The Importance Of Proper Maintenance And Repairs In Prolonging The Life Of Your Equipment And Assets

You have probably heard the phrase, "Don't fix what isn't broken"? Unfortunately, in the world of maintenance, this is terrible advice. Relying on reactive maintenance instead of creating a proactive fix-it-before-it-breaks strategy often leads to unwelcome and expensive surprises.  

In this article, we explore the benefits of staying on top of your maintenance tasks. Discover how implementing a preventive maintenance program can help reduce costly downtime, prevent equipment failure, and save money in the long run. Keep reading to learn how prevention rather than reaction is a critical component of effective managed services and facilities management.  

The Importance and Benefits of Preventive Maintenance 

The biggest benefit of preventive maintenance is that it helps to maintain a smooth operation. Routine maintenance performed on a schedule will reduce downtime and minimize the risk and expense of unplanned repairs or replacement. As a result, you can avoid disruptions to your production and operations. 

There are several other advantages, as well. Your profit margins will benefit from the extended life of your equipment and systems because you won't need to replace them as often. Machinery and assets also run more efficiently when they are regularly serviced. In turn, this leads to improved productivity and fewer unexpected costs. 

In addition, maintenance teams using Facilities Management Software (FMS) can easily schedule maintenance tasks, track work orders, and implement preventive maintenance strategies effectively. The FMS software assists in creating efficient management schedules and tracking managed service providers, making the maintenance manager's job easier. 

Financial Advantages of Implementing Preventive Maintenance Programs 

Preventive maintenance programs are the basis of facilities management strategies. The financial benefits can go unnoticed until you compare them to the alternative: reactive maintenance. Let's explore these benefits in detail. 

Reduced Repair Costs 

Unlike reactive maintenance, which is unplanned and carried out only after a breakdown or malfunction, preventive maintenance involves regular checks and upkeep activities.  

This approach helps identify potential problems before they lead to significant issues. For instance, minor wear and tear spotted and fixed during a preventive maintenance check can avoid a major breakdown, which could result in significant unplanned downtime and expensive repairs. 

Keep in mind that a reactive strategy means breakdowns can happen at any time. Unexpected downtime can compromise your profits further when they occur during peak trading hours. 

In addition, good technicians are hard to pin down at a moment's notice. As a result, there is a good chance you won't be able to organise repairs for when you need them most.  

Increased Equipment Lifespan 

A well-maintained piece of equipment lasts longer. It's why we all get our cars serviced regularly. Preventive maintenance tasks like regular inspections, cleaning, and replacements can reduce the strain on your machinery, promoting a longer working life and a significantly reduced cost of ownership.  

Improved Efficiency and Productivity 

Preventive maintenance ensures your equipment and systems function at their peak, avoiding slowdowns or breakdowns that can disrupt the working environment. Preventing equipment downtime means you can improve your team’s efficiency and productivity, and customer satisfaction.  

Assets that are always in good working condition are less likely to cause unplanned interruptions, ensuring a smooth flow of work and brand continuity. 

Different Types of Preventive Maintenance Strategies 

Preventive maintenance is not a one-size-fits-all approach; it can take many different forms, each with its unique benefits and suitability to different scenarios. 

Routine Maintenance 

Routine maintenance is perhaps the most common type of preventive maintenance, involving regular, scheduled tasks like cleaning, lubrication, or minor adjustments to keep all assets running smoothly and prevent wear and tear.  

This can be daily, weekly, or monthly, depending on requirements. A good CMMS system can put all your maintenance tasks on autopilot, so nothing is forgotten. 

Proactive Maintenance 

Proactive maintenance focuses on understanding and addressing the root causes of equipment failure. By identifying and correcting the underlying issues, you can prevent future failures and further optimise your maintenance processes. 

Planned Maintenance 

Planned maintenance involves scheduling maintenance tasks based on preventive maintenance data. This could include planned replacements of parts nearing the end of their lifespan, further reducing the risk of unplanned downtime or interruption to operations. 

Each type of preventive maintenance strategy has its place in an effective preventive maintenance plan. Choosing the right strategies depends on your equipment type, business needs, and available resources. 

Most businesses are complex enough to need more than one maintenance strategy. This is another area where FMS systems have become an essential tool for managing complex scheduling challenges and eliminating human error. 

Getting Started with Preventive Maintenance Programs 

So, you’re convinced you need a preventive maintenance strategy but what's the best way to go about it? 

Assessing Equipment Needs 

The first step is to understand your equipment needs. Different types of equipment have unique maintenance needs. Begin with an inspection to identify current conditions, potential risks, and specific maintenance requirements. For instance, HVAC systems may need more frequent checks than other fixtures & fittings because they are more critical to your operation.  

Developing a Maintenance Schedule 

The next step is to create a preventive maintenance schedule. You should include regular maintenance tasks that should be performed on each piece of equipment. The frequency of these tasks may vary based on the type of equipment, usage, and the manufacturer's recommendations. For example, some assets may require daily inspection or maintenance, while others may only require weekly or monthly inspections.  

Choosing a Maintenance Management System 

Last, but not least, select a suitable maintenance management system. A computerised maintenance management system (CMMS) like the Ticked Off app can help you organise and track all your maintenance work, schedule maintenance tasks, and maintain records like warranties and contact details for future reference. The software also keeps the maintenance team connected, which is excellent when emergencies arise. 

A good CMMS software system helps in practicing preventive maintenance but also aids in managing work orders, maintenance teams, and equipment performance efficiently. The software also keeps the maintenance team connected, which is excellent for urgent repairs. 

Further, Ticked Off’s Managed Services allow you to be hands-off and hassle-free by outsourcing your entire repairs and maintenance function while still maintaining complete control and visibility into the operations.  

Are You Ready to Reduce Costs with Preventive Maintenance? 

The benefits of implementing preventive maintenance programs cannot be overstated. From reduced repair costs to increased equipment lifespan, and improved productivity and customer experience, the advantages are clear. 

With regular preventive maintenance activities, your equipment can work in peak condition, reducing interruptions and maintenance costs. It also extends your asset's lifespan, delaying the replacement cost and saving you money in the long run. 

The decision to transition from relying on reactive maintenance instead of practicing preventive maintenance is a strategic move. With the right tools like CMMS software, you can plan, schedule, and manage maintenance tasks efficiently. This shift towards preventive maintenance helps to ensure that your business stays productive, your equipment remains in optimal condition, and your bottom line stays healthy. 

If you would like to know more about how predictive maintenance can lead to greater profits, the team at Ticked Off can provide professional advice borne from decades of experience helping businesses just like yours.