MTBF = Mean Time Between Failure
MTTR = Mean Time to Repair
MTTRCCD = Mean Time to Respond to Changing Customer Demand
A drive is an expensive device that promises a lot. The question arises once in a while: Is it worth the money spent on it?
In other words, what does the drive actually deliver, and how much value is that in monetary terms? This is a useful analysis to help choose a make of a drive. So, how is a Fuji drive delivering more value than the competition?
Understanding ROI, TCO, and Reliability Metrics
It’s a term used in finance to calculate the additional profitability gained by installing a drive versus the upfront cost.
Another way to frame this is: in how many months can the cost of the drive be recovered through operational savings?
So let’s dive deeper. The cost of the drive includes procurement, installation, commissioning, and routine maintenance expenses during the evaluation period.
This evaluation period—where the recovery of initial costs happens—is known as the Total Cost of Ownership (TCO).
A good drive is one that is manufactured using high-quality components and rugged, reliable design. Such a drive can last 7 to 10 years, and with proper maintenance, even up to 20 years. In some modern setups, even predictive maintenance tools can help extend the drive’s service life further.
Fuji Electric provides detailed manuals for drives like the FVR-New Micro, which define operating limits for temperature, humidity, and other conditions. If followed, these guidelines can significantly extend the life of the drive.
A drive is not just a power amplifier anymore. Modern drives also host application software and intelligent control features. While the models may differ in pricing and software sophistication, their hardware reliability and maintenance principles often remain similar.
Now let’s address MTBF (Mean Time Between Failure) and MTTR (Mean Time to Repair). Fuji drives, known for their high-quality components, naturally offer high MTBF. But keep in mind—failure is a stochastic process, and MTBF is an average across multiple units. A unit could still fail unexpectedly, even on power-on. That’s the nature of electronics.
To reduce MTTR, a practical approach is to keep a spare drive ready. Replacing a faulty unit with a stocked one is often faster and cost-effective, especially for running models. And with remote support tools increasingly available, initial fault diagnosis can often begin even before a technician arrives.
A drive offers more than just energy savings or soft-start capabilities. Benefits like reduced wear and tear, power factor improvement, and noise reduction are measurable. But there’s one major benefit that stands out:
A good drive with high MTBF helps avoid unexpected production stops, which means your delivery commitments become more reliable.
This reliability translates into better delivery commitments—an advantage that strengthens customer relationships and supports business growth. The monetary value of customer trust is hard to quantify—but deeply impactful.
Now let’s talk about MTTRCCD – Mean Time to Respond to Changing Customer Demand. This concept reflects today’s market reality—customer preferences are shifting rapidly, often influenced by tech in unrelated industries.
Think about it: if customers can track a cab live, why not expect live diagnostics from their industrial drive? Today’s customers expect real-time visibility, quick service updates, and smart connected systems—principles that align with Industry 4.0.
Success today is about responding quickly to evolving demands. Customers are moving targets, and your ability to adjust fast builds long-term loyalty.
It’s not just the product—it’s the system behind it. From rugged design and high-quality production to reliable support, service access, and spare parts management—Fuji Electric hits the bull’s-eye every time.
As industry demands continue to evolve, features like predictive maintenance, remote diagnostics, and Industry 4.0 readiness are becoming essential evaluation criteria. While these may vary by drive model and application, choosing a technology partner with a forward-looking roadmap becomes crucial. Fuji Electric’s focus on quality, reliability, and application support positions it well to meet these emerging expectations.
To know more about how Fuji Electric drives deliver both performance and value, click here