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​In today’s ever-growing corporate world, smaller independent dock and door distributors are appointed by larger companies. While there can be advantages to this for the client, there is one disadvantage, especially in today’s supply-chain challenged world. When manufacturer’s own the local distributor, the client’s choice becomes severely limited. Just because the manufacturer offers different models, this doesn’t truly provide the client with multiple choices as the intended applications for those door models are different. See part two of this series for the importance of correct equipment application.

Even if the “lead times” for new equipment are acceptable, what if there is a part failure and the part isn’t available? With high-speed doors and fire doors, this can be a larger issue as there is likely not an aftermarket option due to proprietary parts or regulations not allowing anything but OEM parts to be used.

Partnering with a service and equipment supplier that can offer both the variety of multiple manufacturer choices and the ability to service multiple manufacturer brands will allow your facility to thrive in through supply chain challenges.

What challenges are you facing with your facility? Schedule a call to see if we can help.

​Are you experiencing supply chain challenges when it comes to the maintenance of your facility? We know these challenges are not going away soon.

The way you conduct business will need to change for you to thrive. As a result, we're sharing 5 key strategies you can implement to avoid delays created by supply chain challenges. Below is the first strategy you can implement.

While the worker and raw good shortages have negatively affected the “lead times” on new equipment like industrial doors and loading dock equipment, supply challenges have also affected the "lead time" on the parts and pieces that make up the equipment. Constant changes have affected which parts are readily available and which ones are not. Recently there was a shortage of 1” and 1.25” diameter solid door shafts, while 6 months-ago door springs were hard to find. We have seen issues with some hydraulic and electrical components but not others.

Whether it is the smallest part or the largest component on a piece of equipment, they’re all needed to make it work. Part failure can create a snowball effect resulting in additional parts being damaged ultimately leading to the entire piece of equipment unfixable. The two key components to keeping your equipment working properly are:

1. Ensure the equipment was properly applied, it is being used and maintained correctly. (If you are not intimately familiar with specifics and your usage, ask your service/equipment partner to help you with this.)
2. Establish proper training for your employees who can perform regular checks and it will provide due diligence for safety training. This not only showcases the concern for the health of your employees, but the health of your equipment as well. In addition, shutting down a poorly working piece of equipment may prevent catastrophic failure, and empowers your employee to recognize when and why this is important.

Now is the time to double down on proactive maintenance, as this can prevent issues before they happen. Schedule a service visit today. 

A foundational understanding of when to replace equipment is built by having a clear accounting of:

1. Current equipment conditions
2. Equipment quality vs. the application and cycle usage
3. Performance in every environment to determine the life expectancy
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Ideally, a maintenance program is in place that includes a detailed inspection with proper asset configuration. This includes date of manufacture and the needed details to build this foundation of information. “Lead time increases” vary greatly in the dock and door industry, so knowing what to expect is important. For example, many (not all) dock leveler manufacturers are facing “lead times” nearing 1-year, consequently ordering equipment will need to be done much sooner than in the past. In addition, the employee, raw goods, manufacturing shortages, and shipping delays are likely and should be expected. Factoring in the uncertainties listed above for equipment purchases/updates is a great practice.

Typically, you don’t have failure before your new equipment arrives, and if it arrives early that’s OK. If you’re still skeptical about ordering early, ask yourself these questions:

1. What is the cost to your organization caused by down equipment?
2. How does down equipment affect your relationship with your client’s or partners?
   
   

Compare the amounts from the questions above with the cost of buying an asset a few months earlier and consider the total in costs when you don’t take “lead times” into account.

No one likes surprises, why create one more?

P.S. See more tips like this on our LinkedIn page.