Gregg Homola
The best loading dock equipment properly applied cannot take the daily beating of forklift traffic and tractor-trailers without some type of proper maintenance.
Preventative Maintenance Programs have a number of benefits to consider:
Safety
This should always be at the top of the list in an industrial setting. Dock equipment needs to function properly, especially when dok-lok vehicle restraints and safety-lip dock levelers are being used. When equipment is not working properly, dock personnel are likely to perform unsafe practices in order to bypass equipment that is not functioning correctly.
Downtime and Repair Costs
Unexpected equipment failure can be costly and slow down productivity. Parts and replacements to fix the problem can be avoided with proper maintenance. PMP can be scheduled to minimize the impact on shipping and receiving schedules. A trained tech can spot small problems early on before they become an unexpected breakdown. It is safe to say that most equipment failures are due to inadequate maintenance.
A trained tech can spot small problems early on before they become an unexpected breakdown.
Budgeting for Repairs and Fixing Problems
A trained tech can ensure equipment is working properly. This includes fixing problems but, more importantly, finding the cause and solutions to prevent future failure. Documentation helps a facility manager know what equipment was serviced and details about each PM inspection. A PMP allows a company to control budgeting for repairs and service. A PM service can be quarterly, semi-annual, or yearly, depending on what is best for a company based on size, budget, and need.
Service Professionals
Most companies use or follow some sort of preventative maintenance program, whether in-house or outsourced. Using an outside provider ensures a service tech whose expertise is maintenance and repair. Someone whose job it is to maintain and repair dock equipment every day! At Robert Dietrick Company, our technicians are trained in new technologies and techniques. We ensure they have all the necessary tools and parts to complete the job. A good service technician learns all of the ins and outs of a particular loading dock over time. This might include recommendations on keeping each dock more energy efficient with dock seal, shelter and weather seal inspections.
An investment in dock equipment can have a big impact on the bottom line of business. The goal of PMP is to keep equipment running like new and maximizing the life expectancy of the equipment. Everything that comes in or out of a facility crosses over the loading dock. This should be reason enough to treat an investment with a PM program.