There was a time when automotive service departments were off limits to the eyes of customers.
There was a good reason for this - in many cases, the service department was a disorganized mess not fit for public viewing. There were cluttered stationary workbenches located across from stacks of tool bins and shelves loaded down with miscellaneous tools, parts, manuals and supplies. No two toolboxes were the same because their technician owners brought them to work.
Times are changing, and most service departments are trying to be more organized and aesthetically appealing. A central player in this effort is the customconfigured integrated workstation, which can combine the automotive workbench and technician's toolbox.
This integrated, modular solution can be custom configured to meet the customer's application and aesthetic needs.To customize the workbench, the customer can choose from a variety of work surfaces, including stainless steel. Stationary riser shelves provide the option of either open shelving or support for overhead cabinets with retractable, hinged or sliding doors. These overhead cabinets allow access to binders, manuals and bulky items such as antifreeze, brake fluids and drainage buckets.The wet clean base allows easy cleaning, beneath the workbench.
Mechanic s toolboxes, which can be either stationary or with optional casters, are mini workstations and highdensity storage cabinets on wheels.They can be configured to fit snugly under the workbench, then wheeled out to the vehicle when needed.
These toolbox drawers can feature a 440-pound capacity and be available in many different sidewall heights.They can fully extend from the housing, allowing for complete use of cubic space and access to the tools within.They also can feature an interlock safety system to prevent accidental ripping, along with a locking system for security.
Flexible drawer interiors can be individualized with an extensive array of subdividing options, including dividing and partitioning accessories, plastic boxes, foam cut-out liners or mesh liners for organization and to prevent items from sliding during transport.
These custom conogured drawer interiors are designed to promote organization and provide a safe, secure home for tools and parts.
The popularity of workbench/toolbox combos reflects a shift away from wall-based systems. And if you've ever tried to install a wall-mounted system, it's easy to see why this shift is taking place. Installing a wall-mounted system often requires hours of labor and expensive manpower. Floor-based workstations are basically "plug and play." Users unload them from the truck, take them off the pallet, position them and set-up is complete.The benches can be moved or repositioned at any time, which isn't practical with wall-mounted units.
Some companies opt for customized workbench configurations - a demand that can be met by modular solutions. Some companies provide free design assistance and work with dealerships that want a lift pump built into their work centers. Such special requests can be handled by building hydraulic levers into the workbenches and designing cabinets for housing the pump.
Customized workbench/toolbox combos at each technician's station are designed to improve organization and productivity.Technicians don't need to lug their toolboxes in to work from home, and there's no toolbox envy because one technician has a better toolbox than the next.Technicians who enjoy their work environment are more apt to stay with a company, which can reduce employee turnover.
A service department is not only a profit center but also a potential image booster and instiller of customer confidence. Where they once were kept out of view, modern service departments often are showcased through large picture windows in an established viewing area.The benches and toolboxes are painted in coordinated colors that fit with an overall design scheme. These workstations can contribute to an image that is clean, professional and technologically advanced.
[Sidebar]
Mobile toolboxes help organize a technician's workspace. They can be color coordinated to fit with an overall design scheme.
No comments:
Post a Comment