The first few months after new equipment is installed and commissioned are critical. To ensure optimum performance in the long run, you need to be 100% confident that your staff can safely operate and properly maintain the equipment, and that any problems will be identified and resolved in a timely manner. In partnership with your original equipment manufacturer (OEM), you should focus on two key aspects: staff training and preventive maintenance, which includes spare parts management.
 

STAFF TRAINING

If you think that your operators and maintenance staff need only one week of training to handle a new machine, consider this: Our expert service technicians receive one full year of training. And if your current equipment is older, expect a sea change in safety requirements—and a very steep learning curve.

The exact amount of initial training required depends on various factors. Here are some of the questions you should ask yourself:

• How comfortable/experienced is our staff?
• Is our staff well aware of the latest safety features and procedures?
• Is this our first automated/robotic machine?

Most importantly, do not forget to invest in train-the-trainer programs. This is often overlooked, but you will need people on-site to teach new hires and provide ongoing refresher training.


PREVENTIVE MAINTENANCE

Every plant should have an annual maintenance schedule. Why? Because it will keep your equipment in tip-top condition for optimum performance. Annual preventive maintenance also reduces downtime—saving you a tremendous amount of time and money.

Make sure to check the equipment several times a year, follow the maintenance checklists, keep the operation manual right next to the equipment for easy reference, and always have a spare-parts kit on hand. (Ideally, you should purchase a spare-parts kit prior to installation.)