CRANES and their associated components are complex pieces of machinery whose performance can be elevated or restricted, depending on the level of support they receive from their service provider. Compromising on maintenance and delayed servicing leads to reduced safety, increased customer downtime and the risk that equipment can literally fall off the rails.
Ian Grobler, sales manager for Konecranes and Demag South Africa, says that companies who invest in lifting equipment and associated accessories, are well within their rights to expect comprehensive aftersales offering from their service provider.
“In order to ensure that fault lines in crane performance are addressed correctly, there are three key indicators that will identify a good crane service provider: a record of significant safety culture, a provider that offers long-term stability and reliability and finally, a track record of comprehensive and transparent methodology” said Grobler.
“At Konecranes we are aware that every hour of lost production makes a huge impact on a business. It is not acceptable to us that a customer must wait for spare parts, that safety is compromised at site or that a technician’s performance is wanting due to lack of experience. Our technicians undergo intensive training with the latest in lifting equipment technology, maintenance and service procedures in order to become fully qualified and competent. Nothing should be off the table for the customer as far as we are concerned,” he said.
Safety culture record
The most significant safety risks are related to factory work, crane and equipment installations, and to the service business where technicians’ working conditions may vary from job to job. Technicians must be properly trained and Konecranes invests heavily in training programmes. Grobler said “The provision of safe products and solutions ensures that no job so important and no service so urgent that it impacts on the time it takes to perform our work safely and correctly”.
Stability and reliability
Konecranes has a global presence which offers its customers peace of mind and reliability when it comes to equipment and component sourcing. Many service providers do not have the resources available to replace wearing parts timeously. This results in increased downtime, and delayed corrective maintenance or servicing. All of which impact upon the budget and loss of productivity.
Grobler said “It is important that customers medium- and long-term needs are met. Our sales teams and technicians are always available to discuss suitable solutions for challenges that may arise in the performance of cranes and components. It is the personal relationships that we develop that enable us to ensure that the relationship between the customer and ourselves remains stable and satisfactory – we are in it for the long haul”.
Comprehensive transparent methodology
Grobler said that Konecranes is known for its comprehensive planning and documentation processes which work in tandem with their customer portals such as yourKONECRANES.
“All of our customer information is available via our quick and easy online customer portals that deliver specific data required for maintenance and servicing. Insights from data can also identify anomalies, patterns and trends that enable both parties to make informed and fact-based decisions.”
