Preventive maintenance is an essential part of any successful business. It involves regularly scheduled maintenance activities to help prevent unexpected failures in the future. This proactive approach to asset maintenance helps keep critical assets in optimal operating condition, reducing the chances of equipment failure and unexpected machine stoppages. In this article, we'll explore the fundamental advantages of a preventive maintenance program and how they can benefit organizations.
A preventive maintenance program is a planned list of maintenance tasks and periodic inspections that are performed on assets to keep them in optimal operating condition. This strategy falls between reactive maintenance (or operation in the event of failure) and predictive maintenance. Maintenance personnel often use preventive maintenance software to organize their preventive maintenance tasks, as it can be complex when working with a lot of equipment. Modern CMMS systems can automate or replicate the scheduling of routine maintenance tasks based on the parameters chosen for each asset, and can even be integrated with condition monitoring systems to develop predictive or condition-based maintenance strategies.
Fixed Preventive Maintenance Scheduling
Fixed preventive maintenance scheduling occurs when maintenance is scheduled at a specific time, regardless of when the last task was completed.This type of scheduling is often used for equipment that requires regular servicing, such as oil changes or filter replacements. It's important to note that fixed preventive maintenance scheduling should be based on the manufacturer's recommendations.
Variable Preventive Maintenance Scheduling
Variable preventive maintenance scheduling occurs when maintenance is scheduled based on the last time the asset was repaired. This type of scheduling is often used for equipment that requires more frequent servicing, such as lubrication or cleaning. It's important to note that variable preventive maintenance scheduling should be based on the manufacturer's recommendations.Benefits of a Preventive Maintenance Program
A preventive maintenance program can provide numerous advantages to organizations, including:- Decreased downtime: By performing regular maintenance activities, organizations can reduce unexpected downtime and ensure that their equipment is running at peak performance.
- Enhanced safety: Regularly scheduled maintenance activities can help reduce the risk of accidents and injuries by ensuring that all equipment is in good working order.
- Cost savings: By performing regular preventive maintenance activities, organizations can save money by avoiding costly repairs and replacements.
By ensuring that all equipment is running at peak performance, organizations can maximize their output and minimize their costs. If you're ready to start planning or improving your preventive maintenance program, download the definitive guide to preventive maintenance from UpKeep today. With this guide, you'll learn how to create a comprehensive plan for your organization's assets and ensure that they are running at peak performance.
