The robotics industry is evolving at a rapid pace, with more companies incorporating automation and robotic systems into their operations. While innovation in the development and deployment of robotics grabs the headlines, one aspect that often goes overlooked but is crucial to long-term success is aftersales.

Aftersales in robotics is not just about providing repairs or occasional check-ups; it's about ensuring that your customers' robotic fleets run smoothly, efficiently, and continue to deliver value over their entire lifespan. For companies investing in robotics, aftersales can be a key differentiator that builds lasting customer loyalty. Here’s how businesses can master aftersales in the robotics sector:

1. Proactive Maintenance with Predictive Analytics

Aftersales service should begin before problems arise. With the integration of advanced predictive maintenance solutions, companies can anticipate issues before they turn into costly breakdowns. Predictive analytics, powered by AI and big data, monitors the robot’s condition and performance to identify patterns that signal an impending failure.


Tools like WAKU Care use predictive maintenance to detect anomalies and notify the user to take preventive action. This approach not only reduces downtime but also optimizes the longevity and efficiency of the robotic systems. By predicting when a robot is likely to malfunction, businesses can minimize operational disruptions and maximize uptime.

2. Implementing a Robust CMMS (Computerized Maintenance Management System)

Efficient aftersales management requires a centralized system that can manage and monitor all robots in one place. A CMMS, such as WAKU Care, offers real-time data on the performance and health of each robotic unit. It allows for scheduled maintenance tasks, spare parts management, and a clear overview of repair needs across multiple locations.


Having such a system in place provides companies with valuable insights into robot utilization and life cycles. With a comprehensive overview, businesses can make better decisions on when to service machines, replace parts, or retire robots, all of which improve ROI.

3. Fast Troubleshooting and Issue Resolution

When robotic systems encounter problems, quick response times are essential. Aftersales teams must ensure that they have the right tools and processes to resolve issues as quickly as possible.


A modern aftersales system like WAKU Care includes an integrated ticketing system for incident management and troubleshooting. This system allows users to log problems, assign tasks to the right technicians, and use predefined checklists to resolve issues faster. Effective aftersales service must prioritize minimizing the mean time to repair (MTTR) to keep robots running and prevent disruptions in the client’s operations.

4. Data-Driven Aftersales Strategy

In the world of robotics, data is king. The ability to capture, analyze, and act on data is fundamental to a successful aftersales strategy. Companies should use data insights from robot performance to improve their services continuously.


By analyzing historical data on failures, repairs, and robot utilization, businesses can fine-tune their maintenance strategies, predict component wear, and even recommend operational improvements to clients. WAKU Care’s digital robot file, for example, tracks the entire life cycle of a robot, from its initial deployment to its final service, providing key data points for enhancing future aftersales efforts.

5. Building Strong Partnerships with Clients

Aftersales is not just about providing technical support; it’s about building lasting relationships with clients. Robotics companies should aim to be strategic partners, offering continuous improvement, training, and consultation to help clients get the most out of their robotic investments.


Providing value-added services such as training for the client's internal teams, offering consultation on best practices, or delivering performance reports based on robot data can go a long way in strengthening the client relationship. The goal should be to ensure the customer feels supported throughout the entire robot life cycle, reinforcing trust and loyalty.

6. Providing Remote Support and Assistance

In today’s interconnected world, remote support plays a critical role in aftersales. With connected robots and cloud-based platforms, technicians can troubleshoot and resolve issues without being physically present. Remote diagnostics tools, combined with AI-driven insights, allow for quick fixes, reducing the need for costly on-site visits and minimizing downtime for the customer.


Platforms like WAKU Care provide this capability through vendor-independent data connections, meaning businesses can diagnose and resolve problems regardless of the robot manufacturer. This flexibility and agility in offering support lead to higher customer satisfaction.

Conclusion

Mastering aftersales in robotics is about more than just fixing problems; it’s about preventing them from happening, ensuring efficiency, and providing continuous value to clients. With tools like WAKU Care, companies can elevate their aftersales services, ensuring robots perform optimally throughout their entire lifecycle, driving customer satisfaction and long-term success.


By embracing predictive maintenance, centralized management, fast troubleshooting, data-driven insights, strong partnerships, and remote support, businesses can truly master aftersales in the robotics industry. This not only enhances the performance of robotic fleets but also strengthens customer relationships and maximizes the value of robotic investments.