Plan your service call - Two simple options
Better safe than sorry, as the old saying goes. Well, it applies very well to overhead cranes maintenance. An urgent service call for a critical piece of equipment can quickly become a productivity killer! An unexpected production stoppage often has far greater consequences than the efforts we would have put into proper preventive maintenance. Why is that?
A breakdown on a critical overhead crane leads to an inevitable reaction: a service call. This is an obvious and necessary reflex. But this is referred to as being in reactive mode. And in terms of productivity, this type of call can result in significant costs and painful results for a company. For example, if the production line is affected, we find ourselves at the mercy of our service provider. Furthermore, parts availability and unforeseen events can also affect the resolution process. Basically, we have no control. Will we have the necessary resources to act in a timely manner? With shortages and delays in multiple sectors, will we get replacement parts on such short notice? And if there are unexpected complications, what is our plan B?
In addition, it is not uncommon for a lack of preventive maintenance to result in abnormal or premature wear of parts, which can even lead to the failure of essential components that are normally designed to last. The costs associated with this collateral damage are often overlooked, but they are very real.
On the other hand, preventive and planned maintenance, which could be described as proactive, suggests efficient production and sound management. On the surface, it may seem time-consuming and costly to establish this type of maintenance plan. But it is worth it, because it will considerably reduce the setbacks mentioned above and increase productivity. Here are some examples of the benefits associated with proactive maintenance :
In any case, embracing preventive maintenance is a choice, and a profitable one. But when you decide to take this approach, what solutions can you implement to make sure you benefit from this change in strategy?
Systematic approach to equipment maintenance with the aim of preventing breakdowns. It is the opposite of corrective maintenance, which consists of intervening only when equipment breaks down. The main advantage of preventive maintenance is the ability to control when equipment stops operating. That's why it's also called proactive maintenance, since we anticipate problems, unlike corrective maintenance, which requires us to react at an inopportune moment.
As simple as it may seem, inspecting lifting equipment on a regular basis and by a qualified professional (see the Repairs and Maintenance section of our website) is crucial to prevention. Some might say, "No problem, I have my overhead cranes inspected annually!". But true prevention is not just a routine inspection to comply with a standard. It' s about anticipating potential problems and acting before a breakdown disrupts the entire planning. For this reason, some lifting equipment may require more frequent inspection because of its critical nature in your production line. Also, in such context, needless to say that post-inspection repairs must be executed as soon as possible, otherwise the inspection will be a waste of time!
Another smart option is to elaborate a contingency plan. When it comes to production-critical lifting equipment, this option should be seriously considered. Do you have a plan B if one of your overhead cranes fails? Can a 2nd piece of lifting equipment take over? Is having a replacement hoist in stock an option? If your productivity is reliant on specific hoists, it would certainly be wise to have a stockpile of critical parts in order to react quickly. Times change, and as we now know, delivery times can be affected by all sorts of events beyond our control.
Replacing certain parts as a precautionary measure should not be ruled out either. It is not a matter of wasting money by replacing parts that are still within tolerances. It is rather about intelligent preventive interventions based on observation and anticipation. For example, if 2 hoists work systematically in tandem, their wear and tear should be similar. If a part has to be replaced on one them, it is logical to assume that a replacement will be needed shortly on the other. Will the next downtime cost more than this proactive repair? If so, then the immediate intervention is more cost-effective. The first breakdown was a warning of trouble to come... but you can take advantage of this warning and turn it to your advantage! Why not capitalize on this unplanned downtime to do a targeted inspection?
The maintenance plan : This is the inspection and repair program drawn up by the overhead crane owner in collaboration with his lifting expert. The expert can determine for you the classification of the equipment and recommend the required frequencies for the different types of inspection, all based on current standards. He can also advise you by analyzing with you the emergency levels and critical nature of certain equipment, to help you limit downtime. But as the equipment owner, you are the most knowledgeable about its usage and importance in your production chain. This first step is the foundation of your proactive maintenance strategy! We recommend the use of a schedule or calendar.
Inspections: Based on your maintenance program, inspections are at the heart of preventive maintenance. It is the source of information on the condition of your equipment and the repairs to be carried out in the short, medium, and long-term. The quality and clarity of inspection reports are therefore paramount.
Repairs: After inspection, it's time for action! React quickly to ensure the availability of parts and qualified technicians, while planning interventions wisely to minimize disruption to your production. Thanks to this crucial step, you'll eliminate a large proportion of your emergency calls. Here again, opt for a well-organized tracking system for your repairs, so you don't forget anything.
