Issue link: https://iconnect007.uberflip.com/i/1398328
52 SMT007 MAGAZINE I AUGUST 2021 A machine that received regular mainte- nance will likely be in better shape, and the logs will demonstrate the frequency. Does the machine come with a warranty? • When purchasing from a used equipment dealer, they oen will not make any guarantees. – Look for a supplier who offers at least a six-month warranty to be sure you are purchasing from a reputable seller. Check with the original manufacturer to see if it is supported. • Is the soware up to date? – Review the operating system the machine is running and check whether it is obsolete. If it runs Windows, there likely will not be an issue. If it is some- thing like DOS or Linux, there may be some difficulties. Further questions include: What version is it running? Can it be run with a newer version? What hardware does it use? Many older machines can only be run with older computers, so it is important to find out these answers. • Does the supplier have a presence in your country? – To avoid the fees and delays of import- ing, make sure the supplier has a physical location in your country, and check that they will be transferring the machine from within your country. It is also important to note that used equipment might not have its original shipping brackets, which can result in the machine being incorrectly secured during shipping. Expert Tip: In instances where a machine fails to meet certain standards or is missing important materials (such as the manuals or service logs), but you would still like to buy the machine, failure areas can be used to negotiate a deal. If you choose new equipment With new machines, the main goal of the buyer should be to ensure they are purchas- ing from a reliable equipment supplier. If the supplier is providing equipment directly from the original manufacturer (or are the manufac- turer themselves), it will be more likely that they will understand their products. Having access to those knowledgeable technicians— especially ones who can speak English—will make a world of difference, because your team will have help if anything goes awry. Before buying, you should ask: • What does the equipment purchase include? – Reputable providers will typically include a standard one- to two-year warranty (which covers all necessary part replacements), setup of the equipment and training for your team (whether in-person or remote), and virtual demos of the soware prior to purchase. It can also be good to ask if an extended warranty is available, and what it would cost to receive it. • Will this equipment meet your company's needs? – Speak with a representative at the equipment supplier who can field your concerns and expectations for the machine; they should be able to explain whether the equipment you are interested in will meet your company's specifications. If some specs are not met, this should be made clear to you, agreed upon, and included in the contract you are provided. • Is the soware user-friendly? – If possible, you should review the so- ware in real-time. Seeing it run virtually will allow you to gauge the difficulty and determine the expected learning curve for your team members. It is also important to note whether the soware will be regularly updated and whether