Whether you’re specifying a custom-built or modular hand controller, it’s essential you receive the highest quality product that meets your technical requirements and timescales. But what happens if an alteration or repair is required during or after the specification process?
Considering the following four factors from the outset will help ensure the service and aftercare you receive is transparent, responsive and flexible, which can be especially helpful when tight turnaround times are involved.
1. Handling change – it’s almost inevitable refinements will need to be made at some point to your controller to ensure the end product fully satisfies your or your customer’s brief. However, it’s not always possible for manufacturers to predict what changes will need to take place when, even when the ultimate end user is fully involved from the outset. You can minimise the risk of being presented with any surprises by selecting a manufacturer that communicates regularly and openly. Will they work through change requests rapidly with you? If they encounter an issue, are they able to provide you with a solution (or better still, some options) and inform you of when it will be implemented by?
2. Technical obsolescence protocol – technological advancements, legislative changes and the evolution in manufacturing procedures significantly increases the likelihood of components becoming obsolete, particularly with products that have a long life, one that is likely to be measured in tens of years rather than one or two. Manage this eventuality by working with a manufacturer that is transparent and will notify you of a pending risk as soon as it crops up. Having a primary point of contact, ideally the engineer who is developing your hand controller, is key to achieving and maintaining fluid, open dialogue throughout the entire process.
3. Responsiveness – there are instances when a replacement is required. If, like many engineers, you are working to extremely tight deadlines, it’s essential you know just how long it will take for your replacement to arrive. How quickly can your manufacturer respond? Where do their priorities lie? Are they as responsive in effectively dealing with replacements as they are new enquiries? Ensure you ask these questions to avoid being overlooked.
4. In-house engineering – working with a manufacture that engineers its own products is a key factor in expediting the overall engineering process, which includes product support and aftercare. They offer the advantage of having an in-depth knowledge of the product, not to mention, immediate access to it. As a result, they can be more responsive when dealing with issues and recommend alternative options more swiftly.
Sourced your manufacturer? Ensure the specification process is as efficient as possible by reading our blog that features the main three factors needed to streamline the specification process.
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