
Investing in servicing will address potential flaws before they lead to downtime, allowing you to keep things on track and improve cost efficiency.
Boost output quality
If your machines aren’t functioning correctly, your output faces many potential dangers. Examples include incomplete tasks, errors and inconsistencies or broken parts finding their way into products.
By maintaining your machinery, you will move forward with the confidence that your production line is doing its job. It limits the chance of defects or flaws, leaving you with high-quality output that meets customer demand.
It also reduces the risk of costly product recalls, complaints or other consequences that damage your plant’s reputation.
Improve safety
Another advantage of regular servicing your equipment is staff safety. Machinery in good condition is less likely to cause injury from broken or loose parts or incorrect functions.
By minimising the risks of breakdowns, your staff shouldn’t face any hazards when operating equipment, allowing you to fulfil your duty as an employer and prevent lost productivity.
You will also remove the need for staff to conduct repairs internally, which could lead to safety issues if not carried out with the appropriate knowledge.
Get additional assistance when needed
A service contract typically provides maintenance on a scheduled basis. However, many will often include emergency support to cover urgent repairs or breakdowns.
It can be a lifeline when you need it most, allowing you to source expert repairs that minimise the crisis.
What to look for in a service contract
There are many benefits to having a service contract that covers your production lines. However, you need an arrangement that suits your needs.
Firstly, you should seek a supplier who knows your machinery intrinsically. This will equip them with the expertise they need to conduct effective first-time repairs. It’s recommended to source support from the machinery manufacturer where possible, as they will have the deepest knowledge.
It’s also vital to check that the contract is compatible with your equipment, as this will keep everything in good condition and offer you more value for money.
The contract should include regular visits to your site to review your machinery. This allows you to stay on top of maintenance and flag issues promptly.
You should also look for a contract that includes emergency support. If your plant operates non-office hours, you might seek 24-hour assistance. It enables you to resolve urgent issues and get help whenever you require it.
Yamato's service contracts
There are many benefits to be reaped from a service contract. Having one in place for your plant will bring expert support when you need it, leading to swift repair and optimal production conditions.
As a result, output quality is protected, and downtime is minimised. You meet your targets while managing costs, improving staff safety and driving productivity.
If you are investing in a service contract, it must be suitable for your machinery. You need to partner with experts who know your equipment inside and out.
Yamato’s service contracts are designed to support your plant, offering skilled maintenance on your Yamato solutions. We offer two levels of service to suit your needs and budget:
- Level 1 – service inspection and calibration to optimise your machinery
- Level 2 – full service, including repairs and parts replacement when required
Our engineers are experts in their field, providing you with long-lasting repairs and thorough maintenance.