Uptime Driven: The Importance of Uptime and Challenges Faced by Operators

The pace at which we transact business has been increasing in line with the streamlining of process and increased automation, but when equipment fails, it can cause critical issues that cost businesses time and money. For businesses that rely heavily on weighbridges, equipment uptime is crucial in keeping operations running smoothly and ensuring revenue keeps flowing.

Uptime, in essence, refers to the amount of time that equipment is operational and available for use. In industries where weighbridges play a critical role, such as logistics, mining and aggregates, waste management, and manufacturing, downtime can lead to significant operational disruptions. Imagine a busy waste site where trucks are constantly moving in and out, dropping off waste. A faulty weighbridge can create a bottleneck, delaying collections and deliveries to site, and causing loss of earnings if transactions cannot be made.

The challenges faced by operators in maintaining uptime are multifaceted. One of the primary challenges is the wear and tear that weighbridges endure due to the heavy loads and constant use. Over time, this can lead to mechanical failures or inaccuracies in weight measurements. Regular maintenance and effective servicing are crucial to mitigate these risks.

Environmental factors also play a role in the challenges faced by weighbridge operators. Exposure to harsh weather conditions, dust, and debris can accelerate wear and tear and lead to unexpected failures. When purchasing a weighbridge, its important to consider the environment it will be placed in, for example choosing a high-grade paint to protect the deck from exposure to salt damage in coastal areas.  Implementing protective measures, such as regular weighbridge cleaning, and conducting regular inspections will also help mitigate these risks. The more challenging the environment conditions, for example, a muddy quarry, the more frequently you will need to clean it, as weighbridge load cells can become impacted with mud and debris – a common cause of failure in these environments.

The pressure to maintain uptime extends beyond just operational efficiency, as downtime comes at a cost. For businesses who use their weighbridge to transact goods, issue weigh tickets and trade off the weight reading, if the weighbridge stops working, business grinds to a halt. In this scenario, having a service provider who can reach you fast and fix the issue quickly is business critical, but if transacting by weight, your weighbridge will also require reverifying after any remedial work has been carried out. Choose a supplier who has access to a large number of weighbridge test units that can get you verified and back to normal operations quickly as waiting times can vary across service providers.

Regulatory compliance is another critical aspect. Industries that use weighbridges are often subject to strict regulations and standards. Ensuring that weighbridges are accurate and reliable is not just about maintaining operations but also about adhering to legal requirements. Non-compliance can result in hefty fines and legal repercussions. Having approved service providers conduct regular calibrations and weighbridge re-verification if the weighbridge is legal-for-trade, ensures you stay compliant with all necessary regulations.

The challenges faced by weighbridge operators are diverse and complex, ranging from mechanical wear and technology integration to environmental impacts and regulatory compliance.

Avery Weigh-Tronix is committed to helping you navigate these challenges. Our comprehensive ‘Uptime Select’ servicing and support solutions are designed to maximise your uptime, ensuring that your operations run smoothly, efficiently, and without interruption. By partnering with us, you can focus on what you do best—running your business—while we take care of keeping your weighbridges in top working condition.