Preventive maintenance is a proactive strategy where scheduled upkeep is performed on physical assets. Its purpose is to mitigate the risks of equipment breakdowns and unscheduled downtime, which can prove costly for both maintenance teams and facility managers. By conducting these tasks while machinery is still operational, the potential for unexpected failures is minimized. This approach falls between reactive (run-to-failure) and predictive maintenance, relying on real-time data insights. Modern tools like a Computerized Maintenance Management System (CMMS) are often utilized to optimize planning, scheduling, and resource allocation, enhancing overall operational effectiveness.
Table of Contents (top)
Why is planned maintenance important?
What’s the difference between PM and predictive maintenance?
Why do you need a PM schedule?
Examples of scheduled servicing
How does PM compare to reactive maintenance?
When is the ideal time to perform PM?
Advantages of proactive upkeep
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Why is preventive maintenance important?
Preventive maintenance is important because it lays the foundation for successful facility management. It keeps equipment and assets running efficiently, maintains a high safety level for your employees, and helps you avoid large and costly repairs down the road. Overall, a properly functioning PM program ensures operational disruptions are kept to a minimum. Implementing predictive strategies boosts long-term equipment health.
What’s the difference between PM and predictive maintenance?
PM is based on regular, scheduled service regardless of condition, while predictive maintenance relies on data analysis to forecast when work should occur based on real-time indicators. The choice between these approaches depends on factors such as equipment criticality, available resources, technological capabilities, and the desired balance between cost and reliability.
Why do you need a PM schedule?
A well-structured schedule helps you organize and prioritize maintenance tasks (like creating a work order) so technicians can sustain optimal operating conditions and extend asset life. Consistency ensures efficient and safe operation.
Given the intricacy of managing numerous pieces of equipment, maintaining a PM schedule can be challenging. To streamline this process, teams often rely on maintenance software to organize tasks efficiently.
What are the 4 types of preventive maintenance?
There are 4 primary types: Calendar/Time-based, Usage-based, Meter-based, and Predictive Condition-Based triggers. An optimal PM strategy blends these approaches, systematically scheduled for all equipment to ward off unexpected failures. Manufacturers typically offer guidance on effective practices. With real-time data, your team can plan using the most pertinent approach. The ensuing examples illustrate each type.
Calendar/Time-Based: Fixed intervals for executing tasks (e.g., every 10 days, monthly, quarterly).
Usage-Based: Triggers when utilization hits a benchmark (kilometers, operating hours, cycles). For example, a vehicle might be serviced every 10,000 km.
Meter-Based: Actions are aligned to metrics such as engine hours, mileage, or production counts to match service with actual wear.
Predictive / Condition-Based: Continuous monitoring prompts work only when indicators show declining performance or imminent failure (e.g., vibration thresholds). Predictive maintenance extends this with advanced analytics to anticipate issues across complex systems.
Examples of scheduled servicing
In industrial settings, maintaining peak productivity and avoiding costly breakdowns relies on meticulously scheduled routines.
The concept covers a broad spectrum of prescribed actions and duties. Every subsystem in a production environment needs periodic attention—often cleaning and lubrication. In some scenarios, more extensive measures are necessary, including refurbishment, repair, or component replacement.
On a broader scale, upkeep extends to the facility itself. This includes ensuring the optimal functioning of HVAC systems, validating electrical code compliance, and verifying proper operation of all essential lighting. Explore our CMMS training feedback from real clients who achieved faster ROI.
How does preventive maintenance compare to reactive maintenance?
The key distinction is timing. Reactive maintenance follows a “run-to-failure” approach, where equipment is addressed only after it breaks down. In contrast, PM anticipates potential failures and takes corrective measures before breakdowns occur.
Choosing between them isn’t trivial, primarily because emergency work often proves more costly. Think of car care: neglecting routine service can lead to a major breakdown requiring expensive repairs.
While implementing a program requires budgeting for regular service and often a CMMS, the investment typically pays off—unscheduled downtime can quickly halt production or revenue.
CMMS FAQs
- Pricing & Plans
- What is CMMS?
- What is EAM?
- What is Maintenance Management Software?
- Importance of a Work Order
- What is Preventive Maintenance Software?
- Building a Successful Asset Management Plan
- Maximizing Efficiency Through Spare Parts Inventory Management
- Maintenance Terms & Definitions Glossary
- Importance of Safeguarding Your CMMS Data
- The Most Important Maintenance Metrics
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