“How should operators choose which service agent to work with for planned maintenance?”
“Finding a service agency that shows its dedication to doing the work right. This includes putting together a scope of the work plan, as well as taking a solid inventory of the operator’s equipment to be sure everything is getting cared for as needed.”
Recognizing the number of years’ experience a technician has and factory-trained can be reassuring that both knowledge and know-how are brought to the partnership.
Alliances with reputable manufacturer brand names in the commercial equipment world indicate the service agents' credibility to handle complex systems.
“What does a planned maintenance agreement cover?
“The service agency can help work out a plan based on equipment maintenance best practices and manufacturer recommendations. The scope of work typically includes the deep cleaning of machines and their key components. They should also account for regularly switching out consumables, like belts in a hood system.
One thing planned maintenance programs don’t cover, though, are breakdowns. In fact, to clarify this, the service agent community changed the language around planned maintenance in recent years. Previously, many people in the foodservice sector called these preventative maintenance agreements. This led to the idea that equipment being serviced regularly shouldn’t fail.
Breakdowns, though, are inevitable. Instead, operators should think of planned maintenance the way they think about routine auto maintenance. When we change the oil in our car, it's not preventing the alternator from failing.”
