Sidel recommends proactive approach to maintenance

SIDEL has announced new services for the effective maintenance of PET bottling lines. The company recommends a proactive approach to maintenance: monitoring of equipment and pre-planning of scheduled downtime to carry out regular inspections, in order to limit the potential for long, costly and inconvenient shutdowns and loss of production.  Beverage manufacturers that conduct regular maintenance of equipment can reduce costs, maximize profitability and achieve the lowest total cost of ownership for their investment. They are likely to meet production schedules and achieve targets with more ease.

As important as recognizing the necessity of maintenance is the choice of the type of maintenance undertaken and the provider chosen to carry it out. Sidel has introduced new dedicated maintenance services to reflect this importance.

Three-phased approach to maintenance

The reasons for intervention in any line’s production performance can often be put down to three different causes: the need for a producer to maintain the line performing with its current efficiency; the need to regain production capability in the case of a breakdown; and the wish to improve performance and/or productivity. 

Maintaining performance over any length of time generally requires the provision of service support such as diagnostic visits, spare parts supply, targeted skills training and regular, efficient maintenance work.  To regain performance in the event of a breakdown, effective action to fix the issue quickly is essential in restarting production.  This is either through well trained employees resolving the problem in-house or via the service provider.  Improved performance can be achieved through options and upgrades that add value.  As new technologies and solutions are developed by Sidel, these offer line improvement solutions that can significantly increase quality, flexibility and production performance on installed equipment.

Another factor in the effective maintenance of a bottling line, whether for emergencies or normal wear and tear, is the need for the timely provision of original spare parts, ideally designed, tested and certified by the same engineers who designed the machine.  Sidel is therefore also aiming to encourage a more proactive approach to inventory management among its customers. 

Comprehensive on-site and remote support

The right equipment must be backed with the expertise and speed of response of a team that can offer a genuinely comprehensive support service.  Sidel offers a combination of knowledge and expertise along with ease of accessibility on a global basis.

Sidel undertakes some 1,400 diagnostic visits a year to ensure a true understanding of its equipment currently operating in the market, developing customized maintenance services and sharing its expertise.  The company has a global team providing 24/7 technical support on dedicated hotlines, along with instant emergency troubleshooting via remote access.It has more than 850 field service engineers in geographic locations who can conduct on-site intervention.  In the event of any equipment failure, global field experts can be dispatched to provide hands-on assistance to quickly bring productivity back to target levels.

Additionally, beverage companies must also ensure that their employees are trained to keep a production line running smoothly.