One Size Doesn't Fit All
When it comes to maintenance, there are many different options available.
Many companies have an in-house maintenance team they rely on. This is usually because companies can communicate directly with them and are familiar with the current equipment. This privilege can be distorted when trying to work with an outsourced team, as communication may not be as direct as previously noted. But does that impact how valuable external teams can be? How do you know which is right for your business?
In this blog, we’ll discuss the differences between internal and external teams of maintenance engineers. Topics like what each is most useful for, challenges both parties may run into, and is it helpful to have both operating at the same time will be answered. Using this guide, you’ll be able to properly determine which option would be the most advantageous for your business. Both options will be discussed with as little bias as possible for your specific business concerns to be addressed.
In-House Maintenance Teams
As stated before, many companies already have an in-house maintenance team in place. This is usually a company’s go-to solution for equipment that may be damaged or need repairs. This is not only because of their skill set, but also because of the trust they have in these groups. Some of the advantages they’re most efficient at include:
- Direct communication
- Few routine work charges
- Familiarity with current equipment
- Improved response time
These are just to name a few of the benefits. Each industry has its own unique reasons for requiring an internal maintenance team. With this being the case, there are many more benefits these crews can provide industry to industry. But why would employers need external people if in-house was so effective?
Unfortunately, like most things, nothing can be completely perfect. These teams do face their share of challenges. Some of these directly tie into the work they do, while others can be affected by the administration. A few of the main disadvantages include:
- Investment into training and technology
- Spare parts may crowd inventory
- Sparse capacity throughout emergencies
As you can see, as much as in-house crews can help when it comes to immediate repair, your company also assumes more obligations as it continues. This itself isn’t a negative thing, just something that needs to be considered when making a strategic decision.
Outsourced Maintenance Teams
With all the positive talk about internal teams, how do outside teams provide anything comparable? Well, even though these groups can provide you with several benefits, external teams’ advantages lie in their flexibility. The benefits of outsourcing are:
- Chosen based on special expertise
- Efficient for saving warehouse storage
- Flexibly staffed during shutdowns
Again, all maintenance crews have their flaws, no matter the industry. Just because they may have unique differences doesn’t make them better overall. Rather, it’s based on your company’s current needs and obstacles. And just like inside crews, outside maintenance groups come with their fair share of limitations. Some of the downsides include:
- Lack of communication
- Less control over scheduling
- Potential loss of institutional knowledge
Of course, these weaknesses are situational and not representative of outside groups as a whole. All groups operate differently and have their own unique features and drawbacks. Make sure before hiring any maintenance personnel, ask them qualifying questions to see if they’re fit for the job.
Is There a Right Choice?
After hearing both the standpoints of internal and external maintenance teams, the question remains: Which model is better? The answer to this question is whatever serves your current needs the best. Internal teams are great at cooperation, serving as local experts for your equipment, and are usually the quickest when it comes to response time. However, the disadvantages inside teams carry may be fixed by outside groups. These crews can handle highly specific problems, have flexible staff, and allow for increased storeroom capacity.
A third option that has not been previously mentioned is to use both these alternatives in tandem. Together, they have incredible value and synergy to offer any company. In some cases, firms employ their inside maintenance team for everyday upkeep alongside an external team working on unique assignments. Although this may be costly, the long-term benefits of having a complete remedy may help your business enter the fast track to advancement.
How Can Russell Conveyor Help?
At Russell Conveyor, we specialize in both manufacturing and repairing conveyor equipment. With over 20 years of experience, our company has become one of the leading sources of conveyor technology and expertise. With this in mind, we are now offering a new addition to our services, Russell+. This tiered monthly program combines your company with Russell Conveyor’s excellent maintenance. The four different tiers of this service offer a variety of benefits including:
- Access to spare parts
- Remote support
- Emergency service support
- Resident technician options
- Custom maintenance strategy
- Much more…
Interested in stopping machine failures? Call our experts today at (336) 526-3014.
Concerned about your conveyor’s lifespan? Read this blog about eight warning signs that could signal impending maintenance.
Want to learn more about how to improve repair documentation? Read this blog on how to run efficient operations with CMMS technology.
FAQs about In-House Maintenance
Have any more questions about in-house maintenance? Below we’ve answered some of the most common questions.
Internal teams work directly for the facility. External teams are groups that are employed by an outside corporation.
If a business is struggling with low flexibility and highly technical issues, this opportunity is when external teams perform the best.
No. There may be certain items the hiring company isn’t liable for, but it doesn’t mean job site accidents responsibilities are placed somewhere else.
The company should keep track of useful measurements like repeat repairs, mean time between failure, and average equipment downtime. These KPIs and others not mentioned give you an idea of if the strategy is effective.