--- title: "Preventative Maintenance: What Does It Take to Keep Your Pharmacy Automation Running at Its Best?" description: Read what happens during an RxSafe preventative maintenance visit and learn how to keep your pharmacy automation equipment running smoothly. image: https://info.rxsafe.com/hubfs/undefined-Oct-19-2026-08-08-37-0824-PM.png --- - [Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/RxSafe) - [Twitter](https://twitter.com/RxSafe) - [LinkedIn](https://www.linkedin.com/company-beta/2896335/) - [YouTube](https://www.youtube.com/user/RxSafe) - [RSS](https://rxsafe.com/feed) [![black-order\_cart\_2a@1.5x](https://info.rxsafe.com/hubfs/black-order_cart_2a@1.5x.png "black-order_cart_2a@1.5x")](https://reorder.rxsafe.com) [(877)-797-2332](tel:1-877-797-2332) [![eyecon-RxSafe-combo-logo-blk-200x56](https://info.rxsafe.com/hs-fs/hubfs/eyecon-RxSafe-combo-logo-blk-200x56.png?width=200&height=56&name=eyecon-RxSafe-combo-logo-blk-200x56.png)](https://rxsafe.com/) - [SOLUTIONS](https://rxsafe.com/solutions-2/) - Pouch Packaging - [RapidPakRx](https://rxsafe.com/solutions/rapidpakrx/) - [Vial Filling-Secure Med Storage](https://rxsafe.com/solutions/vial-filling/) - [RxSafe 1800 w/RWS](https://rxsafe.com/solutions/rxsafe-1800-w-rws-copy/) - [Blister Card Filling](https://rxsafe.com/solutions/blister-card-filling/) - [RapidCardRx](https://rxsafe.com/solutions/rapidcardrx/) - [RapidCardSD](https://rxsafe.com/solutions/rapidcardsd/) - Pill Counting - [Eyecon](https://www.eyeconvpc.com/) - IMPACT - [Success Stories](https://rxsafe.com/case-studies/) - [Before & After](https://rxsafe.com/services/installation/) - [FAQS](https://rxsafe.com/faqs/) - [Blog](https://info.rxsafe.com/blog/) - [Videos](https://rxsafe.com/resources/videos/) - [ABOUT](https://rxsafe.com/about/) - [Events](https://rxsafe.com/events/) - [Careers](https://rxsafe.com/about/careers/) - [Testimonials](https://rxsafe.com/about/testimonials/) - [CONTACT US](https://rxsafe.com/contact/) - [Training and Support](https://rxsafe.com/services/training-and-support/) # Preventative Maintenance: What Does It Take to Keep Your Pharmacy Automation Running at Its Best? [pharmacy automation](https://info.rxsafe.com/blog/tag/pharmacy-automation), [preventive maintenance](https://info.rxsafe.com/blog/tag/preventive-maintenance), [field service](https://info.rxsafe.com/blog/tag/field-service) The best time to catch a potential equipment issue is before it disrupts your pharmacy's [workflow](https://info.rxsafe.com/blog/pharmacy-design-improve-your-workflow-and-profit). Regular preventative maintenance helps identify wear, buildup, and alignment issues before they become bigger problems. But keeping your machine in good working condition takes more than an annual service visit. Your team's day-to-day observations matter, too. Here's what happens during an RxSafe preventative maintenance visit, what makes it different from a service call, and what to watch for between appointments. ## What Happens During a Preventative Maintenance Visit? ![Copy of Untitled](https://info.rxsafe.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Copy%20of%20Untitled.png?width=852&height=606&name=Copy%20of%20Untitled.png) Above: A field service technician working on an RxSafe 1800 machine. Preventative maintenance goes well beyond a quick cleaning. Our Field Service Team inspects the machine piece by piece, checking that its components are clean, properly aligned, and functioning as they should. Our Global Field Service Manager, Alex Moreau, explains: “When we come out for a Preventative Maintenance visit, we take the whole machine apart piece by piece and give it a thorough once-over. We’re cleaning everything the pills touch, checking that all the little mechanical parts are moving the way they should, making sure nothing is loose or worn down, and testing sensors to confirm everything is lined up correctly.” ![pills\_and\_desiccants](https://info.rxsafe.com/hs-fs/hubfs/pills_and_desiccants.png?width=413&height=304&name=pills_and_desiccants.png) **Cleaning pills and desiccants in the machine.** That process includes: - **Cleaning pill-contact surfaces** to remove accumulated dust and debris. - **Inspecting mechanical components** for loose parts, wear, and anything out of place. - **Testing sensors** to confirm proper function and alignment. - **Testing every indexer** with test pills, deep cleaning and recalibrating as needed. - **Running a test job** with the operator to observe the machine's performance after maintenance. - **Changes in sound or operation:** Notice if the machine sounds different or behaves unusually. - **Pill dust or debris buildup:** Check inside the machine and cartridges, following recommended cleaning procedures. - **Cracked or damaged cartridges:** Flag visible damage rather than assuming the cartridge is fine because it still appears to work. - **Metal shavings or unusual wear marks:** These may indicate mechanical wear that needs closer inspection. - **Leaks:** Report any signs of leaking promptly. The goal is to identify and address potential concerns before they interfere with daily operations. ![Untitled design (34)-1](https://info.rxsafe.