When you invest in an automation or conveyor system, a warranty provides reassurance that your equipment is protected against defects or faults. However, a common question we hear from our clients is:
“If my system is under warranty, do I still need to hold spare parts on-site?”
The short answer is: yes, holding key spare parts is often a smart strategy, even with warranty cover. Here’s why.
- Minimising downtime
Even with warranty protection, waiting for replacement parts to arrive can disrupt your operations. Production delays, order backlogs, and operational downtime can quickly cost more than the parts themselves. Having critical components on-site allows your maintenance team to act immediately, keeping your system running smoothly.
- Supporting planned maintenance
Warranties typically cover faults or failures, but they don’t cover routine maintenance or wear-and-tear. Holding spares ensures your team can complete preventative maintenance or minor repairs efficiently, without waiting for external parts delivery. This proactive approach reduces the likelihood of larger, costlier failures down the line.
- Reducing operational risk
Some parts are essential for the functioning of your system, and their failure can bring production to a halt. By identifying these high-impact components and keeping them on hand, you can reduce the operational risk and maintain productivity, even while your system is under warranty.
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- How to decide which spares to hold
Not every part needs to be stocked. Focus on:
- Components with long lead times – If replacement parts take weeks to arrive, having them on-site can save critical hours.
- High-risk or high-impact items – Parts whose failure would stop operations or compromise safety.
- Wear-and-tear items – Belts, rollers, sensors, and other components prone to regular replacement.
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At CSL Automation, we work with our clients to develop a bespoke spare parts strategy that balances the cost of stock with the benefit of reduced downtime. Our goal is to help you maximise uptime, maintain operational efficiency, and avoid unnecessary expenditure.
Final Thoughts
A warranty gives you protection, but it’s not a substitute for preparedness. Holding the right spare parts ensures your systems keep running efficiently and your business remains productive.
If you’d like help identifying the spares that make sense for your conveyor or automation systems, CSL Automation’s team is ready to guide you.
Call us on 01283 55 22 55
Email [email protected]
Ready to keep your conveyors running at their best?Â
Contact our ConveyorCare team on 01283 55 22 55 or email [email protected] to discuss how we can support your systems.Â
Discuss your Maintenance Requirements
Thank you for your interest in CSL Automation. As one of the UK’s leading conveyor and automation integrators, we can help maintain your automation system.Â
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