General overhaul: At this stage, the aim is to validate the general condition of all the components of a machine, following the manufacturer's recommendations, generally every 10 years. The manufacturer determines the criteria to be met. Although this procedure takes a little longer, it enables more important decisions to be made, such as refurbishment or replacement.
Get in touch with us! We can help you implement your proactive maintenance plan!
Being proactive requires organization, planning and commitment. So why be safe instead of sorry? Put simply, to avoid long and unnecessary down times. A company's productivity suffers more and longer from an emergency service call than from prevention. Can your production line afford to endure this much stress? If the answer is no, choose proactive maintenance for your overhead cranes! Premium will be happy to help you implement these solutions in your environment.
Here are multiple ways Premium can assist you in implementing proactive maintenance efficiently:
Groupe Picard- Jean-Denis Perron
“ Their ability to listen to our specific needs was a major strength. They have always responded quickly and efficiently, especially in emergency situations, which has greatly contributed to the continuity and success of our operations... I highly recommend Premium Industrial Group to any company looking for a reliable, structured and responsive partner. Their professionalism and commitment to quality and safety make them a model in the industry. „
Université Laval
Michel Lafrance
“ Since the beginning of our collaboration, Groupe Industriel Premium was able to help us target our needs while respecting our high safety criteria. At every step of the project, from the engineering to the completion of the project, we benefited from courteous, efficient and fast service. In addition, I would like to specify that this project was delivered within the deadline in collaboration with the various subcontractors present on the field. I have no doubt about the expertise of Groupe Industriel Premium. „
Modern Event Furniture – Jean-Francois Delisle
“ Nowadays, everyone claims to offer exceptional service, but very few know the real definition. Throughout the project of our new plant, the work done by Industrial Premium Group took place on time, at cost, and especially in a super-efficient way. This collaboration was a real pleasure from beginning to end, and they really can claim to offer exceptional service. Thank you all! „
Fabrinov – Rémi Poulin
“ I want to thank you all for the good work you’ve done at Fabrinov. I am extremely satisfied by both the quality of the product and the professionalism of your crew. Job was finalized quicker than expected and everything went smoothly. While no one was running on site, there was no waste of time! Your crew knew exactly what they were doing! „
Continental
Benjamin Cloutier
“ We are fully satisfied with the result. The whole project met our expectations in terms of budget, deadlines and quality. Even the tidiness of the old structure in the roof beams was done as requested. „
Les Entreprises Carco inc.
“ Groupe Industriel Premium is a team of professionals! We have done several overhead crane installation projects with them. A reliable, experienced and qualified team that listens to the needs of the client and respects deadlines and safety. „
Unisson Structures
Marc Sauriol-F
“ I wanted to personally thank you for all your hard work. Sometimes accolades are hard to come by, especially when there are a few surprises along the way, but I really mean it: Thank you! „
RMH Industries
Gaétan Dionne
“ Thank you to the Groupe Industriel Premium team for their great work on this project. They presented a personalized offer answering to the specific needs of our company. The project was delivered on time and respected the initial specifications. „
CR Nouvel-Air- Jonathan Milette
“ Very good specialized company. Extraordinary value for money. Company with very human service. „
TMS Solution
Marc-Antoine Coulombe
“ Thanks to the support of the Groupe Industriel Premium, we made the right decision according to our needs. We had the equipment delivered on time with a fast installation. Thank you for helping our company on its journey. „
Danaca Transport
“ Thank you to Groupe Industriel Premium team for their excellent service! „
Structures RBR
Alain Lebel
“ We have Premium who takes cares of our overhead cranes and we can rely on them. „
Stornoway
Yves Perron
“ To the Groupe Industriel Premium team, thank you for the excellent work. You have greatly participated in the success of the Renard project. „
AnodiQ inc.
Steve Fontaine
“ After 5 years of operation, we are proud to have kept their service, the quality of our Gorbel structure allows us to successfully complete our activities. „
Groupe Machinex
Jean-Michel Paré
“ We usually had a traditional crane come out to pick up the baler and set it on transport. Now, we are saving a lot of time because we just pick it up with those two overhead cranes, set it on transport, and it's off to our client's facility. „
Robover
Gordon McAllister
“ Professional and safe work, consistent habits of all staff. „
Comairco
-Marjorie Pleau
“ "Nous avons fait affaire avec l’équipe de Premium, car ils nous ont proposé une structure adaptée à nos besoins. Ils ont su respecter l’échéancier de production afin que notre équipe soit opérationnelle rapidement." „
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Service Call
Plan your service call - Two simple options
Option 1: Talk directly to our service team
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