October 18th, 2023

​Reducing factory downtime by refurbishing automation products is a cost-effective and sustainable approach that can help improve overall operational efficiency. Here are some steps and considerations to implement this strategy:

1. Assessment of Automation Products:

• Start by assessing the condition of your existing automation products and machinery. Identify the components or systems that require refurbishment or maintenance.

1. Prioritization:

• Prioritize the automation products that have the most significant impact on your production process. This will ensure that your efforts are focused on areas that can yield the most significant downtime reduction.

1. Scheduled Maintenance:

• Implement a regular maintenance schedule for automation products. This can include cleaning, lubrication, and component replacement. Scheduled maintenance can help prevent unexpected breakdowns and reduce downtime.

1. Refurbishment Planning:

• Create a refurbishment plan that outlines the specific tasks required for each automation product. This might involve replacing worn-out components, upgrading software, or even redesigning certain aspects for improved performance.

1. Spare Parts Inventory:

• Maintain a stock of spare parts for your automation products. Having readily available spare parts can significantly reduce downtime, as you won't have to wait for parts to be ordered and delivered when a breakdown occurs.

1. Expertise and Training:

• Ensure that your maintenance and engineering teams have the necessary expertise to refurbish and maintain automation products. If not, invest in training programs to enhance their skills.

1. Performance Monitoring:

• Implement a system for real-time performance monitoring of your automation products. This can help you detect issues before they lead to significant downtime.

1. Vendor Support:

• If your automation products are from specific vendors, inquire about support or refurbishment services they may offer. Some manufacturers provide refurbishment programs for their products.

1. Energy Efficiency Improvements:

• During the refurbishment process, consider making improvements to increase energy efficiency. This can result in long-term cost savings and may qualify for energy efficiency incentives.

1. Documentation and Records:

• Maintain detailed records of all maintenance and refurbishment activities. This documentation can help in tracking the history of each automation product and making informed decisions.

1. Budget and ROI Analysis:

• Create a budget for refurbishment activities and conduct a return on investment (ROI) analysis. Compare the cost of refurbishing automation products to the potential reduction in downtime and increased productivity.

1. Continuous Improvement:

• Review the effectiveness of your refurbishment efforts regularly and make continuous improvements to the process based on data and feedback.

Reducing factory downtime through automation product refurbishment requires a proactive and strategic approach. It not only saves money but also contributes to sustainable manufacturing practices.