Determining whether to purchase a new Roof Truss Table Press with Spida Jig-It Rails or retrofit an existing system is not a simple decision. We are often asked to quote one system or the other, but rarely both. Even so, it is important to spend time researching both avenues to a more productive future. With pre-planning being the key to long-term success, researching and calculating the costs to both options can prevent major downtime in the future.
Here are a few of the crucial criteria that one should consider before making a final decision.
Product Life Cycle
One must consider their existing equipment’s age and life cycle. Roller and hydraulic presses have been around longer than I have been alive. However, we all have a life cycle. Decades of experience have taught me the life cycle is approximately 20 years of service without a major overhaul. Albeit, that will vary depending on given conditions. Considering the age of the equipment along with patchwork maintenance versus an extensive maintenance program should weigh heavy on the decision to purchase new or retrofit Spida’s Jig-It rails to an existing system. Overhauling the equipment, if you have the staff and capabilities, can reach up to 50% of a new system. Outsourcing the overhaul could cost even more. Uptime versus downtime is vitally significant to the success of any component plant. With the significant investment in retrofitting older equipment, there is little room for extensive downtime from a gantry roller or finish roller that is on its last leg. If the decision is to retrofit, consider preemptively overhauling the equipment before the retrofit is installed to maximize the potential uptime of the system.
Products, and more importantly product support, is discontinued as gear ages. As demand decreases, availability of electronic and hardware components become less available. Be certain to check with the O.E.M. of the system expected to be retrofitted to understand the future availability of support and hardware.
Technology
Substantial product advancements occur minimally every ten years if not less, so if the system you are considering is nearing that 20-year mark, consider yourself potentially two decades behind your competition. Likely committing to another decade as the capital investment is substantial and you’re not going to leave the retrofit behind any time soon. In a modern truss plant, similarities are perceived from the outside, but the advantages have a real production value. Management should contemplate safety, ergonomics, and efficiencies within the new systems over the old. Facility layouts vary greatly from factory to factory, often developed for equipment available decades ago. With new automated equipment, it is conceivable to accomplish similar production metrics in 50%–60% of the floor space. Yes, it is possible! Then that additional floor space can be utilized to increase production with alternate revenue models, more current to today.
Residual Value
While your system may be fully depreciated, it may still hold a resale value. New equipment is far more expensive than that of years past, but it also takes less space. Selling your existing equipment can go a long way to fund the purchase of the more efficient equipment.
Capital Outlay
Decisions to acquire equipment often involve corporate strategy, long-term planning, and the financial impact. Considering brands, features, and functionality takes considerable planning time for new equipment. New equipment will require a higher outlay of cash. Be certain to spend similar time researching the long-term ramifications of retrofitting an existing system. Depending on the requirements to retrofit a system, lost production and reconditioning can add a significant cost to the retrofit.
If your team is contemplating upgrading a truss line or adding capacity, Spida’s team of professionals is here to assist in developing the path forward. We will put together a retrofit package, a new package, and timelines. With our experience and knowledge, we are confident we can assist your team in improving efficiencies with a path forward for decades to come.