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Purchasing Guide: Repair and Maintenance

In-house repairs aren’t always possible if none of the lab staff have the expertise needed, and OEM service contracts may not always be the best option. In such cases, third-party service contracts are the best route

by Lab Manager
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Equipment repair and maintenance are critical to laboratory operations. There are three primary ways to handle repair needs: in-house repairs, original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) service contracts, or third-party service contracts. In-house repairs aren’t always possible if none of the lab staff have the expertise needed, and OEM service contracts may not always be the best option. In such cases, third-party service contracts are the best route. Browse third-party repair and maintenance service vendors at LabManager.com/maintenance

5 Questions to Ask When Selecting a Lab Repair & Maintenance Service:

  1. Does the service provider specialize in your type of equipment?
  2. Can the service provider calibrate your equipment as well?
  3. Will hiring a third-party repair company void your equipment’s warranty?
  4. Are repairs becoming more frequent? If so, it may be time to replace the instrument altogether.
  5. Have the service provider’s technicians completed a maintenance training program with the OEM?

Evaluating Service Contracts

Not all service contracts are created equal. When comparing contracts, make sure to read the fine print and determine which instruments are worth the coverage. To help decide which instruments should be covered, keep a spreadsheet detailing the instruments, their purchase costs, malfunctions, and warranty expiration dates. Learn more at LabManager.com/repair-tips

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Repair or Replace? Red Flags to Look For in Your Equipment

Safety concerns and poor energy efficiency may demonstrate the need to upgrade your equipment. If you aren’t sure whether to upgrade or repair an instrument, keep an eye out for those symptoms and other red flags. Learn more at LabManager.com/repair-or-replace