Downtime Costing You $$$

No matter how you think your contingencies are set for unpredictable incidents occurring in your workplace, there would be those times your preparations are not meeting your expectations. This much is true whether you’re running a small office-based business, factory, warehouse, manufacturing, or acres of ground for import/export operations.

Unexpected manpower reduction, inoperable machines, broken forklifts are all contributory to downtime that translates to lost $. What can you do to minimize these expenses and catch up on stalled production? Here are three things that can help you minimize damage and resolve downtime at the soonest possible time:

1.       Update or Service the Machinery According to Manufacturing Net, “outdated machines slow down the manufacturing process. Similarly, any machinery that continuously jams or breaks down has a huge negative impact on outcomes. Regular maintenance is important, as is installing new equipment.” If you maintain forklift equipment, have this number handy 562-654-3643. This company, Southern California Material Handling, Inc. has a comprehensive planned maintenance package for all lift truck equipment for a minimum cost http://www.scmh.com/parts-services-services/ . M.Net also says that “Managers should stay up-to-date on the latest technology and suggest updates to improve productivity. Look for opportunities to add capabilities, like with the new etching system from Applied Materials, which moves vertically stacked 3D transistors from concept to reality; or new chances to automate, like Amazon saw with its $775 million acquisition of Kiva Systems, a robotics company focused on making warehouses more efficient.” http://www.manufacturing.net/articles/2013/01/five-ways-to-minimize-manufacturing-downtime  If your company is cost-conscious about upgrading to brand new equipment, there are alternatives you can explore. Forklifts for instance are assets that work hard to keep your operations going. There is a company called SCMH that can buy your old ones and apply credit for you to purchase brand new or newer ones. CAT Lift trucks and Mitsubishi forklifts are among the top choices when it comes to reliability, dependability and value for money. SCMH also sells premium pre-owned forklifts that come with great warranty. http://www.scmh.com/category/used/

2.       Keep a Hot Spare Even if you’re running a web-based firm, downtimes are still inevitable. An article on Biz.Net shares “When a notebook computer is lost or stolen, the impact goes well beyond the monetary value of the unit. Even with the proliferation of smartphones and PDAs, the majority of road warriors and managers still rely on notebooks to accomplish most day-to-day tasks and are dead in the water when these systems go down. One of the most important things an IT department can do to mitigate this disruption is to keep a “hot spare” — a computer that is preloaded with a company’s software — in stock and ready to go at all times.” http://www.biztechmagazine.com/article/2011/04/5-tips-minimize-downtime In cases where we operate in manufacturing or warehousing, “spares” don’t come by easily. It’s hard keeping a spare forklift. Managers would rather put all equipment to good use. What to do when lift trucks breakdown? Call someone you already trust to deliver a well-maintained equipment on time. Remember, SCMH Rental Solutions delivers its forklifts fast and fuss-free. It does not matter whether you need a 5000LB capacity or a 20000LB capacity, an electric or a diesel, an order picker or electric pallet. SCMH will have the solution. Make sure to keep their number handy for those unexpected breakdowns so you can minimize downtime: 877-752-3425 http://www.scmh.com/rental/forklift-rentals-los-angeles/

3.       Keep Everyone Informed Whether it’s a scheduled systems upgrade or an unexpected vehicle break down, let your entire team know what’s going on. This keeps everyone in the loop and in a position to inform customers that the situation is being addressed. Instead of surprised replies to a customer’s question “where is my delivery?” anyone in your company can say “We experienced a power outage and according to the utility company, we should be back up and running in 15 minutes. We apologize for this unexpected delay but we will get your order out as soon as we can.” How does this minimize downtime? It takes a lesser toll on man-hours. The receptionist tries to get the details of the call, who then farms it out to the respective department, who then explains the situation. By letting everyone know what the situation is from the beginning of the call, you cut the phone transfer process by two steps and allow others to stay on task. Being organized is key to any business continuity plan. Know where all your resource and vendor contact numbers are stored. Keep a print out in case computers are not working.

Forklift Rental In LA & OC	1-877-752-3425
Forklift Parts in LA & OC	562-654-3614
Forklift Repair, Service & Maintenance in LA & OC	562-654-3643
Warehouse Products, Design, & Integration	562-654-3676
Operator Training in LA & OC	562-654-3627
CAT, Mitsubishi, Jungheinrich, Kalmar, Bendi, Genie, Sellick, Columbia, Combilift, Drexel Forklifts	562-949-1000