Look to Your Vendors for Solutions

They may not ride in on white horses, but vendors can dramatically reduce repair-related downtime. The key is to develop relationships (rather than chase the lowest price), with clear and frequent communication. Here are a few success stories to share with your team:

• A factor in premature motor failure was the “drag” from their gearboxes. Discussions with the lubrication vendor resulted in changing to a different lubricant. Average gearbox temperatures dropped about 40°F, proving a substantial improvement in “drag.”
• A critical control system went down on third shift. It needed a 2A fuse which the storeroom, inexplicably, did not have. This plant had a great relationship with a single electrical distributor. One phone call later and the vendor’s rep got out of bed and brought the fuse to the plant.
• A ground fault took out the service switchboards. The plant didn’t have enough staff for a quick turnaround. But it had an ongoing relationship with electrical services firm that took a crew from another project for a crucial assist.