HOW CAN YOU PROTECT YOUR BUSINESS WHEN MAINTENANCE RATES ARE SKYROCKETING?
The COVID-19 pandemic has had a profound impact on the supply chain industry, leading to disruptions in the availability of goods and equipment. In addition to these challenges, the warehouse supply chain is also experiencing a shortage of equipment technicians, which is leading to maintenance rates skyrocketing. This article will explore the real warehouse supply crunch: equipment technicians, and how businesses can protect themselves from the negative effects of this shortage.
The Shortage of Equipment Technicians
The warehouse industry relies heavily on forklifts, pallet jacks, and other material handling equipment. As these machines are critical to the operation of warehouses and distribution centers, they require regular maintenance and repairs to keep them in good working order. However, there is currently a shortage of skilled technicians who are trained to maintain and repair this equipment.
The forklift industry has not trained enough technicians to keep up with the demand, resulting in a shortage of qualified workers. This shortage is particularly acute among smaller and medium-sized businesses that do not have the resources to hire and train their own technicians. As a result, maintenance rates have skyrocketed, and businesses are struggling to keep up with the rising costs.
Protecting Your Business
Businesses can take several steps to protect themselves from the negative effects of the equipment technician shortage. One way is to establish a maintenance program that prioritizes preventative maintenance. By scheduling regular maintenance and inspections, businesses can catch small problems before they become more significant and costly to repair.
Businesses can also consider outsourcing maintenance to third-party service providers who have their own team of technicians. These providers can offer customized maintenance programs that are tailored to the specific needs of a business, and can help alleviate the burden of maintenance on the business itself.
Another option is to invest in newer, more reliable equipment that requires less maintenance. By investing in quality equipment, businesses can reduce the need for frequent repairs and maintenance, which can save them money in the long run.
Retaining Skilled Technicians
To address the shortage of skilled technicians, forklift suppliers and other material handling equipment companies can take steps to train and retain their own technicians. This can involve partnering with local trade schools and community colleges to offer training programs, apprenticeships, and internships to individuals interested in pursuing a career in equipment maintenance.
Companies can also offer competitive compensation packages, training and development opportunities, and a positive work environment to attract and retain skilled technicians. By investing in their own workforce, companies can help address the technician shortage and ensure that they have the skilled workers they need to keep their equipment in good working order.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the shortage of equipment technicians is a real concern for the warehouse supply chain industry. As maintenance rates continue to rise, businesses must take steps to protect themselves from the negative effects of this shortage. By establishing a preventative maintenance program, outsourcing maintenance to third-party providers, investing in quality equipment, and investing in their own workforce, businesses can help mitigate the impact of the technician shortage and ensure that they have the skilled workers they need to keep their equipment in good working order.
