Capital Equipment News August 2021

AFTERMARKET SUPPORT

Ganasram emphasises the value of OEM components in safeguarding the lifecycle of machines while avoiding unplanned downtime. He says an important way that Sandvik Mining & Rock Solutions makes it easier for customers to standardise on OEM parts is by creating bundled offerings to customers when they purchase equipment. “This provides customers with a total offering with their new equipment, where we can supply a bundle of high quality OEM parts at a discount,” he says. Digital data Digital technology is increasingly important in effective aftermarket support, says Amod, not only to equipment performance, but to the data requirements of predictive maintenance. The company’s My Sandvik digital service solutions captures and analyses data on machine health and performance, presenting it in visual formats that improve decision-making. “This gives valuable insight – to us and the customer – about how machines are being utilised on site,” he says. “Where we have a contracts manager on that site, they can also use this data to identify inefficiencies and opportunities for improvement.” Trends Offering value in the aftermarket space also demands that OEMs keep up with industry trends. Amod highlights the significance of localisation – including local procurement – as a strategic and regulated imperative in sectors like mining. “We have identified various opportunities to support localisation and we have started engaging with customers on how to refine these concepts before implementation,” he says. “A key aim here is to support the goals of the Mining Charter by creating more opportunities for local employment, either through corporate social investment or enterprise development.”

Apprentices doing on the job training in the workshop.

The newly equipped machine shop at Sandvik Mining & Rock Solutions’ Khomanani facility.

The strategy is to partner with mines to create or support enterprises nearby, so that they can provide certain repair services to the required OEM standard. This involves Sandvik Mining & Rock Solutions sharing its expertise and providing training and mentoring to build the quality of local services as many mines are in remote areas with only a relatively low skills base locally. Roving Adapting to changing needs, Sandvik Mining & Rock Solutions is in the process of setting up a ‘roving team’ to provide OEM intervention support on site as and when necessary. This will fill a valuable role in addressing minor issues on a machine, while limiting downtime and transport costs to a formal workshop. “This flexible and agile team will be able to conduct its work in accordance with our stringent OEM standards, thereby assuring the customer of a quality result that does not introduce any legal liability,” says Amod. “There may be safety and warranty implications when using non-OEM repairers, so the roving team will help mines to remain compliant while maximising uptime.” He emphasises that behind all good aftermarket support are skilled people with the passion to excel. Sandvik Mining & Rock Solutions’ ongoing training and coaching of its people makes sure that the company can develop tailor-made service solutions based on market-leading technical knowledge and experience in the field. b

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