Heidelberg New Flexibleservice Helps Companies Manage Costs of Incidental Service

KENNESAW, GA—April 10, 2014—Just as no two printing companies are alike, neither are their service requirements. Heidelberg Systemservice also recognizes that traditional service agreements may not always fit the needs of every printer. Some include services printers don’t want, others lack services printers actually need. That’s why Heidelberg offers Flexibleservice, a custom-designed service program tailored to the user's business goals and budget, and intended to reduce a company’s overall service costs.

Once the three-year Systemservice36plus coverage model on new equipment expires, printers may convert to an option that provides Intelligent Support and Maintenance for every piece of Heidelberg equipment in the shop, regardless of age, model, or condition. Flexibleservice also gives users an opportunity to cash flow the incidental cost of service and repairs over a 12-month period, and is structured to reflect the company's unique service profile.

All About You

For customers that choose Flexibleservice, Heidelberg will develop an individual data plan and service package based on a company’s needs, business goals and budget, including its service record over the preceding three years. Such a plan would define the equipment to be covered; the required service elements (maintenance, phone support, online assistance, etc.), level of service based on OEE and shift models; and pricing based on a company’s historical consumption of service.

Once the scope and price of service have been determined, the Flexibleservice agreement is administered like a budget billing plan, with fixed monthly payments and periodic reconciliation to adjust for deviations. No surprises, no big, unexpected bills. Should their service needs exceed the monthly allowance, customers may increase the amount of the monthly payment. If less service is required, customers may choose to keep the difference or roll it into the next month’s payment for a discount. If a machine is not currently covered under a traditional service agreement, customers still may choose Flexibleservice without an inspection.

You Never Know

“Flexibleservice is a great way to budget for the unpredictable cost of needed repairs,” said Art Abbott, president of Abbott Communications, a full-service printing company in Maitland, FL. “Although we’ve done a good job balancing our customers’ needs for high quality and affordable pricing, a sudden service issue can blow a hole in the best-managed budget. Heidelberg tailored a program specifically for us, taking into account our shift schedule, number of impressions per machine, active vs. idle time and service history, and generally adapting the agreement for the way we do business. We love the simplicity, convenience, and predictability of Flexibleservice.”

Abbott Communications operates a Speedmaster XL 105, Speedmaster CD 74, and assorted postpress equipment from Heidelberg, all of which is covered under its Flexibleservice agreement with Heidelberg.

Best in the Business

Heidelberg Flexibleservice provides peace of mind through comprehensive service provided by the largest network of factory-trained service technicians in the industry. Additional benefits include enhanced production security through higher machine availability, improved productivity, better budgeting, sustained high quality, and higher resale value. Most technical support services also can be accessed online via Remote Services for faster response and minimum downtime.

To learn more about the range of Heidelberg Systemservice products and policies, including Flexibleservice, visit www.us.heidelberg.com or contact a Systemservice Sales Representative.

Source: Heidelberg.