Better Than New

Whatever way you look at it, purchasing material handling systems (conveyors, sorting systems, shelving, etc.) is a significant decision. Because of the quantity and variety of options available, choosing the proper course of action can be challenging and costly.

Naturally, you could merely spend a lot of money on brand-new machinery. Assuming the device operates as intended, you know exactly what you are getting. The only thing that worries you is the potential that you may have overpaid for it.

Buying old equipment could help you save money—or at least reduce your expenditure, which isn't always the same thing. All that's left to worry about is reliability, or in the worst case, the expense of having to replace the equipment if it fails to perform as planned.

And lastly, there is refurbished gear. While some money is saved, not as much as when purchasing used. However, it ought to function as well as, if not greater than, a brand-new item. That's the premise anyway; you can never be certain of anything more than a superficial paint job being done to the equipment. Reconditioned equipment ought to be the ideal balance between the affordability of used equipment and the superiority of new equipment. However, it would be difficult to forecast performance and compare it to the equipment cost unless you know exactly what to look for.

Thankfully, there exists a fourth alternative that endeavors to eradicate this ambiguity by precisely defining and ensuring the modifications made to used equipment prior to its resale. "Renewed" equipment allows for educated purchase decisions. Just like with new equipment, you can figure out how much the purchase is worth by comparing the expected performance to the cost.

In whom do you have faith?

It is important to consider the source of any "renewed" label applied to a reconditioned piece of old equipment, as anyone can do so. In what ways do they "renew" machinery? How are you aware of the repairs made to the machinery? What action will the provider take if the equipment fails to meet expectations?

Try to collaborate with a known supplier of material handling equipment. If not, you should find a supplier who has expertise restoring the kind of equipment you are thinking about and who is well-known in the business for standing behind the goods they offer. Engage in conversation with other clients. Try to speak with clients that aren't on a list that the provider has provided you, just to be sure.

If at all possible, pay a visit to the supplier's location. Are the engineers and shop staff who are qualified to inspect, test, rebuild, and retrofit the equipment present? Do they focus on improving the product's appearance at the expense of the extra effort required to improve the equipment's functionality? Do they employ a procedure that entails thorough testing and inspection? Do they provide an assurance that the apparatus will function as promised?

The Procedure for Renewal

From the time the equipment is disassembled at its former site until it is reassembled and operational at your facility, a true equipment renewal program adds value to the equipment at every turn.

Take-apart. Over its working life, material handling equipment experiences wear and tear. This can be minimized with sensible equipment operation and routine maintenance, but irresponsible disassembly can undo all of this hard work. The provider must inspect the equipment on site and any maintenance records before accepting the equipment as possibly renewable. More importantly, the system needs to be disassembled, sorted, palletized, and transported to the renewal facility by a skilled, trustworthy team.

Assessment. As was previously said, some wear and tear is unavoidable. Some is reasonable, which explains why refurbished equipment is less expensive than brand-new. On the other hand, excessive wear is not appropriate. Certain components of a system might be discounted or rejected. A lot of the time, the wear and tear is focused in parts that are simple to repair, including rollers, bearings, seals, etc. Even though the essential components in this category still appear excellent, a good renewal program will replace them.

experimenting. Equipment that has been renewed ought to function in accordance with the original specifications. (Although it might not last as long as new equipment, you're still saving money.) Every component will be tested by a competent renewal software, allowing you to know precisely what kind of performance to anticipate from the reassembled system.

Create. It's unlikely that you would use this equipment in precisely the same manner as the prior owner did. You can integrate the equipment into your current system with the assistance of a competent design and engineering team.

Cosmetic Procedures. Any refurbished equipment will come with a repaint job, but the paint on new equipment isn't meant to hide defects. It exists only to improve look.

Putting together again. While it is easier to operate with than used equipment, renewed equipment could not assemble as readily as new equipment. To retrofit the system so that it integrates correctly, some more adjustment will likely be needed in addition to minor alterations like re-drilling holes. Here, a team with training can really help.

Existing with Updated Gear

For a limited period of time, refurbished equipment will function within specification (less than new, more than worn). This isn't just a "you get what you pay for" kind of arrangement, though. The majority of material handling systems do, in reality, have a finite lifespan. Increased volume, modifications to business procedures or commodities handled, the introduction of new material handling technologies—all of these factors have the potential to render your current system outdated eventually. Why spend more money than necessary on time?

Naturally, making the most of this factor calls for cautious preparation. Sometimes the issue is quite straightforward. For instance, your current system has to be replaced immediately because it is totally insufficient for your demands. However, in four years, you intend to combine all material handling operations into one location. It makes no sense to spend more money on a new system that will only last ten years. The obvious decision is renewed.

It's not always an either/or situation, though. Often, the most cost-effective equipment is a mix of brand-new, refurbished, and even secondhand items. For instance, you could want to benefit from the most recent advancements in control systems. For your crowded, high-traffic regions, you might want the newest, quietest, and fastest-rated conveyors available. In these circumstances, purchase new. However, if your conveyor component is large, renewed might be the best option. Equipment that has been conventionally reconditioned or used can be sufficient to meet all or some of your shelving needs.

The key is to consider all of your alternatives, keeping in mind that complex systems could benefit from a combination of options, and then select the options that best fit your needs, your budget, and your long-term goals.

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