6 tips: How to prepare for a machine to be delivered
The delivery of a machine to a production site is both a highlight and a critical moment for any business. Ultimately, an important business asset is being shipped, unloaded, brought in, set up, and commissioned in accordance with the schedule. So we have put together 6 useful tips to help you prepare for the delivery in your company.
1. Find an experienced service provider
Find a service provider with years of experience in installing and moving machines and loads – in particular, one who has expertise in the type of machine you want to move. This is because every machine is different, and with such an important project it is crucial that the project manager understands your machine. Here, the nature of the task itself is not the critical element – it is rather the search for the best possible solution from a technical and commercial point of view that is crucial. For this reason, the service provider should have trained and experienced personnel, as well as an impressive range of technical equipment.
2. Conduct a site visit
In advance of planning and preparation of an offer, conduct a site visit with your service provider. You should be able to discuss all the details and clarify the exact scope and responsibilities. Key information for estimating the effort required includes the unloading point, the move-in opening and route, the load-bearing capacity of the floor in your production hall, and any awkward features on the ceiling or walls (for example: pipes, suspended elements, cable runs, etc.).
3. Exchange technical information with the service provider
For any machine, there are a number of technical parameters that are important to your service provider and their work. You should therefore gather together as much of the documentation and technical information for your machine as possible, and hand these over to your installation partner. This includes machine data such as length, width, height, and weight, transport instructions, layout diagrams for the machine and/or production hall, and information relating to media connections at the new location. This information enables your service provider to make sure that your machine is lifted using the right lifting equipment connected at the right load points.
4. Make a decision
The rule of thumb here: you should have chosen your installation partner 4 weeks prior to the delivery. This gives them enough time to carry out preparatory measures and to put the final touches to the schedule for delivery.
5. Occupational safety – check and communicate risks
Ensure and confirm that all involved have the necessary personal protective equipment (PPE). This includes safety boots, protective suits, helmets, goggles, gloves, hearing protection, and dust masks. If work is to be carried out at height, suitable equipment must be in place to prevent falls. You should also confirm that the lifting and transporting equipment to be used is operated solely by trained personnel who have the necessary qualifications, and that the area around the loading work is secured and locked. Safety training should always be carried out before any work is started on site!
6. Keep the installation area clear
Work needs space. Make sure that both the installation area and the path from the unloading point to the new installation location are kept clear and no obstacles could get in the way of the work. We also recommend having separate set-down areas close to the installation sites for machinery and accessories or for your service provider’s installation equipment.
If you take these 6 points into consideration before the delivery of your machine and discuss them with your service provider, you will be setting a course for the successful installation of your machine. Best of luck!