Avoid production downtime

Ensure that your drive is (almost) always available.

Systematically avoid unscheduled downtime

We build long-term relationships in which we focus on how our drive systems can best contribute to realizing our customers’ specific ambitions. We not only supply the right products that a customer needs, but also share our knowledge of drive and control systems. We proactively help our customers, and our expertise and customization options help resolve specific issues, such as how to avoid downtime and ensure that a drive is (almost) always available.

Adverse effects of downtime

Downtime is the time when production equipment is offline or unavailable for production due to the need for maintenance or because of a breakdown. This can lead not only to significant costs, but also to delays in production, reduced production capacity and loss of quality.

Scheduled downtime is the time when scheduled maintenance takes place at a specified time. Unscheduled downtime occurs when production equipment is used until a fault occurs in the system, such as a machine malfunction.

Unscheduled downtime can have an adverse impact, such as:

Restrictions of the existing production process
Long interruptions in the production process
Employees standing idle or having to work extra shifts
Fewer customers or loss of customers due to dissatisfaction
Loss of reputation

Assured continuity

At BEGE, we pay attention to the continuity of machines. We understand how essential continuous productivity is for both machine builders and their customers.

To ensure continuity of production, it is essential to systematically reduce or avoid unscheduled downtime. This keeps production optimized and reliable.

Some benefits of continuity:

Efficient, stable production
Better performance
Higher efficiency
Lower costs
Stronger competitiveness

Three ways to avoid production downtime

Unscheduled downtime can be avoided through risk assessment, training and sensors. BEGE provides support in all three areas.

Risk assessment

Outdated machines in particular pose a significant risk of unscheduled downtime. In addition, repairing or renovating drives on-site is expensive and time-consuming. Finally, the quality and service life of repaired drives are often not sufficient, leading to excessive downtime and/or failure.

Risk assessment by BEGE

One of the most effective ways to avoid unscheduled downtime on a production line and reduce additional costs in the future is to conduct a risk assessment. With the right knowledge and availability of parts and machines, BEGE makes the difference between a downtime of just a few days and several weeks.

BEGE provides a one-to-one alternative for the drives or parts concerned and maintains a reserved stock. BEGE keeps the products in stock, so customers are not hampered by (increasingly) long delivery times.

Training and support

Machine malfunctions are often the result of human error. It is therefore important that all employees are properly trained and there is scope for support after the handover of a drive. In addition, it is important that employees are instructed in recognizing and understanding the actual effects of downtime.

Training and support by BEGE

If necessary, our engineers will guide the customer through the various steps of the process and ensure a smooth handover.

We remain involved even after commissioning: we provide support for proper use of the hardware and software, and we remedy any problems. In addition, we can train operating personnel on request.

Smart sensors

Smart sensors are the future of predictive maintenance: monitoring the performance and service life of machines. Thanks to these sensors, malfunctions can be detected early and maintenance can be easily scheduled. With integrated sensors, suitable measures can be taken even before problems lead to unscheduled and imminent downtime.

Smart sensors at BEGE

We are currently carrying out a pilot project with high-tech sensors. Machine builders interested in testing this inspection tool can contact us.

If smart sensors are integrated into the production process, weaknesses can be detected early on and troubleshooting can be carried out quickly. Participation in the pilot project for these smart sensors means that a drive will have virtually no unscheduled downtime in the future.

Case study on avoiding downtime

Challenge: Years ago, our customer’s former supplier stopped producing the special electric motors the customer uses in its factories. The existing solution was too costly and time-consuming, so the customer was looking for an alternative.

The task for BEGE was to supply a replacement electric motor so that the customer’s factories could continue running optimally and without unscheduled downtime.

Solution: Our engineers examined and measured a defective sample motor and developed an initial concept based on all the dimensions. It turned out that the motor did not have standard NEMA or IEC dimensions, and among other things, it had a special flattened keyway. Based on all the specifications, we designed a new motor from scratch.

In addition to designing and delivering, we keep a reserve stock for this customer in the Netherlands for rapid replacement. Our smart stock system sends an alert so that stock can be replenished on time.

Read the full case study