With the logistics industry continuing to experience unprecedented demand, Phil Clark Industrial Service Manager at Hörmann UK explains why the servicing and maintenance of loading bay equipment should be a top priority.
The continuing growth of online shopping and the increasing need for companies to offer unrivalled delivery options has resulted in relentless pressure to ensure that logistics facilities constantly operate at full capacity and that any downtime is eliminated.
In response to this busy environment, logistics operators should be taking preventative measures to ensure the overall safety and efficiency of their site. This together with the implementation of a regular schedule of service and maintenance should ensure that any potential faults and issues are dealt with in a proactive manner.
Whilst the Safety at Work Regulations do not specify a set number of times that industrial doors and loading technology should be serviced, Hörmann UK recommend that servicing take place at least twice a year, and more often in high usage areas. However, at Hörmann we work with clients and end-users to develop tailor-made solutions and service programs to suit their specific requirements. As part of our bi-annual service a comprehensive check regime is undertaken, ensuring that any potential issues with the technology are unearthed. The Hörmann standard service procedure covers 30 – 40 different areas that are checked and analysed to ensure every aspect of door or loading technology is functioning correctly. From this the Hörmann team can provide up-to-date information to improve operations and safety. If a certain type of fault is occurring frequently, our service engineers work with clients and draw on global experience to design and develop bespoke solutions. This is part of the Hörmann commitment to build long term relationships with customers throughout the lifetime of their operations.
To ensure that a warehouse can be back to full operation as soon as possible service teams need to be responsive and be able to attend a property within 2 to 4 hours of a fault or accident occurring. With a nationwide team of engineers available 24/7, Hörmann are ideally placed to respond to the demands of time-critical operations. The Hörmann service team keep a large and varied supply of maintenance consumables in their vans to enable them to fix most things, but we also recommend that the warehouse site itself keeps a critical spares holding. This can significantly save time as spare parts do not have to be ordered-in prior to the repair being carried out.
By using a Hörmann service engineer, clients are assured that they are using a specialist who has expert knowledge of the loading systems and doors and will only ever use Hörmann parts, ensuring that complete operational integrity is maintained. As an OEM, all parts are manufactured by Hörmann meaning there is no reliance on third party suppliers. With our systems being open parameter and all technical and service-related information available on-line, clients and trade partners have instant access to vital support information.
Whilst the service engineers are the visible face of the operation they are supported by a dedicated team behind the scenes – a large and experienced department committed to planning, provision of spare parts, technical advice, and training. The launch of our training Academy in 2019 further represents part of our commitment to support the next generation of engineers through free first-class training.
2021 has been a challenging year for everyone involved in the logistics industry and it is set to become even busier over the coming months. Hörmann is ideally positioned to support logistics operators in meeting the demands of this expanding market by providing responsive service and maintenance support which is second to none.
For further information on Hörmann (UK) Ltd, call 01530 516868 or email us at doorsales.lei@hormann.co.uk
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