Managing Equipment Service at Jobsites and Planning Ahead

Limiting downtime and lowering service costs are always goals in any equipment operation process. Your success or failure can come down to having the focus, the right approach and the right resources.

"Any equipment operator will tell you that you can usually save money and make repairs faster if the job with the unit is serviced on the job site," said Mario Ramirez, an equipment inspector at Boom & Bucket. "But because the job with the unit is away from a company shop or a service provider, the process can take longer.

"Being proactive is the key," Ramirez continued. "Plan how you will handle repairs and routine service when your equipment is on a jobsite. That way you'll have the capabilities, training, materials, tools and resources you need at your disposal, especially if the repair is complex. With that approach and confidence in the service operation you've selected, you can make the right choice."

An industry source for on-site maintenance and repairs of trucks nationwide, Cox Automotive Mobility Fleet Services provides scheduled maintenance and unscheduled service with over 750 mobile units and more than 1,000 technicians and offers full maintenance, towing and asset recovery.

Drew Kortyna, senior director of operations at Cox Automotive Mobility Fleet Services, said that vehicle and equipment operations considering their service options should first assess their needs. For example, ask what services you require for the size and location of your equipment's fleet. Also, determine whether your equipment's in-house operation is outfitted for on-site maintenance and repairs.

"An important consideration is available resources," Kortyna said. "Can you afford the time it will take your staff to perform those services? Do you have access to the tools, training and expertise? Today's advanced equipment, and the benefits of having a mix of makes and models, may also make outsourcing a better choice."

Kortyna noted that there is value in working with a company that specializes in on-site service, with benefits including their ability to coordinate with manufacturers to put repair plans in place and ensure technicians are trained on their latest products. Additionally, an organization with a national footprint and locally based service technicians provides a single point of contact, security and flexibility for the company and fleet.

Using Information to Make More Informed Equipment Service and Repair Decisions

Shaun Rowley, global head of product at Chevin Fleet Solutions, pointed out that fleet management systems like its FleetWave offering can be used to effectively plan, manage, track, control and track the servicing and repair of vehicles and equipment. Included is the capability to automate notification of service schedules to alert the maintenance team and your drivers or operators.

"You can also use historical data in a fleet or asset management software, tool, system to understand when and why vehicles and equipment typically break down or fail," Rowley said. "That information is hugely valuable for maintenance planning and for developing simple rules that can have a big impact on efficiency. For example, you can set condition checks for key parts or an outright replacement at certain intervals before an issue occurs.

"Creating detailed inspections is also key, and with a fleet management system, you can build custom check sheets," Rowley added. "They not only form an important part of ensuring vehicles, assets, and equipment are compliant, safe, and well maintained, they are integral to creating audit trails and provide guidance for maintenance projects that will help prolong the life of the assets and equipment and increase availability."

Using data and software for component lifecycle and cost analyses provides a means of knowing when and where it's best to schedule service, and the time it will take so operators know how long a machine or system may be out of operation, related Ramirez costs. It also facilitates planning, especially in operations with a large number of units at different job sites.

Using Connected Systems to Take a Proactive Approach

As equipment and vehicles become increasingly connected, there is also an opportunity to leverage telematics systems and connectivity solutions to take a predictive approach to service delivery. That includes using location and operational data to more effectively schedule and manage routine maintenance.

"Red flags from fault codes save time as well," Ramirez said. "Automated notifications about equipment issues, at times even before the operator is aware that there is a problem, let you make more informed decisions about how to facilitate and manage a repair, including a plan based on the unit's location, available parts, and service providers and technician capabilities. The faster the repair process is put in motion, the sooner the unit is fixed; this leads to less downtime and higher levels of customer satisfaction.

Some Basic Information on Managing and Maintaining Equipments at Job Site:

Managed Equipment Service

In most of the construction and medical fields, a Managed Equipment Service (MES) offers many benefits by streamlining equipment management processes. Service techs play a crucial role, ensuring preventive maintenance is conducted regularly to keep equipment functioning optimally. This one system approach has a huge impact on both construction sites and medical facilities, bringing efficiency to diverse job sites.

Routine Maintenance

Routine maintenance is a cornerstone of equipment management, crucial for the longevity and performance of machinery across job sites. Scheduled check-ups conducted by service techs help prevent breakdowns, ensuring that equipment operates within optimal parameters. Construction sites benefit significantly from consistent routine maintenance, as it minimizes downtime and contributes to a seamless workflow.

Equipment Management

Effective equipment management involves more than just routine maintenance. It encompasses user training, preventive maintenance, and a comprehensive understanding of equipment functionality across various job sites. The integration of these elements into one cohesive system has a profound impact, enhancing overall efficiency and productivity in diverse work environments.

Medical Equipment Management

In the medical realm, efficient equipment management is paramount. Managed Equipment Service ensures that medical equipment is well-maintained, reducing the likelihood of breakdowns and ensuring compliance with regulatory standards. User training is a key component, empowering healthcare professionals to utilize the equipment effectively. This holistic approach to medical equipment management has a profound impact on patient care and the smooth operation of healthcare facilities."When it comes to overall equipment lifecycles, inspection, service and repair histories will help decision-makers better understand when it's time to replace a machine," Ramirez added. "That information also has value when a machine or equipment is being sold. Our data says that when a piece of construction equipment for sale has a complete and accurate service history, it sells for as much as seven percent more."

Here's a table outlining key aspects of managing equipment service at jobsites and planning ahead, based on the information provided:

This table summarizes the key points discussed in the article regarding managing equipment service at jobsites and planning ahead, including service provider options, utilizing technology, and the importance of proactive maintenance strategies.