Preventative maintenance is a way to proactively and routinely take care of equipment so that you don’t have to wait until something breaks down to make repairs. Preventative maintenance can prevent major equipment failures before they occur and help you avoid large costly repairs down the road.
Here is everything employers need to know about preventative maintenance and how it can extend the life of your Parking Access and Revenue Control System.
What Is a Parking Access and Revenue Control System (PARCS)
Although managing parking and access seems like a very straightforward thing to manage, there are many things to consider. Businesses have different parking and access needs, and there are many different types of parking and access technology available that serve various purposes.
Some examples of common parking and access technology include:
- Access control systems
- Parking revenue control systems
- Barrier gates
- Parking profit tracking
- Valet parking software
- Audio and video intercoms
- Slide and swing gates
- Digital and LED message signs
- Parking and security buildings
These are all very different types of technology, but there is one thing that they all have in common. They all require maintenance.
What is Preventative Maintenance for Parking Systems?
Like with anything else, it’s easy to follow the saying “If it isn’t broken, don’t fix it”, and wait until something breaks down before getting any maintenance done. Using the reactive approach of waiting until something breaks to get maintenance done leads to equipment breaking down completely, putting the safety of your staff at risk, and leaves you with large and costly repairs down the road.
Preventative maintenance addresses facility concerns and equipment upkeep systematically to prevent major failures before they happen. A preventative maintenance program includes proactively scheduling tasks like:
- Cleaning
- Lubrication
- voltage measurements
- Minor repairs and adjustments
- Part inspections and adjustments
- And More
With PARCS, taking a traditional reactive approach toward equipment maintenance can cost three to four times the amount of money that a preventive maintenance program would cost you.
The Importance of Preventative Maintenance with PARCS
Besides saving thousands of dollars by addressing maintenance issues and concerns regularly, there are many other benefits to adopting and implementing a preventative maintenance program.
These benefits include:
Reduced Equipment Downtime
If your PARCS equipment is not routinely serviced and not performing at the optimal level it should, you never know when your equipment will fail. When equipment fails, this results in unplanned downtime that can last hours, days, or even weeks. Most importantly this can lead to patron confusion, unsecured parking areas, and lost revenue.
Utilizing a preventative maintenance program keeps any disruptions of operations to a minimum. Due to planned maintenance checks, it’s easier to schedule maintenance at times that have the least impact on day-to-day operations. Not only does this help you save valuable time and money, but your equipment will perform better and last longer.
Increased Equipment Efficiency and Performance
Normal wear and tear will make any equipment break down over time. With a preventative maintenance program for your facility, you can perpetually keep your PARCS system working in optimal condition.
Preventative maintenance takes care of part replacement, lubrication, cleaning, and inspections so that your equipment operates as it should. In addition to keeping your equipment in optimal condition, equipment that is running properly and efficiently uses less energy and resources, lowering your facility's power costs.
Additionally, avoiding large-scale equipment overhauls and part replacement increases the overall performance of your facility so you can get more hours out of each piece of equipment.
Safer Working Conditions
Maintaining a safe environment for your patrons and employees is always top of mind. With regular preventative maintenance, you can improve the safety and quality of your equipment for everyone.
Routine checks can uncover any hazards that may be lurking due to unsafe conditions and can prevent accidents or injuries before they occur.
Improved Company Reputation
Although the two may not seem to be related, having equipment that is always working to its optimal capabilities will positively impact your company's reputation. Unplanned downtime, lower equipment efficiency, and unsafe conditions, among other things, are all things that could negatively impact your reputation and ultimately will lead your customers toward giving their business to a competitor.
Your PARCS acts as the first and last impression of your facility to patrons, visitors, and employees. Routine preventative maintenance will keep your PARCS running smoothly and efficiently, creating a positive lasting impression for patrons, visitors, and employees for years to come.
Implementing a Preventative Maintenance Program
Implementing a program such as a preventative maintenance program requires time and money to initially set up. Since preventative maintenance is not something that occurs immediately, your facility will begin to see results over time through regularly scheduled maintenance and less costly repairs.
Businesses looking to implement a preventative maintenance program should look to a company that specializes in parking and access systems like EBC HCM.
EBC HCM offers a preventative maintenance program that handles routine maintenance for you. This includes:
- Providing thorough inspections on all equipment provided
- Responding within 4 hours in the event of failure of the equipment
- Providing remote and on-site support software and hardware
- Providing program adjustments as needed
- A 10% discount is provided on all OEM parts
- Replacement parts by OEM for all equipment with a 90-day warranty
- Training and retraining on equipment
Get Started with Implementing a Preventative Maintenance Program
Organizations looking to implement a preventative maintenance program and start saving money on costly repairs and broken-down equipment should consider reaching out to a company with a Parking Access and Revenue Control System (PARCS).
If you are a New York business looking for a New York company specializing in parking and access solutions to help you get started with a preventative maintenance program, look no further than EBC HCM.
To learn more about preventative maintenance program features available through EBC HCM, contact us today.
