How advanced equipment can minimise downtime in warehouses
If you operate a warehouse, you’ll appreciate how much of a challenge unplanned downtime can be.
RECENT RESEARCH indicates that manufacturers across the UK and EU are projected to lose over £80 billion in 2025 due to downtime, which can equate to “lost output, supply chain bottlenecks, or compliance risks”.
However, advancements in equipment can help provide proactive maintenance strategies that can significantly reduce these risks. Here, we explore how advanced test equipment can help minimise downtime in warehouse operations, enhancing efficiency and reducing errors.
Predictive maintenance
Traditionally, warehouses relied on reactive maintenance, addressing issues only after equipment failure. However, with predictive maintenance, workers can monitor equipment in real-time using systems that track parameters such as temperature, vibration and pressure.
Some test equipment can analyse this data to detect anomalies or deviations from the norm, which could indicate potential failures. By identifying patterns that suggest impending issues, maintenance can be scheduled proactively during off-peak hours, reducing unplanned downtime and preventing costly repairs.
Thermal imaging
Overheating can potentially cause equipment failure in warehouses. This is a highly common yet overlooked precursor, which leads to costly breakdowns. Technology such as thermal imaging cameras could help maintenance teams see what the naked eye cannot, detecting abnormal heat signatures that may indicate problems.
Regularly scanning critical components, such as motors and electrical panels, can reveal issues like excessive friction or failing insulation. Addressing these problems early can prevent more severe failures and extend the lifespan of equipment.
Vibration analysis
Typically, pieces of machinery have a unique vibration signature when operating correctly. Vibration analysis sensors continuously monitor these patterns, identifying subtle changes that may indicate misalignment, imbalance or wear and tear.
By detecting these issues early, maintenance can be performed before they escalate into mechanical failures.
Power quality analysers
Power surges, sags and so on can cause issues for sensitive equipment and lead to unexpected shutdowns. Power quality analysers help monitor the incoming electricity supply, providing a detailed picture of its stability.
By detecting and diagnosing power quality issues, warehouses can implement corrective measures, such as installing surge protectors. This helps ensure a clean and stable power supply that can protect equipment and reduce downtime.
By investing in technologies like these, warehouses can identify and address potential issues before they disrupt operations. This has the potential to improve the reliability of equipment, contribute to cost savings and create a more resilient supply chain.
