Minimizing Downtime: A Strategic Approach to Ultrasound Spare Parts and OEM Components

But not every healthcare institute invests in quality-assured ultrasound spare parts. They invest in generic components just to save costs. However, it has a financial and clinical impact, as using parts that are not OEM-approved affects assessment accuracy, patient safety, and reliability. Also, generic components do not come with a guarantee and can result in equipment downtime at any time.

So, what should be your approach towards investing in ultrasound parts? This blog helps understand the difference between OEM and aftermarket parts and how to build your inventory. 

Understanding the Quality Divide: OEM vs. Aftermarket Parts

Many healthcare institutes invest in aftermarket parts, believing that there’s hardly any difference between generic and genuine components. But that’s where they compromise the performance of their ultrasound machines. Here’s how:

1. The Non-Negotiable Role of OEM Spare Parts

Medical devices like an ultrasound machine require compatible, high-performing parts for optimal clinical performance. Even the components that look most insignificant can compromise the functionality if OEM spare parts are not used.

OEM-approved parts are key to minimising equipment downtime, as they are:

• Manufactured on the same principles and using the exact same process to fit your existing machine seamlessly.
• Compliant with FDA quality standards and have undergone testing to ensure patient safety.
• Covered under a warranty to save upkeep costs.

2. When Third-Party Parts Are Acceptable

Although manufacturers recommend using OEM parts only, there are some cases where you can use aftermarket parts:

• The manufacturer has discontinued your ultrasound machine, and OEM parts are not available in the market.
• OEMs have hidden costs and complex pricing structures, significantly increasing your capital expenses.
• Third-party manufacturers hold recognised certification, such as ISO 13485.

In such situations, it is ideal to invest in generic parts that cost less and save your capital expenditure.

3. Risks of Using Unverified Spare Parts

Investing in substandard spare parts poses the following risk factors for healthcare institutes:

• Equipment Malfunction: Generic parts can break down at any point in time, disrupting your diagnostic processes and delaying patient care.

• Inaccurate Diagnosis: Substandard parts do not guarantee correct readings, resulting in incorrect treatment.

• Safety Uncertainty: There are chances of physical injuries and electric shocks to both patients and clinical staff.

• Lack of After-Sales Support: You can struggle in getting support in case your machine breaks down, resulting in increased maintenance and repair costs.

Building a Strategic Ultrasound Spare Parts Inventory

Planning in advance can help you prevent diagnostic downtime and increased repair costs. If ultrasound spare parts fail, having a backup makes it easy to get the machine running again. Here’s how you can build a strong inventory for quick resolutions:

1. Defining Criticality Levels

Categorise the spare parts depending on how critical they are to the functioning of an ultrasound machine. Based on it, you can decide on the stock level:

• Critical: You must maintain a sufficient stock of these parts, as failure can halt the operations and increase patient delay. E,g., probe and PSU.
• Essential: Maintain a moderate stock level, as a workaround may be possible, but only for a limited time. E.g., display monitor and control panel.
• General: These parts are readily available everywhere, so you may not necessarily keep a steady stock with yourself. E.g., power cables and fuses.

2. Identifying Common Failure Points

Some components of your ultrasound machines will have a low failure rate, while others will wear out quickly. Analyse which parts stop working quickly and maintain a sufficient stock to avoid any compromise with the performance.

In cases where the lead time is long, it is even more critical to keep at least one unit in stock to reduce the chances of unavailability.

3. Predictive Stocking Through Maintenance Insights

Use the past maintenance record to understand which ultrasound spare parts have a high failure rate. It can help figure out the common issues with your machine so you can be prepared with the alternatives or repair solutions.

Once you know which components wear out most easily, you can start stocking them in bulk to reduce downtime.

Selecting the Right Ultrasound Supplier for Spare Parts

Your focus should be on credibility, sales support, and quick lead time when choosing an ultrasound supplier of spare parts. Here is how you can identify a trusted dealer:

1. Supplier Credentials and OEM Certifications

Partner with a dealer that holds OEM certifications for ultrasound spare parts and holds credibility in the market. While browsing through the options available, look for an expert who has a direct partnership with manufacturers. It gives a sense of satisfaction that you are purchasing from a genuine supplier.

2. Turnaround Time and Logistics Capabilities

Ensure that the supplier can deliver OEM parts within your required time frame and has a reputation for fulfilling customers’ logistic demands. You don’t want to place an order and wait impatiently for the spare parts till the last moment. A seamless and timely process is what you deserve.

3. Warranty Coverage and After-Sales Support

Does the supplier offer any coverage or customer service? Many a time, buyers have to struggle with faulty parts and maintenance services, as dealers do not provide any support. Ensure that you are not collaborating with someone who delays repairs and leaves you hanging.

Conclusion

Ultrasound downtime doesn’t impact your clinical procedures. What delays the process are a lack of authentic spare parts, a poor supplier, and a latent approach. It can significantly demean your credibility and lead to revenue loss. So, ensure that you create a proactive strategy for OEM parts procurement for minimal downtime. Additionally, only partner with a reliable ultrasound supplier who can deliver OEM-certified products at a minimal turnaround time.

Ultravision Medical is one such trusted dealer who offers high-quality and original spare parts for every medical device, such as an ultrasound machine. Get in touch today.