When you run a small business, your assets and equipment are the most important thing you own. We’re talking about highly specialised, expensive equipment. It’s a vital part of production and trade. Whether you’re a plumber with a set of specific tools or a factory owner with hundreds of bespoke machines, you need to keep them maintained. Left alone, they’ll slowly degrade over time. Failing to maintain your essential business equipment will cost you a lot of money in the future. With that in mind, we’ve pulled together some simple tips and tricks to keep your equipment in good condition.
Regular safety inspections
When it comes to equipment, a lack of maintenance can cause safety concerns. Parts wear down over time, and components begin to come loose. It’s particularly important in the production industry where machinery is large and dangerous. When you use the same machines over and over again, you might not notice the slow process of wear. So, bring in the experts to inspect your equipment. We regularly commission PUWER assessments on our equipment. It shows us where we could make changes to improve the wellbeing of our machinery.
Insure your equipment
In addition to safety, it also pays to think about the security of your equipment. When you run a small business, any theft could cripple your earnings. If thieves steal your most important piece of equipment, or your vital tools, you’re left with nothing. When you insure your equipment, you’ll get the money back as quickly as possible. It’s a life-saver for small entrepreneurs who can’t afford to let business go.
Keep it clean
It’s such a simple piece of advice, but it’s one of the most important here. When your equipment stays clean, it lasts longer. The parts stay in good condition, extending the life of your tools and machinery. Best of all, cleaning will ward off the most common forms of wear and deterioration. You’ll save money on repairs if you take the time to clean your equipment. Where possible, take the components apart, and clean them individually. Do this regularly, and with specific cleaning products.
Upgrades
Most products and machines come with regular updates and upgrades. Don’t put these off! We understand that money is tight, but the upgrades are designed to improve the performance of your equipment. They’ll extend their life, and improve your productivity. It’s a worthwhile investment.
Training
Sometimes, the problem doesn’t lie in the equipment itself. Instead, it’s the people using it! When employees aren’t trained to use the tools and machinery properly, safety is compromised. Not only that, but they could cause further damage to the equipment by using it incorrectly. Make sure all your staff are fully trained to operate the machinery. Teach them how to manage the upgrades, and how to clean them properly. Your business flows better when workers are performing at their best.
As a small business, looking after your equipment is one of the most important things you can do. It will keep your costs down, and improve performance. What more could you ask for?
