Preventative maintenance is a proactive approach focused on regular inspection, maintenance, and repairs to prevent equipment failures, minimize downtime, and extend asset lifespans.
Preventative maintenance, via things like real-time decisioning, schedules tasks based on time intervals or usage metrics, enhancing productivity and cost-effectiveness and preventing costly downtime.
Preventive maintenance relies on a systematic approach where tasks are planned according to set schedules or usage intervals. The process typically includes inspection, servicing, repairs, and replacement.
Preventative maintenance can be categorized into several types based on timing, task specifics, and equipment needs: calendar-based, usage-based, condition-based, and predictive maintenance.
Examples of preventive maintenance include regular inspection and lubrication of conveyor belts, calibration and servicing of medical equipment, and scheduled oil changes, tire rotations, and brake inspections to prevent vehicle breakdowns.
Implementing preventative maintenance offers benefits such as reduced downtime, extended equipment lifespan, lower repair costs, improved safety, enhanced productivity, and cost savings.
Preventative maintenance is different from reactive maintenance, which is a reactive approach, addressing problems only after they arise.
Technological advancements have made it easier to implement effective preventative maintenance. These include CMMS, IIoT, AI and machine learning, and digital twins.
With the right preventive maintenance plan and technology, businesses can achieve greater productivity, cost savings, and operational stability.