posted June 16, 2016
Process automation is comprised of a variety of assets, each with different spare parts requirements. Some parts can be purchased at a moment’s notice while others can be compensated for via easy workarounds or redundancies. In those cases when a broken part means a line out of production or a product off-spec, having spares on the shelf is critical. An automation OEM or vendor is often aware of unique solutions or alternate parts, and may have relationships with other organizations using similar equipment that may have a spare part on hand. When faced with the emergency need for a part, these capabilities can often save the day.
Frugal maintenance people who turn to discount parts warehouses should reconsider their strategy. Buying parts or repair services from seemingly inexpensive suppliers often results in aggravation and higher costs down the road.
There’s no way to evaluate the condition of these parts. They typically come with little or no warranty protection, and there’s no one to stand behind them if – or more commonly when – they fail. There’s no way to evaluate the condition of these parts. They typically come with little or no warranty protection, and there’s no one to stand behind them if – or more commonly when – they fail. Lack of provenance or proof the parts are truly OEM can further haunt process owners. In one case, when an insurer investigated a claim filed by a plant, the insurer discovered parts were being purchased from various internet warehouses without any confirmation they were genuine OEM or that they still functioned properly, and threatened to increase premiums.
