When looking at the true cost of equipment ownership there are many factors to take into consideration. Throughout this series of articles, we are taking a look at these factors and how they pertain to measurement equipment. With over 75 years of experience in calibration and repair, at Cross, we’ve seen it all. In this article, we’ll break down to initial cost and why it matters in the long term.
Initial Cost of Equipment
The initial cost of equipment may affect the current budget, but be careful of saving a buck or two up front. Often (although we’ll be careful to say not always) as the saying goes “you get what you pay for.” This is especially true with equipment such as scales where inexpensive options can easily be found, but may not be built to last longer and hold up to wear and tear. Higher quality equipment generally leads to less frequent repair, saving money in the long run.
Industrial Scales are a prime example of equipment that can greatly affect daily operational efficiency while having a broad range pricing and features. This means it can be very easy to unknowingly purchase the wrong equipment. Equipment is often designed specifically with different environments and usage requirements in mind. For example, a warehouse environment is typically much different than a quality lab, requiring more durable equipment.
Also, be mindful of equipment that can be difficult to service. Some equipment needs be replaced frequently rather than serviced long term which can make it difficult to perform preventative maintenance such as calibration. In addition, parts for cheaper equipment can be scarce since when it’s less expensive to just purchase a replacement. One big issue with continuously purchasing new equipment is maintaining follow up documentation that shows as found/as left data. Without proper documentation on your equipment, you can run into trouble with audits.
The bottom line, purchasing the correct equipment for the job can save money in the long run by reducing the preventative maintenance and repair cost. With years of experience helping our customers get the right equipment for their processes, let the precision measurement group at Cross advise on the best solutions for your process. Fill out our contact form to talk with a Cross representative about new products and solutions.
Also, check out our other articles in this series:
The Total Cost of Equipment Ownership: Equipment Repair – When Enough is Enough
