Laboratory equipment maintenance providers are used by scientists, researchers and laboratory managers to care for the laboratory equipment they use. However, they are not the only people that require laboratory equipment maintenance. There may be occasions when laboratory equipment manufacturers from outside the UK need a local service provider in order to sell their products into the UK market. Indeed, even equipment manufacturers based in the UK may require help with service work if they do not have their own service engineers or they have gaps in their geographical coverage. In this month’s blog, we take a look at the aspects that need to be considered when a manufacturer is searching for a suitable laboratory equipment service partner in the UK.
UK laboratory equipment maintenance providers for overseas manufacturers
When an overseas laboratory equipment manufacturer is looking for maintenance, repair and calibration of their equipment in the UK, there are several important factors to consider to ensure efficient, reliable, and high-quality service. Below is a list of some factors to consider when looking for UK laboratory equipment maintenance providers:
1. Local Regulations and Compliance
- Regulatory Requirements: Ensure that the service provider is knowledgeable about local regulatory standards and compliance requirements for laboratory equipment.
- Certifications: Verify that the service personnel have the necessary certifications and training to work on the specific types of equipment if necessary. For example, are the Field Service Engineers able to perform UKAS calibrations in line with ISO 17025 standards?
2. Technical Expertise
- Qualified Technicians: Check that the service provider has experienced and well-trained technicians who are familiar with the specific models and brands of laboratory equipment. It may be that technical training will need to be given to the service provider. In this instance, it will be necessary to see if the technicians have experience working on similar products or at least, have sufficient technical capability. Ensure that the laboratory equipment maintenance provider uses their own engineers and do not subcontract certain elements of the service.
- Continuous Training: Ensure the service provider offers continuous training programs to keep their technicians up-to-date with the latest technologies and service procedures.
3. Availability and Responsiveness
- Response Time: Assess the service provider’s response time for on-site service calls. Quick response times are crucial in laboratory settings to minimise downtime and ensure customer satisfaction.
- Support Hours: Consider if the service provider offers support outside of regular business hours, including weekends and holidays, to address emergencies. This is not always required, but it is certainly worth asking the question if the equipment is critical.
4. Infrastructure and Logistics
- Spare Parts Inventory: Ensure the service provider has a robust inventory of spare parts to avoid long wait times for repairs. The manufacturer can supply these parts and the laboratory equipment maintenance provider can keep them in their own stock.
- Logistics: Evaluate their logistics capabilities for delivering parts and dispatching technicians promptly. Equally, do they have suitable storage facilities and do the engineers have suitable transportation?
5. Service Contracts and Warranties
- Service Agreements: Review the terms of service agreements, including coverage, duration, and conditions.
- Warranty: Understand the warranty terms for both equipment and service, including what is covered and for how long.
6. Communication and Reporting
- Communication Channels: Establish clear communication channels for reporting issues and getting updates on service requests.
- Reporting: Ensure the service provider offers detailed service reports and documentation for maintenance and repairs.
7. Reputation and References
- Reputation: Research the service provider’s reputation in the industry. Ask for testimonials and/or evidence of case studies.
- References: Request references from other clients in the same industry or with similar equipment to assess satisfaction levels.
8. Cost and Value
- Cost: Evaluate the cost of service contracts and individual service calls. Consider both the immediate and long-term costs.
- Value: Assess the overall value by comparing the quality of service, expertise, and reliability against the cost.
9. Local Presence
- Local Offices: Check if the service provider has local offices or representatives to provide more immediate support. Furthermore, do the field service engineers cover the whole UK, or just a part of it?
- Language and Cultural Understanding: Ensure the service provider’s team can communicate effectively in the local language and understands local business practices.
10. Technology and Tools
- Diagnostic Tools: Ensure the service provider uses advanced diagnostic tools and technology for accurate and efficient troubleshooting.
- Remote Support: Consider if remote support options are available for quick fixes and guidance without needing an on-site visit.
By carefully considering these factors, a laboratory equipment manufacturer can select a reliable laboratory equipment maintenance provider that ensures minimal downtime, compliance with local regulations and high-quality service.
How Henderson Biomedical can help
Henderson Biomedical is a UK laboratory equipment service provider based in the London area. Our main business is in the service, repair and calibration of core pieces of laboratory equipment such as centrifuges, refrigerators, freezers and heat sealers. However, we have also branched out into other areas and now provide service for a range of manufacturers based both here in the UK and abroad.
For more information on how we can help you, please contact us on 020 8663 4610 or alternatively, you can use our online form to contact us.
