The temptation, of course, is to cut costs where possible, and it may be viewed that lubrication is an area to make some savings. In reality, with robust lubrication processes in place, businesses can actually improve efficiency and decrease waste, as well as reduce the amount of raw material needed to effectively run their machinery in the first place. In effect, save money and thereby limit the impact of an uncertain market.
In short, investing in lubrication maintenance and considering the bigger picture can have a positive impact on a business’s bottom line.
With the food and drinks industry dedicating considerable time and effort to maintaining production machinery, and with up to 50% of machines in need of attention at any one time, effective fluid management often isn’t given the attention it deserves until a breakdown impacts on production.
In the current economic climate, it’s more vital than ever that businesses possess the necessary know-how to maximise their fluid maintenance systems and avoid unnecessary expense.
Energy audits, energy conservation and the recycling/redirecting of lubricants can help. However, keeping a close eye on budgets, reviewing processes and maximising resources isn’t always easy, particularly for SMEs that need to keep surplus labour costs down. It’s a dilemma faced by many businesses across the sector: how to find the right balance to ensure maximum production for minimum spend.
Correctly run systems require the support of experienced maintenance technicians, and while in-house support can provide valuable full-time assistance and an insider’s knowledge of a business’s specific fluid management systems, there are drawbacks.
Although a cost-effective solution for sites that anticipate a lot of activity, often the cost of employing a full-time, in-house specialist far outweighs the needs of a business, particularly for SMEs.
Additionally, in-house maintenance programmes can become rigid, with in-house maintenance teams running the risk of missing out on innovative ideas and the latest best practice due to their lack of interaction with other practitioners.
The outsourcing of lubrication maintenance can be the answer. By engaging a flexible Total Fluid Management (TFM) service partner, food and drinks processors and producers can rest assured that they have access to the expertise needed to optimise procedures and avoid production downtime, without the costs associated with employing a full-time engineer on site or having to sign up to a rigid, fixed maintenance contract.
Not only can this option provide small and medium business managers with peace of mind that their machines are being managed effectively at a reasonable price, it also frees up valuable time to allow them to concentrate on the crucial matter of running their business.
Furthermore, by investing in a flexible TFM solution, businesses are not only protecting their market position in the short-term, they’ll also discover best practice techniques to deliver the necessary competitive edge to ensure long-term stability.
From effective health and safety management procedures, reduced maintenance and operational costs, greater manufacturing efficiencies, improved product quality and environmental compliance to continual improvement and reviews, effective fluid management can help to deliver strategic changes to drive businesses forward. It will make them ready to face the next set of challenges that are sure to arise when the economy begins to recover.
Geoff Stewart is managing director of Boccard UK Ltd, a company that offers a range of consultancy and practical engineering, maintenance, fabrication and construction services.
For the latest developments in lubricant technology and solutions, see the Lubrication Focus in the April issue of Food & Beverage International, which you can subscribe to here.
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