In the last article, we showed how digital tools can significantly accelerate fault diagnosis. Today, we focus on the next decisive success factor: strong spare parts and service preparation.
No matter how modern your system is — without available spare parts, clear information and well-coordinated maintenance processes, interruptions can occur faster than expected. In our new article, we show how a few consistently applied measures can make the difference between “unplanned downtime” and “stable operation.”
1. Proactive SPARE PARTS PLANNING: REMAIN READY TO ACT
After every installation, you should use the spare parts recommendation provided by your responsible ET specialist. This recommendation is based on experience and system knowledge — ensuring that key wear parts and critical components are available in time. This way, even unexpected faults lose their impact: you can react immediately instead of waiting for delivery times.
With E‑Plan and the online spare parts catalogue, you can identify components easily — without detours or uncertainty.
This means:
You find the correct part immediately
You avoid incorrect orders
You have all relevant technical information in one place
A major advantage, especially under time pressure.
Serial numbers, photos, type designations and a clear fault description form the basis for fast processing of service cases. The better your documentation in advance, the fewer follow-up questions arise — and the faster service and logistics can provide the right solution.
Early planning ensures that critical parts are available in sufficient quantities. When multiple orders are combined, logistics effort is significantly reduced while maintaining supply reliability. A well-structured approach pays off immediately — both organisationally and financially.
Well-maintained machines are not only more reliable — they also generate fewer follow-up costs. Many faults are not caused by major defects but by “small issues” that accumulate in everyday operations:
Contamination — for example from butyl — increases wear and impairs operational safety. Just a few minutes of cleaning per shift significantly extends component lifetime.
Proper lubrication protects moving components, reduces friction and supports smooth machine operation.
The best fault is the one that never occurs. Preventive and predictive maintenance ensure that wear is identified early, costly interruptions are avoided and emergency interventions are reduced. Those who act in time, precisely adjust mechanics and settings, and adhere to fixed service intervals not only secure process quality but also keep the system permanently in its optimal performance range.
Spare parts and service preparation act like a protective shield for your entire production process. Those who provide complete information, plan spare parts properly, carry out regular maintenance and structure service processes consciously can significantly reduce downtime — and increase process reliability across the entire plant.
In the next article, we will focus on project and installation management — because stable processes begin long before the first production batch.