Reduced cost, increased value and maximum productivity are the top priorities for any business, especially in tough economic times. In the industrial sector, where machinery and tools are in need of regular replacement, the desire to reduce costs must also be tempered by the need for quality, reliability and durability. But how do you cut costs without sacrificing your productivity?

There are three areas to cut business expenses, and each has its own set of criteria when looking to trim capital costs:

Tip 1: Higher-quality tools and accessories with increased longevity provide overall lower costs.

A fixed budget often means those responsible for equipment purchases begin to look at low-cost alternatives to reduce per-unit costs and remain within budgetary parameters. Unfortunately, this method of cost cutting often ends up with a higher price tag in the long run. Cheaper equipment often offers inferior quality and reduced lifespan, resulting in more frequent replacement and more problems with quality that require additional time, labour and money.  Rather than lowering per-unit costs, the most efficient way to lower business costs and improve profitability is the less frequent purchase of replacement products, especially in the case of consumable products such as blades, drill bits, abrasives and cutting tools.  Products with a lower sticker price may seem like the obvious choice for cost savings, but when all things are considered, they are not the magical solution: they don’t last as long, don’t work as effectively and require more frequent replacement. 

Tip 2: Using the right machine for your requirements leads to increased productivity.

All tools, equipment and machinery come in a vast array of sizes, specifications and prices – do you know which machine suits your needs?  Understanding the materials to be processed by the machine and the performance requirements of the machine itself will lead to the correct product purchase.  Even the best cutting tools available won’t live up to their full potential if they are used on inappropriate machinery for the task at hand.  Likewise, even the most powerful machine won’t be productive if it isn’t being used in the manner for which it was intended or with adequate accessories. 

Tip 3: All tools and equipment kept in peak condition perform better, for longer.

All machines require service to stay in top condition and provide maximum productivity.  Preventive maintenance procedures are vital to ensuring equipment not only keeps running, but problems are identified and corrected before they become dangerous or costly.  Quick access to service technicians will ensure your downtime is minimal when you do encounter problems, and also help keep your investment working for you.  When downtime is kept to a minimum, labour hours spent on repairs and maintenance are reduced and productivity is maximized.

Rideout Tool & Machine understands the need for extreme performance and is committed to providing the best quality products on the market for every job requirement and the value-added services that maximize every dollar with overall best value for your job requirements in mind. With a fully staffed and equipped service shop as well as full-time field service technicians for emergency and routine machinery maintenance, we service what we sell. 

Rideout Tool & Machine – Your Production is Our Business. 
Pease contact Rideout Tool & Machine to discuss reducing your overhead costs while maximizing your productivity. 

Adapted from original article courtesy of TecSaw International Ltd. © 2009