How Important Are Automation Spares and Consumables?
Spare parts and consumables is often a phrase that is overlooked when purchasing machinery. When it comes to your brand new system, you might be happy with how it arrives off the shelf, but you need to have a plan in place for spares and consumables.
When it comes to spare parts for automation, you can never be too careful. After all, there’s the old saying “you’d rather have it and not need it than need it and not have it”.
It sums up this scenario perfectly.
In this blog, we will discuss the benefits of spare parts, what this refers to in terms of bespoke automation and how your automation provider should be able to offer a full range of spare parts and consumables for your industrial robots and complete systems.
What Are Spare Parts and Consumables For Automation?
Automation has a lot of moving parts. No two systems are ever the same so it’s unlikely there is a ‘one size fits all' answer to the above question.
Instead, you need to look at your system with your automation system provider and understand what the vital components are, what you can't work without, and what you will use a lot of.
Depending on the service contract that you opt for, or the levels of aftercare you are provided with might mean you are automatically covered for certain components in your system, but the things to consider vary.
It might be spare batteries for sensors or roller doors, it could be spare clamps that can easily replace damaged ones or even things such as pendants which might not necessarily be essential, but if your existing one got damaged you’d struggle to continue to run.
It’s also important to think of consumable items such as welding tips for spot welding systems, weld wire and even gas. These are items that are critical in ensuring your system continues to operate and are equally important as training.
Why Are They So Important?
It only takes the smallest part to scupper the hard work your system has been doing. It might seem like the smallest, most insignificant part, but the moment it stops working or it needs replacing, is the moment your business stops running efficiently.
If your automation system is welding and you suddenly run out of weld wire, you’re not going to be able to run. The same can be said if your door sensor battery runs flat, suddenly safety is diminished and you can’t continue to run.
Having a list of spares is vital in maintaining the efficiency, quality and consistency that automation systems naturally provide. With a service contract or list of spares, you are treading a fine line.
How Do You Source Them?
If you have a service contract in place, most of the essential spares and consumables will be covered
It’s always best to reach out to your automation system provider with any concerns of spare and consumable requirements.
Having an approved solutions provider means that you don’t need to do anything. The minute you’ve spoken to a service manager and raised any issues or requirements, they will be working through their contacts in order to source your parts quickly and cost-efficiently.
With an extensive list of approved partners, Bauromat works closely with a variety of robot manufacturers, control systems experts and other automation component companies so you will get exactly what you need when you need it.
Conclusion
As we’ve discussed, having spares and consumables is essential for your automation system. It only takes one component for your system to stop running efficiently, so having a plan and solution in place is vital.
Your system partner will offer you a variety of service contract options as well as a list of essential spares and consumables, then it is up to you to ensure that they are ready when you need them.
For other items that might get damaged, it’s a case of picking up the phone and letting your systems integrator source it for you so you can continue with your work.
If you’d like to find out more about the spares and consumables for your system, or you’d like to speak to one of our expert team, get in touch today.
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