Needing new equipment is a sign of growth for your operation, but it can also require a lot of planning and even temporary shut down. For many facilities, choosing a delivery date of their regular yearly shutdown allows for better time management and fewer hiccups–but that’s not all that goes into installation preparation!
If you’re unsure what you need to do to be ready for heavy equipment installation, we’ve created an equipment installation checklist to help you plan.
Equipment Delivery Checklist for Your Facility
When you order new equipment, it’s time to start planning for its eventual delivery, even if you have a few months. This early planning will help you address any major issues that arise, including foundational damage or lack of electrical availability. It will also help you and your employees plan for the day of installation so that you can make sure everything goes off without a hitch.
Once your equipment order is placed, start your equipment delivery checklist. Make sure to:
Assess the equipment foundation.
Your new vibratory equipment, if not balanced, is going to need a foundation (a concrete pad or structure) that can support its weight, movement and operational loads. Ensure that you choose the right area within your factory to place the new equipment, reinforcing the area or pouring a new concrete pad if it is not up to par.
Evaluate anchors needed.
Anchors are needed to prevent shifting during operation. While most machines come with the hardware, it’s important to know how and where you will anchor the equipment. If your new equipment will be installed on support steel for instance instead of directly on a concrete floor, you will need to ensure that you have the highest quality anchors to keep your machine securely suspended above-ground.
Make sure the installation area is level and aligned.
Like a secure foundation, a level foundation is critical for the proper operation of your new equipment. This includes a level concrete pad or structure, as well as an aligned anchoring system. Plan to check leveling and alignment prior to the equipment delivery, as well as during and after installation.
Check electrical requirements of the new equipment.
Before your manufacturer delivers your new equipment, make sure you understand its electrical demands. Double-check your existing electrical capabilities to ensure your system can handle the new load. Make sure to confirm the power, pneumatic and communication cable requirements of your new machine. Upgrade your electrical system in the area your new equipment will be located if necessary.
Check the time frame of equipment delivery against other orders.
Many times, new equipment installation requires total shutdown of an operation. If you’re not anticipating this while your equipment is being fabricated and/or delivered, your other projects may be derailed when it comes time to place the new machine.
Create a delivery plan.
Once you know that your facility is ready for the new machine’s delivery, make sure to schedule a time period that works for both you and the manufacturer. Take into account:
- The potential weather
- Your regular shutdown dates (why duplicate efforts?)
- Which door or bay the equipment will be delivered
- If you need a forklift to bring the equipment inside
- How you will store it if installation can’t take place the same day
Also,communication is critical. Prepare your team for delivery and possible shutdown during this time.
Create an installation plan.
After you’ve planned how the equipment will be delivered, you’ll need to know how you (and your manufacturer) are going to install it. This is when facility shutdown generally occurs, so make sure employees know their roles and when to shutdown other machines. When it comes time to install your machine, make sure you plan:
- The route from the door to the equipment site
- Equipment, technicians and items to remove from the path
- How to keep all electrical hookups accessible while equipment is placed
- Leveling and stability checks during placement
- Time for operation testing once fully installed
- Time to troubleshoot while installers are onsite
There may also be other variables associated with your specific facility or the new equipment you’ve ordered. For example, pressure washing cleaning may be needed prior to installation or old equipment may need to be removed. Make sure to take your facility’s variables into account when creating your own checklist and follow it through. Without this level of installation prep, the risks of damage and delay grow exponentially.
Don’t Overlook Installation Preparedness
Improper installation of new vibratory equipment can be a chronic source of downtime, reduced capacity, and high operating costs. Proper planning for your equipment installation can help prevent many of these issues, but high-quality manufacturing and installation services are just as important.
That’s why General Kinematics helps customers from start to finish to ensure the proper installation, training, and inspection of these important assets. To connect with our equipment specialists and to schedule your own equipment installation or inspection, contact us today.
