HVAC & REFRIGERATION SHOW PREVIEW
Parts delivery problems solved
The speed at which an engineer can complete repairs depends on how quickly the necessary parts can be acquired, and a visit to the offi ce or trade counter can often slow down the process. Parcel Holders takes a look at why pick up and drop off points could prove to be the ideal solution.
R
emember the ad campaign: ‘Go to work on an egg’? It was on the side of every bus. So, how do you like yours? Sunny side up? Over easy? The full fry up?
An engineer was telling us recently that every time he goes to collect parts on a Friday to repair a supermarket refrigerator, the trade counter he picks up from serves complimentary egg-and-bacon butties. “It’s an incentive to get us to pick up our parts from them,” he said, “I’ve already eaten by that time but they’re certainly tempting!”
We often think that if a machine goes down, an engineer can be on site straight away to fi x it. Or at any rate, they will be there fast. But, really, how fast is fast? It turns out that speed is usually entirely dependent on the method by which parts reach the engineer. We decided to do a little research on parts delivery solutions.
It’s a nice perk of the job, after what has perhaps been a long drive, to be served breakfast. Collecting parts from the offi ce or trade counters was, at least up until a couple of years ago, the only option available to mobile engineers. It’s straightforward and the route is well known, but these days, with large volumes of traffi c, roadworks and diversions, you might be in danger
24 December 2017
of missing out on that bacon and egg butty, let alone getting to site in time to fi x a machine.
In addition, with product innovation taking place across all sectors and new manufacturers entering the market, trade counters are often incapable of carrying the huge range of diff erent parts required. This means that stock must be ordered in from the manufacturer or stockist directly, or from a centralised warehouse. As a result, the fi rst trip to the trade counter can turn out to be a waste of time, and not to mention a waste of fuel and yet more CO2 emissions.
Alternative solutions
So, what other options are out there for engineers to get parts? Our research brought to light three other well-used solutions, and the pros and cons of each one.
First, there is the option of delivery direct to engineers’ homes or client sites. Recognising issues with trade counters, businesses often order parts direct from major stockist distribution centres and send them straight to their engineers. It’s looks like the obvious solution: parts get to where they need to be with no driving.
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Parcel Holders Stand B42
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