Editor's Note: This article was orginally published July 17, 2018. Some of the information may no longer be relevant, so please use it at your discretion.
With increased time utilization of fleet equipment and increasing over-the-road trucking miles, fleet managers see more wear and tear on their machines. From preventive maintenance to unplanned servicing and significant repair work, it’s more important than ever to keep fleets up and running.
A focus on efficiency contributes to reduced maintenance costs and operational effectiveness in vehicle maintenance shops and fueling stations. It can also yield enhanced productivity, extending the service life of fleet vehicles and equipment and limiting or eliminating forced outage time.
Here are some tips to make your operation more efficient:
Ask, “Is there a better way to do this?”
Choosing tools specifically designed for the job is important for repair quality. Here’s a common example: truck fleet technicians sometimes use a drill to enlarge or align holes in truck frames. But the typically hard, thin material of a truck frame can cause large drill bits to chip and break, presenting a safety hazard and an imprecise repair.
What to do? Put down the drill. As a result of talking with technicians about daily ops, Lawson Products has introduced scores of techs to Regency Tapered Reamers to quickly and safely enlarge or realign distorted or misaligned holes on fleet trailers and truck frames. The point - no pun intended - you may not realize a better solution exists until you talk about your approach with your support team.
Leverage on-site training
To keep technicians and equipment operators safe, be sure your team is current on best practices regarding maintenance facility safety and safe and efficient use of products and tools. Training can also reduce cycle time and rework and improve overall efficiency. Some professional associations provide low or no-cost education sessions as a member benefit.
Lawson Products offers free hands-on training in shop safety, water leak repair, electrical repair, cleaners and degreasers, new products and new and available technologies, plus complementary I-CAR approved courses, under Lawson’s Kent Automotive brand, including corrosion protection and headlamp restoration.
Meet environmental goals
Take a fresh look at operations through green-colored glasses. You may be able to reduce negative environmental impacts in shop operations through product selection and processes. There are sustainability practices and environmentally preferred alternatives available to help you implement or sustain green initiatives, and some swap outs might produce better results. Don’t overlook product considerations and cleaning procedures for daily and long-term rentals.
Stop running out of the same fastener
Not having the right fastener at hand when you need it will cause shop efficiency metrics to plunge. Worse, technicians may use an inaccurate piece as a workaround. Choose industry-specific assortments and kits built specifically for fleet operations. Their portability and convenience enhance efficiency.
One of the most significant means to improve efficiency, increase productivity, and reduce costs is through an optimized vendor managed inventory (VMI) program. An onsite representative will help you analyze usage and purchasing habits for better forecasting, controls, and just right inventory levels. Installing bins and storage cabinets and efficiently placed set-ups can reduce your parts retrieval process and create a more organized and functioning shop workflow.
Request your vendor build a customized assortment for your needs. Customize a parts-specific inventory specific to your fleet and common maintenance scenarios. Your vendor rep will order and restock items to ensure techs always have what they need on hand. MRO consumables are part of the background by design. A stocked and organized shop utilizing optimized VMI will reduce your total cost of procurement as well.
Lower your total cost of operation
Realizing the value of your maintenance, repair, and operations consumables goes a long way. Fittings and fasteners, chemicals, and cutting tools can have a big impact on a company’s financials. As you better anticipate product demand, and ensure items are at hand when needed, you will create efficiencies and increase productivity, resulting in a lower total cost of operation.
Content provided by Lawson Products Vice President of Product Management and Pricing Jim Ryba.
