Equipment Failure: How to Prepare Your Team for Your Absence

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March 30, 2021

Commercial kitchen equipment failure can happen at any moment, even while a manager is away. That’s why having a concrete plan for handling non-functional equipment can prevent productivity from grinding to a halt due to a broken piece of equipment. By preparing your team to respond quickly to equipment issues, you can step away from your commercial kitchen with confidence, knowing that a plan is in place for any unexpected occurrence.

Here are few things for you to consider when it comes to preparing your team to handle equipment failure in your absence.

1. Identify and service the oldest equipment in your kitchen.

The best way to prevent an equipment issue is to think in terms of prevention. First, identify which of your commercial kitchen equipment is older or prone to failure. The last thing you need is your refrigeration unit on the fritz while you’re away. Did you know that 62% of equipment breakdown happens due to a lack of maintenance?

Regular, planned maintenance can help prolong the life of your equipment by addressing minor issues before they become major problems. Replacing evaporator fans, cleaning coils, checking defrost cycles and drain lines, and replacing door gaskets are just a few fixes an Authorized Service Agent (ASA) can address during a planned maintenance checkup. To be even more proactive, scheduling maintenance in advance helps you get ahead of any issues that might pop up.

2. Have an inventory and operations backup plan.

If you want to prevent thousands of dollars in inventory costs, your produce and meat products must be kept at the correct, food-safe temperature, no matter what. If a cooling unit goes offline, having access to additional cold storage can make a big difference. If possible, have additional, smaller cooling units for essential inventory. You can often find second-hand commercial freezers or refrigerators that can store critical products in a pinch. If your warewasher is prone to breakdowns, have a collection of disposable plates, utensils, and cups to be used if your commercial dishwasher breaks down. Make sure your employees know where these backup supplies are stored. A few pre-planned steps can make a world of difference if something goes wrong.

3. Let your staff know who to call in case of an emergency.

Having an expert to call is one of the most important parts of planning ahead. Ideally, you should have a direct line to a reputable local equipment repair company that is an ASA for many different commercial kitchen brands. Post this number clearly on an informational bulletin board or nearby kitchen equipment. If you’re deciding on a commercial equipment repair company, look for one that offers “a same day service option and guarantees their work,” as well as planned maintenance.

If possible, establish a prior relationship with the company so that they’re aware of the equipment you use in your kitchen or kitchens. During a busy lunch or dinner service, arrival and repair speed can make a huge difference. Work with an equipment service company that keeps manufacturer-specific GO boxes ready for quick repairs at a moment’s notice.

Need some guidance in the event your equipment goes down?

While stepping away from a busy commercial kitchen can make some managers hesitate, having a solid plan in place can prepare your staff for almost any occurrence. ATECH understands how important your commercial kitchen equipment is to your bottom-line. That’s one of the many reasons numerous Tennessee business owners trust us to provide quick, expert service. To see how we can help keep your equipment up and running, call us for a service appointment or reach out for a planned maintenance visit.

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By markl • March 20, 2024

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By markl • January 26, 2024

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