Racking inspections are frequently conducted by the racking brand manufacturer or the installation company wrapped into a convenient one stop service offering. 

Racking Installations by the brand manufacturer are frequently touted as a 'free' element of the service. As the old adage goes, if it's too good to be true, it probably is.

Part of the service offering? Or a way to roll in and hide costs of parts and installation? With the potential for the inflation of parts and service for repairs, this service would be neither independent nor free.

Having the inspection of your pallet racking handled by the manufacturer is much like having your car serviced where it was purchased.  Appointments are harder to get, and parts and labor costs are higher.

Unlike your nice new car service - your pallet racking costs can be hidden in maintenance costs.

This lack of transparency is not healthy for pricing or service and means competitive advantage to you, the customer, is lost.

When manufacturers/ installers provide inspections also, the need to provide a competitive service declines:

• Initial and installation prices become inflated.
• Time lines for installation become longer.
• Time lines for replacement parts and service calls become longer.
• Product support becomes time consuming and ill accommodating.
• The manufacturer locks you into a endless service and repair contract not open to competitive analysis.

Are other service providers beyond the manufacturer or installer worth another look? Manufacturers, installers, repairers and inspectors should all be held up to regard. A small amount of organisational effort could reap ongoing rewards for your companies long term profitability and safety.

For a comical take on this situation from children's television, View Ben & Holly's episode 'Plumbing' here.

The following advantages may be seen from manufacturers, installers, repairers and inspectors held to open competitive scrutiny:

• The Australian economy is supported by choosing local suppliers.
• Reduce time lines for installation, repairs & inspections.
• Product support and service becomes more swift and efficient.
• Reduce repair and hidden inspection costs.

By looking beyond the easiest and most common option with your Steel Storage Racking manufacturer you open up your company to selecting the best company for the best price with the most competitive service.

The temptation to follow the manufacturer's inspection process is high - it takes minimal input and your racking is repaired. A thorough independent report though, leads to cost saving discoveries.  

There may be a cheaper option than replacing a damaged upright, for example, sometimes it can be inverted. Or if recurrent damage keeps happening in a particular spot, could upright protection prevent it?

The question to ask would be, would your brand manufacturer let you know if there was a better way of doing things? Or would they just keep billing out the replacement parts?

An independent service - that doesn't serve to make money from repeatedly replacing these parts, can report on cost saving improvements such as these.

Steel Storage racking inspections should be completed by appropriately trained staff both internally on a weekly and monthly basis and Annually by an independent service to Australian Standard AS4084-2012.

IRIA, Independent Racking Inspections & Audits, is available for review of your service offering and can offer an independent and competitive alternative.

Call Now on 1300 136 649 or email at info@iria.com.au

From Independent Racking Inspections & Audtis February Newsletter. Subscribe here