Industrial Automation Repair vs Replacement: When Should You Repair Your Equipment?
Industrial automation components such as PLCs, drives, and industrial networking hardware can often be repaired or remanufactured instead of replaced. Repair services restore equipment to like-new operating condition and can help reduce downtime, costs, and supply chain delays.
When Should You Repair Instead of Replace?
Consider repairing your equipment when:
• Replacement parts have long lead times
• The equipment is no longer manufactured (legacy products)
• The cost of repair is significantly lower than replacement
• The unit may still be covered under manufacturer warranty
• Your company has sustainability goals
What Types of Industrial Equipment Can Be Repaired?
Many industrial automation components can be repaired or remanufactured, including:
• Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs)
• Industrial drives and motion controllers
• Human Machine Interfaces (HMIs)
• Industrial networking hardware
• Power supplies and control modules
What Happens During Remanufacturing?
Remanufacturing restores equipment to like-new condition through a controlled repair process that typically includes:
-
Inspection and diagnostics
-
Replacement of failed components
-
Proactive replacement of aged parts
-
Firmware updates
-
Full functional testing
-
Warranty coverage
Benefits of Remanufacturing
• Lower cost than new equipment
• Faster turnaround times
• Extended equipment lifecycle
• Reduced waste and environmental impact
• Continued support for legacy automation systems
When Replacement May Be Necessary
Replacement may be the better option if:
• The equipment is severely damaged
• Repair costs approach the price of new equipment
• The system is undergoing a planned modernization
See ES&E Repair+ Service
Need Help Evaluating a Repair?
ES&E works with trusted repair and remanufacturing partners to help manufacturers restore industrial automation equipment and minimize downtime.
Contact our team to discuss repair options.