What should I look at in a print shop’s maintenance schedule for its presses?
Look for a written schedule that matches the service logs actually kept for each press. Check who performs the work, how often a press stops unexpectedly, and whether major parts are due for replacement. A schedule that exists only on paper tells you little about the machines.
Ask to see the maintenance schedule for every press, then lay it beside the service invoices and the operators’ own notes. The two should agree. Gaps, rushed repairs and missing records are worth a follow-up question. Ask whether the pressroom team does daily cleaning and lubrication, and whether a technician handles the rest.
Next, look at downtime. How often did a press stop mid-job, and what did the shop do with the work? Ask which machine the shop could least afford to lose and whether a backup exists. Find out if service contracts are in place, who holds them, and whether they transfer to a new owner. Ask the operators, not only the owner, which press causes the most trouble. They know which machine they dread on a deadline, and that is usually the one that matters when you plan spending.
Finally, have the equipment inspected by someone who knows presses. An independent technician can judge wear, check that parts are still available and note what may need replacing soon. Your accountant can then help you plan for the cost of those upgrades alongside the shop’s regular spending.
Key takeaways
- Compare the schedule with invoices and operator notes, and ask about any gaps.
- Ask which press the shop cannot lose, and whether a backup exists.
- Hire an independent press technician before you rely on the machines.
- Ask the operators, not only the owner, which press causes the most trouble.
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Sources
This answer is checked against primary sources. Links were last confirmed on the dates shown.
- 01Business Development Bank of CanadaGovernmentHow to conduct due diligence when buying a business
- 02Business Development Bank of CanadaGovernmentWhat are the steps to buying a business?
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