The more proactive your company is in planning for automatic identification and data capture (AIDC) equipment and process downtime, the more your company can reduce the financial impact of the downtime. A service budget is important for your company to have the financial means to repair or replace your barcode labeling assets when they need it.
The specialists at Imprint Enterprises receive calls on a weekly basis from businesses that weren’t financially prepared to deal with their barcoding equipment to break or go missing. Their barcoding equipment helps processes flow smoothly, keeping inventory flowing in and out.
When AIDC equipment breaks, goes missing or doesn’t function properly, everything can come to a grinding halt.
Preparation is Key
Some businesses are more successful than others at overcoming and minimizing downtime caused by their AIDC equipment and processes. What do successful businesses have that others don’t? They performed assessments of their AIDC equipment and processes, created action plans, set a budget, and selected a reputable AIDC product and solution company to help them with asset management and repair. They are prepared for the inevitable, and Imprint Enterprises helps them along the way.
Imprint’s solution is to help their clients be more successful by understanding how to create a proper budget to replace or repair their AIDC equipment and minimize downtime.
Why You Should have a Line Item for Maintenance & Repair
Too many businesses do not plan for the maintenance and repair of their AIDC assets. Some businesses are left under the impression the maintenance agreements will cover everything or are led to believe they don’t need maintenance agreements because the chances of something going wrong with the assets are slim.
Truth is, while your business may save a little up-front with cheaper products or no maintenance agreements, it will cost you more in the long run. The cost of fixing what’s broken or missing at a time of emergent need typically results in higher spending than planning and setting a budget aside from the beginning.
For example, some auto insurance companies offer roadside assistance, but it is not mandatory. If you decline roadside assistance, and your vehicle breaks down, it is completely out of pocket to have your vehicle towed. And the later in the evening it is, the more expensive it can get. But, if you budget in roadside assistance, towing is covered, no matter the time of day or night.
Have the money you need for repairs or replacements already saved in your budget and you will save more in the long run.
Review the Old Service Budget
When the initial service budget was created, there most likely was an assessment of all the AIDC equipment required for operation, and the various parts and components (hardware and software) involved with the equipment to keep them running at optimal performance. Which of these items have maintenance and repair plans already? Which items do not have plans? Is there one available?
Identifying which AIDC equipment is already covered, and which assets would benefit from inclusion into the service budget can help with identifying costs for budgeting purposes:
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- Which AIDC equipment is easily repairable, and what equipment would need an immediate replacement should something happen?
- Would it be beneficial to keep a replacement on inventory?
- Is it in your budget to replace equipment in the event of an emergency?
- Can you budget for the future?
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Turn your findings and figures into a comprehensible budget and summary.
Get a Second Opinion on Maintenance & Repair Budget
A reputable and certified AIDC equipment product and solution company should be willing to help you plan for your business’s future success and functionality. The AIDC company can review the various items in your budget to see if they have additional recommendations on estimates and needs. This second opinion from an expert can help provide a more substantial report that will be used to inform other business stakeholders on the reasoning for the budget.
Keep Stakeholders Aware
It is generally advisable to keep business stakeholders, those with an interest in the business, aware of the financial reports and proposed budgets. Some businesses cannot make financial decisions without approval from stakeholders. Creating a comprehensible budget and report that stakeholders can review and discuss can streamline approval to move forward with your business’ maintenance and repair budget. This also shows stakeholders that your business is serious about longevity and sustainability.
Imprint is Your AIDC Product and Solution Support
At Imprint Enterprises, business is about the relationship, not the sale. Most other companies are just looking for a big sale without any forethought of the future of your company or barcode labeling equipment and software. Our specialists care about you and your business, minimizing downtime caused by AIDC equipment, which can help minimize emergency expenses and stress.
Stop waiting for something to break before making sure you have the budget for it. Being proactive with a defined budget is a better business practice in a world of growing e-commerce demands and regulation requirements. Build a plan that works, using a certified AIDC product and solution company you can trust.
Imprint Enterprises is a company that grows with you. We provide your business with a total, competitively priced solution, including premium hardware, software, printing media and supplies, break-fix repairs, and consulting. Our partnership doesn’t end after a single purchase. It is a relationship based on quality and trust that grows with you.
Ensuring the long-term use of your entire barcode labeling system is what makes Imprint Enterprises a Premiere Solution Partner with Zebra and a Platinum Performance Partner with Honeywell. The servicing and proper management of your AIDC equipment helps maintain the integrity of your productivity.
If your business exclusively uses Zebra Genuine Supplies, Zebra Technologies offers unique promotions, such as replacing old, worn-out printheads at no charge when enrolled in the Zebra Printhead Protection Program. From minimizing downtime and printhead costs to upgrading outdated technology, Imprint can help you learn more and make the most of those opportunities.
Contact Imprint Enterprises today to discuss how we can help you minimize downtime.
