Purchasing Guide: Repair and Maintenance

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 may be the best route. Browse third-party repair and maintenance service vendors at LabManager.com/maintenance

5 Questions to Ask When Buying a Repair and Maintenance Service:

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

Three Types of Repair Planning

Repair planning comes in three different categories: service plans, service at need, and in-house repairs. Service plans are the costliest but also most effective at maximizing asset lifespan, which is why they’re typically reserved for the most important equipment. Service-at-need repairs are carried out in the case of instrument malfunctions. In-house repairs are carried out by lab staff members rather than field technicians from service vendors. The most suitable repair plan for any given situation should be determined according to urgency, cost, and level of in-house expertise.

Preventive Maintenance

The key to getting a good ROI from lab equipment is preventive maintenance. Regular cleaning, calibration, and effective training are the pillars of an effective preventive maintenance program. Learn more about implementing an effective preventive maintenance program in your lab at LabManager.com/preventive-maintenance