The Importance of Service Contracts

A service contract is an agreement between an equipment seller and an equipment buyer that covers the maintenance and servicing of instrumentation and equipment. The service contract sets a specific level of care and costs over an established period.

These contracts enable the utilization of an effective service plan. While some product inspection equipment supports compliance with standards and regulations, without a strong service plan, any investment in equipment is vulnerable.

Here are five reasons why it’s important for a laboratory manager to invest in a service contract:

1. Gain Full Cost Control

• • Protect against unexpected repair labor costs and inherent costs due to business disruption
  • Benefit from regular lab equipment maintenance, thus prolonging equipment life expectancy and ensuring a high return on investment

2. Maximize Uptime

• • Prevent unexpected costly downtime and repairs with scheduled, regular preventive maintenance
  • Ensure highest performance to meet lab process requirements

3. Meet Compliance and Regulations

• • Certified service technicians maintain and validate equipment in accordance with up-to-date industry standards and regulations
  • Availability of required documentation as proof of compliance

4. Maximize Performance

• • Regular maintenance increases the effectiveness and efficiency of lab equipment for consistent, reliable results and higher accuracy

5. Have a Trusted Provider

• • Vendors provide knowledge of global standards and can diagnose and resolve equipment issues quickly and effectively, reducing downtime

Of course, one contract does not fit all. That’s why leading manufacturers, such as Mettler Toledo, offer different types of service contracts based on your needs. These types can include:

• Basic Care
  • Includes annual preventive maintenance and performance verification visits at a discounted labor charge, if needed
• Standard Care
  • Includes the full scope of a basic care contract and in addition, safeguards against unexpected labor costs
  • Availability of technical telephone hotline, which offers expedited resolution times
• Comprehensive Care
  • Includes the full scope of the standard care contract and coverage of additional parts
  • Ensures maximum uptime and optimum performance for a fixed price
• Extended Care
  • Extended (24 months) full-service contract for new instrument
  • Annual preventive maintenance and performance verification visits
  • Priority technical support, on-site emergency service, and replacement parts all covered in one fixed price

Service contracts can also be tailored depending on the equipment, the software being serviced, and the entire product life cycle. Software service contracts, for example, support compliance with standards, legislations and regulations while increasing efficiency, reliability and security of process. A software service contract most often covers: software evolution, on-site software deployment, repair on-site and remote support.

For laboratory managers, service contracts are an excellent way to keep costs and disruptions at a minimum while maximizing efficiency and workflow within your laboratory. Not only will your staff be happy and more productive, but you may even get a few minutes of your day back!