Why the best choice to inspect & service your APC equipment may not be the manufacturer
Whether your plant uses oxidizers, flares, scrubbers, or other types of air pollution control equipment, regular inspections and maintenance are essential to keeping them running efficiently and to avoiding costly downtime or regulatory penalties. Calling the Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) for these services is a logical choice, right?
Not always. While relying on an OEM’s aftermarket services can make sense during your system’s warranty period, it isn’t necessarily the case afterward. In fact, there are many compelling reasons to hire a third-party service provider instead.
1. Cost Efficiency
It’s well known that OEMs often charge a premium for inspections and maintenance services based on their brand reputation. However, an OEM’s skill with their own equipment does not necessarily translate into superior or more cost-effective service.
Independent providers typically offer more competitive pricing because they operate in a competitive marketplace and often have lower overhead – but this is only the tip of the iceburg, so to speak. By focusing solely on service rather than manufacturing, third-party service companies can also be more flexible in their pricing models and provide customized service packages tailored to your plant’s specific needs and budget. They have every incentive to get to know your unique plant, equipment, team, and needs– including your production goals, tolerance for downtime, planned shutdown schedules, and more. They can then take all this into account to offer tailored recommendations and long-term, cost-effective solutions.
2. Broad Mechanical & Technical Expertise
Dealing with the right third-party service provider allows you to address your equipment’s problems comprehensively, through a single point of contact. The fact is, most facilities use equipment from several different OEMs, which can pose expensive and complicated challenges when it comes to support. Using equipment from different manufacturers means dealing with multiple OEM representatives every time there’s an issue – increasing costs and production downtime.
Unlike OEMs, independent service providers work across a broad range of makes and models of all types of air pollution control and gas-fired systems. This wider breadth of experience and technical knowledge allows them to diagnose and fix problems with a variety of equipment; it also encourages them to take a more holistic approach to maintenance and troubleshooting in general. This versatility is especially useful if your plant operates with a combination of systems, makes and models, or if your plant uses a mix of old and new equipment from different OEMs.
Often, independent service company technicians are certified at the same or higher level as OEM service technicians, while also troubleshooting a wider range of brands and equipment models.
3. Unbiased Recommendations
Because an independent service provider isn’t tied to a specific manufacturer, they may be less likely to recommend unnecessary repairs or costly upgrades based on the manufacturer’s goals. Third-party companies can also recommend more options and solutions to problems post-warranty because they are not tied to certain vendors for components. OEMs, on the other hand, may be more pressured to push new parts, upgrades, or even system replacements as part of their business model.
This is especially true when it comes to industrial controls, where many OEMs are tied to certain brands (like Allen Bradley). Independent service providers, however, are not limited to certain platforms or manufacturers, giving you more options based on your needs and budget.
What’s more, OEMs may not communicate system design flaws that can constrain system reliability – resulting in more system breakdowns, repairs, production downtime, and expense. Partnering with a service provider who’s not incentivized to protect a certain brand and can suggest enhancements based on a wider knowledge base can improve the overall cost-effectiveness of your operations.
With an independent provider, the focus is on the functionality and efficiency of the air pollution control equipment you have on site. The right provider will offer unbiased assessments and only recommend repairs or replacements that are genuinely necessary.
4. Customized Service & Flexibility
Of all the challenges with OEM service providers, lack of flexibility is one of the most frustrating for facilities. OEM support services usually come at a single flat rate that covers all the OEM’s basic support functions – and for many small businesses, this means paying for services that are never used or needed.
Third-party support service providers, on the other hand, are likely to offer customized plans and take a more customized approach to service in general. They can tailor inspection and maintenance schedules to meet your plant’s specific needs rather than following a one-size-fits-all model.
Instead of paying a flat rate for a fixed package of services, you choose specific services. A prime example of this is PolSys Services Rapid Response Service Agreements, which are tailored to your plant’s specific needs and tolerance for downtime. This ensures that your equipment receives the attention it needs, when it needs it, based on your unique operating conditions.
5. Faster Response Times
Another common complaint among plant managers is the delay in service when dealing with OEMs, especially larger manufacturers with global operations. Scheduling an inspection or service with an OEM can take weeks or even months, especially if the OEM has a large backlog or prioritizes strategic clients.
Independent service providers, on the other hand, tend to offer faster response times and more personalized service. Since they are typically more flexible, they can often be on-site faster than an OEM technician to resolve issues that could otherwise become larger problems or result in costly downtime.
6. Long-Term Relationships
Independent service providers are often more invested in building long-term relationships with their clients. Unlike OEMs, who may already have a large client base and thus may view each interaction as transactional, independent providers rely heavily on repeat business and word-of-mouth referrals. This means they have a strong vested interest in providing excellent service and ensuring that your equipment runs smoothly for the long haul.
By developing a relationship with an independent service provider, your plant benefits from consistent, reliable service from technicians who are familiar with not just your systems, but your operating conditions, goals, maintenance team, and overall plant needs. The service team can help you establish preventative maintenance schedules, work to improve system reliability over time, and even ease the burden of storing regulatory compliance documentation.
For example, PolSys Services’ proprietary RISC platform provides you with a centralized digital archive of inspections and repair documents. You have anywhere, any-time access through a secure online portal, and historical documents won’t get lost, even with employee turnover. (This information also gives you actionable insights into your system, helping you improve system reliability and reduce maintenance costs.)
The Bottom Line
While OEMs may seem like a logical choice to service your air pollution control equipment, partnering with an independent service provider offers distinct advantages in terms of cost, expertise, flexibility, and customer focus. Your facility benefits from customized service, quicker response times, unbiased recommendations, and cost-effective maintenance—all while ensuring that your systems continue to meet regulatory standards and operate at peak efficiency. In both the long and short run, this approach can lead to superior performance and significant savings for your plant.