In fast-paced manufacturing environments it’s essential for automation systems to run smoothly in order to maintain efficiency and profitability. Choosing the right support partner is a strategic investment in your business’s productivity, efficiency, and growth.

In this blog post we discuss the importance of choosing the right support partner, who will work closely with you from the point of order and installation, and throughout the lifecycle of your automation equipment.

Tailored automation solutions that fit your workflow

An experienced partner will listen to and understand your unique needs, using this to recommend the best automation solutions to meet your operational requirements.

At PALpack we provide practical, technical advice to clients across a broad range of sectors. Based on our expertise in robotics, engineering and automation, combined with over 35 years of industry experience, we’re able to help you select the right machinery to meet operational needs.

We’ll also offer our expert advice to ensure that the new equipment you purchase can be integrated effectively with any existing machines, whilst maximising available floor space.

For example, we worked closely with a global manufacturer to design an end-to-end palletising solution that overcame challenges such as space limitations, multiple pallet sizes, and a wide range of production-line variations.

Expert automation support that extends beyond installation

Support doesn’t end at installation – it continues for the lifetime of your equipment. It’s crucial to choose a partner who will continue to offer reliable, expert automation support so that your operations run smoothly and high quality standards are met over the long-term.

Here at PALpack we’re more than just an equipment supplier – we’re a full-service automation partner. We will work with you to maximise the production life of your automation machines, from point of purchase onwards.

Here’s what one of our customers had to say about our automation support services:

“Since our machine was installed last February our line efficiency has improved dramatically with little or no downtime recorded for technical issues. PALpack’s after sales service is the best we have had from anyone in the 16 years of bottling production.”

We have a team of fully-trained technicians who are deeply knowledgeable about every machine we supply. All of our engineers are technically adept at servicing and maintenance, and undertake regular training, as well as maintaining their knowledge and skills through working day-in-day out with automation systems.

Our automation support includes:

• Preventative maintenance
• Fault finding and diagnostic services
• On-site automation repairs
• Scheduled service contract plans

To guarantee operational confidence, we strongly recommend taking out a service contract when purchasing automation equipment. Our most popular service contract is four visits – with this option you get a discounted price, and the option to use a pre-paid service visit, for breakdowns or program changes.

With decades of industry expertise, a commitment to long-term support, and a highly trained service team, PALpack is the automation partner trusted by manufacturers across the UK and beyond.

Ready to get more from your automation investment? Contact us today to create a support package tailored to your operation.

When automation equipment malfunctions or breaks down unexpectedly it can be costly, both in terms of repair costs and lost productivity, as well as potentially affecting the quality of your output. The best way to avoid unexpected production downtime and minimise the impact of equipment repairs on your bottom line is to ensure that you have a comprehensive preventative maintenance plan in place for all of your automation equipment.

The costs of unanticipated equipment maintenance

When unanticipated issues occur with your automation equipment there is a potential impact on your bottom line, in addition to customer satisfaction and your workforce. Here are some of the potential consequences of disruption to your production line:

• Reduced or halted production: When a piece of automation equipment stops working then production can be severely impacted. This can lead to fewer orders making it out of the door and customer dissatisfaction due to delayed deliveries.
• Impact on staff productivity and satisfaction: When production is halted or delayed, staff productivity is affected. Not only does this impact your bottom line, it can lead to frustration as your staff are unable to carry out their normal duties.
• Errors and quality issues: If automation equipment malfunctions it can result in errors and quality issues, such as mislabelling or inaccurate weighing. This has a potential impact on customer satisfaction, as well as profits.
• High call out and repair fees: Calling out an engineer to resolve an urgent issue is often costly and, due to the fault being unexpected, the repair costs may be additional to your usual budget for equipment maintenance.

The benefits of preventative maintenance for automation systems

Having maintenance carried out on automation systems on a regular basis can prevent many of the issues listed above from impacting your operations. It enables you to plan for production downtime, by scheduling maintenance in advance and minimising the risk of unexpected faults disrupting the production line.

Highly trained and experienced automation system technicians are often able to identify potential issues with your automation equipment before they become problems. This means that issues can be addressed early, as part of your regular preventative maintenance, rather than under urgent, and more potentially costly, circumstances.

Dealing with issues before they escalate can also extend the lifespan of your automation systems, reducing how frequently you need to invest in new equipment.

Additionally, preventative maintenance of your automation systems helps to maintain a high level of quality in the packing of your orders. This equips you with the confidence and reassurance that your products are leaving the warehouse at the required standards, since your equipment is in good working order. As well as ensuring production efficiency and customer satisfaction, it is also essential to ensure that your packaging meets the quality standards required in your industry.

At PALpack we provide comprehensive preventative maintenance for automation systems, delivered by our team of highly trained and experienced automation system technicians. Find out more about our maintenance services and how to book a service visit here.

Regular servicing is essential for any piece of machinery to ensure optimal performance and maximise longevity—and sack-filling machines are no different. If equipment breaks down, it can be inconvenient and costly, causing delays and frustration, and investing in proactive maintenance goes a long way to preventing these unexpected periods of downtime.

Service contracts are a great way to ensure your equipment is checked regularly, and booking multiple visits also allows you to manage the cost. But what does a service contract include? Let’s find out.

What is a service contract?

A service contract is simply an agreement regarding the maintenance and repair of your machinery, outlining which checks will be carried out and how frequently. Our service contracts can be taken out on any of our machinery and can be taken one at a time, or our most popular contract is four visits. For this, you pay for three visits and your fourth visit is free.

We recommend annual services, but visits can also be used if you have a breakdown out of warranty without incurring call out charges.

What does a service contract include?

Our service contracts ensure a regular maintenance schedule is in place, with routine checks, cleaning, lubrication, and replacement of worn-out parts.

Carried out by experienced engineers, the visits will complement daily, weekly and monthly activities such as cleaning accessible parts, tightening loose bolts and testing sensors and electrical components with more thorough investigations, to make sure your machines are operating efficiently, safely and reliably.

Which checks are carried out?

Regardless of the type of equipment, every visit starts with an initial consultation covering the machine’s recent performance. The engineer will ask about any issues or concerns to identify areas or parts that may need specific attention.

This is followed by a visual inspection to check for wear and tear and a thorough review of major components including lubrication points and pneumatic systems. Guards and covers are removed to check parts such as sprockets, belts and chains, which are replaced according to their expected lifespan before their performance deteriorates and starts causing issues.

For sack-filling machines, accurate calibration is essential and forms a major part of the maintenance schedule. Weighing systems are regularly adjusted using certified weights to ensure precise product measurements and filling mechanisms are fine-tuned so the height and alignment guarantee consistent and accurate product flow. Conveyors and handling systems also need to be properly aligned to prevent spillages and ensure bags are sealed correctly.

The benefits of a service contract

Regular servicing and preventative maintenance help ensure that your Technipes and other machinery operate at peak efficiency and reliability.

Detecting potential issues early means they can be addressed before they become more serious, which has several benefits:

• Reduced downtime: Breakdowns are minimised and maintenance can be scheduled for quieter periods, reducing downtime and improving productivity.
• Extended equipment lifespan: Equipment is not only kept operational but its lifespan is extended, bringing longer-term cost benefits.
• Optimised performance: Machinery is kept working to maximum efficiency, improving product quality and reducing waste.
• Fewer costs: Undertaking preventative maintenance is usually less expensive than the cost of emergency repairs.

Find out more about our service contracts and how they can make your operations more productive.

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.