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Untitled%20design%20(34)-1.png?width=1129&height=519&name=Untitled%20design%20(34)-1.png)Wiping down the internals of the RxSafe 1800. ## Preventative Maintenance vs. a Service Call Both visits help keep your equipment running, but they serve different purposes. **Preventative maintenance takes a big-picture approach.** Technicians inspect, clean, and test the machine to identify potential issues, even when nothing appears to be wrong. **A service call focuses on a specific problem.** The technician investigates the reported issue and works to resolve it. However, intermittent problems or issues that occur only during certain tasks can be harder to identify if they don't happen during the visit. That's why operator feedback is so valuable. If you've noticed an unusual sound, inconsistent performance, or anything that doesn't seem right, share it with your technician, even if the issue isn't happening at that moment. Sometimes, a small detail can help your technician connect the dots and identify an issue more efficiently. ## 5 Signs Your Machine May Need Attention Preventative maintenance typically happens once a year, but your machine operates every day. Regular cleaning and routine observation can help your team spot changes between visits. Keep an eye out for these warning signs: If you notice any of these issues, document what you observed and when it started, then [contact your RxSafe representative](https://rxsafe.com/services/training-and-support/). Don't wait until your next scheduled maintenance visit, especially if the issue could affect safe or reliable operation. ## Maintenance Doesn't Stop When the Technician Leaves An annual preventative maintenance visit is an important part of caring for your machine, but it's not a once-a-year, set-it-and-forget-it task. Your technicians bring the expertise to inspect, clean, test, and adjust the machine. Your operators bring firsthand knowledge of how it performs every day. By combining professional maintenance with consistent cleaning and clear communication, your team can help catch potential issues sooner and support a more reliable workflow. If something seems off, let your Field Service technician know. We’re here to help troubleshoot concerns and keep your system running smoothly. For detailed guides on how to inspect and clean your RxSafe equipment as well as general tips and maintenance, refer to the learning modules available in the [RxSafe University learning portal](https://www.rxsafeu.com/). ## Alli Spoon ![](https://info.rxsafe.com/hubfs/Email%20Signature%20(1).png) Alli Spoon is the Content Marketing Coordinator at Eyecon | RxSafe. Passionate about visual storytelling and clear communication, she specializes in transforming technical pharmacy concepts into engaging marketing content. From customer success stories to product resources, Alli creates content that informs, connects, and supports pharmacies in adopting automation with confidence. #### Related Posts ## [Maximize Pharmacy Investment with Section 179 in 2026](https://info.rxsafe.com/blog/section-179-and-your-pharmacy) July 31, 2026 [![](https://info.rxsafe.com/hubfs/2026%20Section%20179%20(35%20x%2015%20in)%20(1).png)](https://info.rxsafe.com/blog/section-179-and-your-pharmacy) ## [Eyecon | RxSafe and LTC@Home Pharmacy Network Strengthen Partnership with Launch of LTC@Vantage Bundle](https://info.rxsafe.com/blog/ltcvantage-bundle) March 18, 2026 [![](https://info.rxsafe.com/hubfs/LTC@H%20Press%20Release.jpg)](https://info.rxsafe.com/blog/ltcvantage-bundle) ## [Perfect Storm Day.](https://info.rxsafe.com/blog/perfect-storm-day) November 21, 2025 [![](https://info.rxsafe.com/hubfs/perfectstorm25%20(1).png)](https://info.rxsafe.com/blog/perfect-storm-day) [![demo graphic ](https://info.rxsafe.com/hs-fs/hubfs/demo%20graphic%20.png?width=314&height=220&name=demo%20graphic%20.png)](https://rxsafe.com/contact/) [![Eyecon 250x175 1](https://info.rxsafe.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Eyecon%20250x175%201.png?width=323&height=226&name=Eyecon%20250x175%201.png)](https://www.eyeconvpc.com/contact-the-eyecon-sales-team/) ### Most recent posts [Preventative Maintenance: What Does It Take to Keep Your Pharmacy Automation Running at Its Best?](https://info.rxsafe.com/blog/preventative-maintenance-pharmacy-automation) [![](https://info.rxsafe.com/hubfs/undefined-Oct-19-2026-08-08-37-0824-PM.png)](https://info.rxsafe.com/blog/preventative-maintenance-pharmacy-automation) [Celebrating Dave Lang: 48 Years, One Remarkable Career](https://info.rxsafe.com/blog/celebrating-dave-lang) [![](https://info.rxsafe.com/hubfs/Dave%20Lang-1.png)](https://info.rxsafe.com/blog/celebrating-dave-lang) [Maximize Pharmacy Investment with Section 179 in 2026](https://info.rxsafe.com/blog/section-179-and-your-pharmacy) [![](https://info.rxsafe.com/hubfs/2026%20Section%20179%20(35%20x%2015%20in)%20(1).png)](https://info.rxsafe.com/blog/section-179-and-your-pharmacy) #### CONTACT US [2453 Cades Way, Ste. 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