• OPERATIONS
facilities follow at least some form of preventive maintenance strategy on some equipment. 61 % still have a run-to-failure method, and 51 % use some form of Computerised Maintenance Management System( CMMS).” 2
Notice the study observed that 76 % was performed on some – but not all – equipment. That’ s how 61 % can still have a run-to-failure policy. Factory-direct expert inspection and reporting methods take a holistic view of the system. By only addressing the broken parts, downstream causes are ignored, and expenses for repeated equipment maintenance and replacement rise incrementally over time. The holistic approach recognises and offers solutions to the causes of costly repetitive maintenance.
“ disappearing manufacturer’ s rep” suddenly becomes a serious issue, along with response time and preventative solutions.
When operators realise the overall cost savings of the factory-direct model, then they understand how service, expertise and supply chain are intertwined to offer a full long-term solution. •
Experts have‘ seen it all’ until they haven’ t
Sources:
1. Roberts, Alan. Conveyor System Maintenance & Reliability, ACARP Project C3018. Published by Australian Coal Association Research Program Centre for Bulk Solids and Particulates, University of Newcastle, Australia. Nov, 1996. http:// www. acarp. com. au / abstracts. aspx? repId = C3018
2. Nell, Paul. Conveyor Maintenance – Strategies and Outsourcing. Beltcon, 2019. https:// www. beltcon. org. za / wp-content / uploads / 2024 / 12 / B19-16-Nel-Outsourcing-of-Maintenance. pdf
“ Factory Direct” cycle of service, reporting and product fulfilment for preventative maintenance.
Factory direct isn’ t just for products The cost savings for a factory-direct relationship are only realised over time when that relationship is replaced by a cheaper, less reliable equipment solution from a manufacturer without the infrastructure to offer adequate service. Down the road, the
Introducing Sue Griffith, field support supervisor, Martin Engineering: Sue has more than 20 years of management experience with a successful record in project planning, sales coordination and logistical scheduling at varying levels. With a degree in Business Management and Marketing, in 2009 she implemented a ROI policy for trade show effectiveness. She has extensive knowledge of creating service routes for a fleet of vehicles plus monitoring costs for sales / service completed within the routes. Sue has been the backbone of Martin’ s dispatch of service teams and logistics for over a decade, helping make Martin Engineering a trusted name in the bulk handling industry.
24 • African Mining • August 2025 www. africanmining. co. za