Electric motors and pumps are critical components of many industries, from manufacturing to water treatment. According to a report by Market Research Future, the global electric motor sales market is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 7.5% from 2020 to 2027. Meanwhile, the global pump market is projected to reach a value of $91.5 billion by 2025, with a CAGR of 3.5%, according to a report by Grand View Research.
With such significant market growth, it's more important than ever to choose the right service partner for your electric motor and pump repair needs. Here are seven critical questions, backed by industry data, that you should ask when selecting a service partner:
1. Are they really available to come on-site 24/7?
According to a survey by Plant Engineering, 82% of respondents stated that emergency repair services were essential for their facility's success.
Many motor and pump repair and maintenance services promise they are available 24/7. But what they really mean is that you might get someone on the phone within 24 hours.
When a motor blows up, a pump fails, or a control panel acts up, that is just not good enough. Ask how quickly they can arrive on-site and fix the problem.
You don't need to speak with the receptionist, you need capable and immediate on-site help.
2. Do their technicians specialize in your equipment?
Availability is great, but if the technician doesn't specialize in your equipment, they are just as unhelpful as everyone else on-site who can't fix the problem. Ask a potential provider whether they are familiar with your equipment and industry.
Specialized expertise is crucial for electric motor and pump repair. In a survey by Plant Services, 77% of respondents stated that technical expertise was the most important factor when choosing a service partner.
But don't stop there ... familiarity with the equipment isn't enough. The technician must continuously keep themselves up to date on the newest technology, updates, parts, and diagnostics, otherwise their knowledge is outdated.
You need a technician who knows your industry and your equipment today (not thirty years ago).
3. Does the company provide a full package, including repair, maintenance, installation, testing, and sales?
According to a survey by Thomasnet, 64% of manufacturers prefer to work with suppliers that offer a full range of services.
Unless the technician is familiar with installation, they may not be fully qualified to fix the machine. And without the right tools to run diagnostics, they'll waste expensive and unnecessary time fiddling and troubleshooting. You might just end up paying for the same fix twice.
What's more, if they don't also sell the equipment they may not have access to replacement parts. You can't afford to wait while the technician calls five other people, only to find out that the part you need is completely sold out across the region.
You need a service provider that can do more than grease a bearing-they need to run diagnostics, fix machines, and have access to inventory.
4. Can the technician tell you what went wrong?
Pass/fail tests can only tell you one thing. You already know that something happened to the motor, pump, or control panel. .. but you don't know exactly what went wrong (or how to prevent the failure in the future).
Clear diagnosis is essential for efficient and effective repair. In a survey by Plant Engineering, 68% of respondents stated that clear communication was critical for choosing a service partner.
Ask your potential service provider if they are able to give you detailed information so that you and your team can better learn how to prevent downtime in the future.
A pass/fail test isn't very helpful. You need a detailed Root Cause Failure Analysis and a proactive preventative maintenance plan.
5. Do they provide preventative maintenance and education?
Preventative maintenance can save you time and money by avoiding breakdowns. In a survey by Plant Services, 91% of respondents stated that preventative maintenance was essential for their facility's success.
A quick fix can get you through the short term. Many repair services are happy to slap a cheap band-aid on the problem, and let your equipment limp along until you call them back in to fix the next problem.
While this is a short-term option for your facility, it could cost you hundreds of thousands in unnecessary downtime every year.
The best repair providers focus on preventative strategies and educating the maintenance team because they understand that's the best way to keep facilities running, period.
Choose a service partner that can provide preventative maintenance services and educate your staff on best practices for equipment care.
Look for a provider that is proactive, future focused, and willing to train your team to save you money in the long run.
6. Can they offer personalized service while still being large enough to access the latest technology?
Customized service can help ensure that your specific needs are met. In a survey by Thomasnet, 44% of manufacturers stated that customized service was the most important factor when choosing a supplier. There is a sweet-spot in the size of the repair company you do business with. Too small and they may not have access to the latest diagnostic technology or the ability to keep inventory on hand. Too big and your organization is just one more name on a spreadsheet or waiting list. Ask potential service providers where your facility falls on their list of priorities.
A personalized experience and one point of contact is the best way to make sure your unique demands are met.
7. What's their safety record?
When you hire a repair service, you open the doors of your facility to their team, 24/7. They will be operating, testing, and working on equipment on the floor or in the field, exposing them to environmental and job-related hazards and potentially exposing you to liability. According to a report by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), electrical accidents account for 8.2% of all workplace fatalities.
You must be confident in their ability to work safely and meet OSHA requirements when on-site and have the right insurance in case something goes wrong.
Don’t let a technician become a liability. Find a repair provider you trust.
Get more insights on these questions to ask plus a free guide to these issues at the link below.
