End of life retrofit
By tackling it smartly, a retrofit does not always have to be done all at once, but can be spread over several moments, thus keeping stagnation to a minimum.
End of life retrofit
The first machines that have faithfully delivered the desired output for years are now reaching an age where it is becoming increasingly difficult to obtain spare parts. This is partly because some parts are no longer produced or because the manufacturer has stopped supporting these installations. This brings new challenges for many companies, especially when these machines play a crucial role in their production process.
In addition, we see that the life cycle of certain electronic components and control systems is now shorter than the mechanical durability of the machines themselves. This creates an increasing risk of long-term downtime due to malfunctions. When critical components are no longer available or are no longer supported, this can lead to significant operational delays and high costs for maintenance and repair.
In these situations, estimating the Mean Time Before Failure (MTBF) of the installation increasingly difficult, while the Mean Time To Resolve (MTTR) – the time it takes to fix a fault – and ultimately the Mean Time To Failure (MTTF) – the total service life before failure occurs – can increase significantly. These increased costs and risks can ultimately outweigh the investment in a well-planned and executed retrofit.
A retrofit offers a smart solution for outdated machines. By renewing essential components, such as control systems, the lifespan of a machine can be significantly extended. The good news is that a retrofit does not always have to be done all at once. With a strategic approach, the process can be split into multiple phases. This staggered time schedule minimizes the impact on daily production and ensures that downtime is kept to a minimum. This keeps your machine fleet operational while it is gradually modernized to remain future-proof.
Frequently Asked Questions
A retrofit is the process of modernizing existing machinery by replacing outdated components or adding up-to-date technology. This is important because it extends the life of machinery, reduces the risk of breakdowns, and increases efficiency without having to purchase a completely new machine.
You may consider a retrofit if your machine is experiencing frequent breakdowns, spare parts are hard to come by, or the manufacturer no longer offers support. An increasing Mean Time To Resolve (MTTR) and risks of downtime can also be signals that a retrofit is needed.
Yes, a retrofit does not have to be done all at once. It is possible to divide the process into multiple phases, depending on your needs and production planning. This way, your production is minimally disrupted while the machine is gradually modernized.
The cost of a retrofit is usually considerably lower than investing in a completely new machine. In addition, you save on additional costs, such as installation, training and possible production downtime that come with a new installation.
With well-organized planning, retrofits can be performed during planned downtimes, minimizing the impact on your production. With a phased approach, your machine remains largely operational while components are replaced incrementally.
A retrofit makes your machines more efficient and reliable, with a lower chance of failures. You benefit from modern technologies, improved energy efficiency and lower maintenance costs. In addition, a retrofit allows you to increase production capacity and keeps your machine park future-proof for longer.
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