Riello UPS’s Leo Craig is on a mission to set new standards for UPS maintenance contracts. He explains what he means to Mission Critical Power magazine.
An uninterruptible power supply (UPS) offers invaluable peace of mind for every mission-critical organisation. From data centres to hospital operating theatres, a UPS provides protection against devastating power disturbances.
However, no safeguard can be 100% fool-proof. A UPS is a complex piece of machinery. Its parts and components will inevitably fail over time. But there’s less risk of this taking place if facilities managers follow a robust UPS maintenance plan.
Talking to Mission Critical Power magazine, Leo admits there’s a worrying trend in the industry for UPS maintenance contracts that lack clarity.
“A lot of ‘weasel words’ are used in maintenance contracts like ‘four-hour response’, but often it is not defined what this response will actually be.
“Is this simply a phone call or is it a visit? If it is the latter, is it by a qualified person who is able to fix the equipment?
“We are aware of one instance in which a plumber was sent by the supplier!”
– Leo Craig, Riello UPS
He explains that Riello UPS is bucking this trend by offering service level agreements of substance. Clear and unambiguous emergency response times. No automatic contract renewals. Support tailored to the needs of the client. Fundamentally, putting control back in the hands of the customer, not the provider.
Leo spells out some of the key points organisations should address before they sign up for any maintenance agreements. He also identifies some of the issues that can arise if they don’t read the small print.
Read more of Leo’s thoughts about UPS maintenance contracts at the Mission Critical Power website
