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The Cost of Downtime: Calculating the Impact of Failed UPS Batteries

In the fast-paced world of business, downtime is the nemesis that no organization can afford. It lurks in the shadows, threatening to disrupt productivity, tarnish customer trust, and drain resources. And often, it strikes when you least expect it. However, UPS systems are not immune to failures, and one of the most common causes of UPS downtime is battery failure. In this blog post, we shine a spotlight on a silent guardian of your operations – the UPS battery. While UPS systems are the frontline defense against power failures, their batteries are the unsung heroes that must be maintained and replaced when their time comes. In this post, we will discuss how to calculate the cost of downtime caused by failed UPS batteries, and how to prevent it.

Server room with ups batteries

The cost of downtime is the amount of money that is lost or wasted when a system or process is interrupted or stopped due to a failure. The cost of downtime can vary depending on the industry, the type of equipment or application, the duration and frequency of the outage, and the impact on customers, employees, and other stakeholders. Some of the factors that contribute to the cost of downtime are:

  • Lost revenue: This is the amount of money that is not earned or generated due to the interruption of sales or services. For example, if an online retailer experiences a 10-minute outage due to a failed UPS battery, and their average revenue per minute is $10,000, then their lost revenue is $100,000.

  • Lost productivity: This is the amount of money that is wasted due to the reduced or halted output of employees or machines. For example, if a manufacturing plant experiences a 30-minute outage due to a failed UPS battery, and their average productivity per minute is $20,000, then their lost productivity is $600,000.

  • Recovery costs: This is the amount of money that is spent to restore or resume normal operations after a failure. This may include costs for repairing or replacing equipment, restoring data, compensating customers, and other expenses. For example, if a hospital experiences a 15-minute outage due to a failed UPS battery, and their average recovery cost per minute is $5,000, then their recovery cost is $75,000.


To calculate the total cost of downtime caused by failed UPS batteries, we can use the following formula:


Total cost of downtime = (Lost revenue + Lost productivity + Recovery costs) x Number of outages

 

The cost of downtime caused by failed UPS batteries can be significant and detrimental to any business or organization. Therefore, it is important to prevent or minimize the risk of UPS battery failure by implementing proper maintenance and monitoring practices. Some of the best practices for UPS battery management are:

  • Perform regular inspections and tests: UPS batteries should be inspected and tested at least once a year to check their physical condition, voltage, capacity, and other parameters. Any signs of corrosion, leakage, swelling, or damage should be addressed immediately.

  • Replace batteries before they fail: UPS batteries have a limited lifespan that depends on various factors such as usage, temperature, and storage conditions. Typically, UPS batteries last between three to five years. However, they may degrade faster or slower depending on their environment and usage patterns. Therefore, it is advisable to replace UPS batteries before they reach their end-of-life or show signs of deterioration.

  • Monitor battery performance remotely: UPS batteries can be monitored remotely using software tools that provide real-time data and alerts on battery status and performance. This can help identify potential issues before they cause failures and optimize battery life and performance.

 

Prevent Downtime, Protect Your Investments, and Keep Your Business Running Smoothly


If you're unsure about the condition of your UPS batteries or need professional guidance in implementing these best practices, don't hesitate to reach out to our team at UPS Batteries Direct We specialize in all things battery replacement. Our experts can help you ensure that your UPS system is in top-notch condition, preventing costly downtime and protecting your critical operations.


Don't wait for a UPS battery failure to impact your business. Don't wait until downtime costs you more. Act now!



©2022 by UPS Batteries Direct, LLC

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