16 | Plant & Works Engineering www.pwemag.co.uk June/July 2025 Maintenance Matters Focus on: Condition Monitoring and reducing energy consumption Avoiding Downtime: it identifies issues and ‘hidden’ wear and tear issues early, helping to prevent unexpected system failures, and ensuring continuous production line operations. For ex?ample, removing dust and dirt around the cooling unit heat exchanger Cost Savings: it reduces the risk of more expensive repairs by identifying and addressing issues before you get to the point of critical systems failure. For example, major electrical failure due to overheated componentry Value Retention: it maintains the value of your system by addressing wear and tear proactively Overall, regular professional maintenance supports safe, efficient, and cost-effective system operation. ?However, the current labour shortages and skill gaps in manufacturing will inevitably impact on in-house response times for maintenance and repairs, particularly when you consider that August is one of the peak periods for planned maintenance in the automotive and heavy machinery sectors. That means it’s almost certain that maintenance checks will coincide with workforce holidays and other production requirements such as retooling, which can only increase the pressures on the company’s service engineering teams. Service strategies Effective service strategies are crucial in managing the risks associated with equipment failure. Rittal’s “360° Service” programme, for example, is designed to support businesses by providing comprehensive maintenance solutions. This includes specialist service engineers who act as an extension of in-house teams, enabling them to focus on core tasks while maintenance and diagnostics are handled professionally and efficiently. Competitive pricing and regular pricechecking are part of Rittal’s service commitment, ensuring accessibility and cost-effectiveness. With a focus on reliability and tailored solutions, programmes like these aim to minimise downtime and maintain operational stability. Looking ahead No business wants to be faced with high unexpected costs caused by equipment failure. Sadly, industrial environments are hostile spaces for electrical equipment; their components don’t react well to high levels of moisture, dust, and heat in the atmosphere. This sensitivity will affect plant efficiency and will ultimately lower output and profitability. To mitigate the risks associated with equipment failure, manufacturers should prioritise maintenance and service strategies that enhance reliability and minimise downtime. Investing in preventive measures can help reduce the incidence of unexpected breakdowns, safeguard productivity, and protect revenue streams. By adopting a proactive approach, UK manufacturers can better shield themselves from the disruptive impact of critical equipment failures, maintaining operational stability and supporting long-term competitiveness. For more information on “The Real Cost of Downtime in Manufacturing: Sector-bySector Breakdown and 2025 Forecasting,” go to: https://idsindata.co.uk/manufacturingdowntime-costs-and-forecasting/ Rittal’s “360° Service” programme: 1. Assembly, Installation, and Commissioning: our engineers will set-up your infrastructure, as well as provide detailed commissioning logs and operator training 2. Transparent System Efficiency Checks: no-one wants to pay more than they must for energy. As part of a regular maintenance schedule, we run comprehensive analyses across all the operating data from your units using our proprietary diagnostic software. We share the results with you and offer advice based on energy savings analyses 3. Professional Maintenance and Inspections: we will ensure you are able to maintain optimum system uptime (as well as value retention) 4. Fast Diagnostics Through Digital Tools: our Scan & Service App uses QR codes to give you quick and easy spare parts management, initial diagnostics, and service notifications. 5. Technical Support & Troubleshooting: we provide 24/7 nationwide support 365 days/year, with fast response times (aligned with service agreements) from certified Rittal service technicians and partners 6. Fast Efficient Repairs: we know our products better than anyone! Our technicians are trained in Germany to deliver fast, effective and professional repairs using Rittal original spare parts, to ensure operational safety and productivity 7. Tailored Service Agreements: we provide tailored, customised agreements covering maintenance, warranty extensions, and the stocking of spare parts, in order to minimise your downtime and reduce unexpected cost 8. Original Spare Parts: perhaps not surprisingly, we have high constant stock availability of manufacturer-certified spare parts customised to the individual unit and with 100% accuracy of fit and reliability thanks to global Rittal standards 9. Equipment Upgrades & Modernisation: where appropriate, we offer recommendations on modernising equipment to help minimise your costs through improved efficiency and reduced energy consumption 10. Reduced Risk of Repair Costs: companies who are signed up to a regular programme of maintenance benefit from a warranty extension of up to 5 years For further information please visit: www.rittal.co.uk
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