Need to move or install a machine or an entire system? As the client, if you—and thus your service provider for industrial assembly—can answer the following questions in advance, you are sure to get the right advice for your project.
What needs to be moved?
This sounds like a question that should be easy to answer–but often it is not. Clarify exactly which parts of your machine or plant you want to move, and what needs to stay where it is. You should also ask the machine manufacturer well in advance–ideally when the new hall layout is being planned. They will give you valuable information on how to dismantle and reassemble the system as efficiently as possible, e.g., if there are special requirements for the machine foundation, the machine pit or the connection lines. The manufacturer will also have important information about lifting or attachment points and transport safety. This is the only way to ensure that your equipment will not be damaged during transport.
Do not forget to document your work. You should plan capacity in advance. Especially for large machinery inventories, you should document the steps of the relocation process, ideally using photographs, and mark and record every part of the system you are moving. If several plants are dismantled at the same time, the reassembly process can quickly become a puzzle if you lose track of where everything is. To make sure that recommissioning goes smoothly, backup the machine data in advance and check the buffer batteries.
How much do you want to dismantle or install?
This can range from a single machine to a complete system. It’s good to know the number of machines as well as some basic dimensions such as length, height, width, and weight (for each machine, if applicable).
If you are relocating used machinery, this could be the perfect time to check whether it is still in a technically perfect condition. A retrofit could well be a good investment.
Where do you want the machine to be transported to?
You should tell your service provider where their services will be required. If you are not sure what the new location will be, it will be difficult for your service provider to offer helpful advice.
If you already know the destination, you will need at least a rough plan for the on-site logistics. When will each delivery take place? What kind of technical equipment will be needed for unloading or lateral transport? What kind of interim storage areas need to be planned, and where? Which personnel needs to be on site and when? Good planning ensures that the right resources will be on site at the right time and enable you to leverage synergies, especially when using special equipment, such as lifting gantries or heavy-duty cranes, which are very cost-intensive.
When is the installation required and how much time is there before the machinery goes live (again)?
Your service provider will let you know whether your schedule is realistic from a professional’s point of view. It is also important to start planning in good time to avoid delays, especially if you want to keep production running smoothly.
Good project-management software can also help by highlighting project goals and milestones, as well as conditions and dependencies. This will the project status clear at all times.
What are the conditions at the site?
Is there an indoor crane? What about forklift trucks or lifting platforms? Will it be possible to bring the machinery in at ground level, or does it need to come in through the roof?
You should also keep a record of the ground conditions on site and en route to the site, as well as the maximum load capacity of the floor and any interim storage areas. The floors of the production hall are often not be designed for heavy weights to be moved across them, especially if they have another floor beneath them. You will then need a cost-effective solution for reinforcement and load distribution to prevent damage to your production area.
It therefore makes sense to get the service provider involved early on in the planning process, so that you can benefit from their experience and take their advice into account. For example, an experienced installation partner might advise you not to close the outer walls until after the machines have been brought in, if it is clear that the equipment will be too large for the existing hall doors. They may also be aware of alternative technical solutions that can reduce the cost of using a crane. They might suggest setting up an external platform with a lifting gantry to lift the machinery into an upper floor.
Which services can you, as the client, provide or organize yourself?
Assess your options realistically and seek professional help if you don’t have the resources or expertise that you require. Bear in mind that it will be difficult to keep to a production schedule if your employees are dismantling and packing up machinery. It will also take you longer than industrial installation professionals like SCHOLPP. Remember to boost production for a period of time so that you don’t encounter supply bottlenecks if the schedule changes.
How much should installation or dismantling cost?
A professional partner will only be able to provide a meaningful quote after an on-site inspection of the plant. They will draw on their experience to determine how many staff will be required, the technical equipment that will be needed and the amount of time the project will take, before preparing a binding fixed-price quote without any hidden costs or unexpected subsequent payments.