Preventive Maintenance by Kyle Tew
Preventive maintenance is a type of proactive (versus reactive) maintenance that includes but is not limited to cleaning, adjustments, repairs, lubrication, and part replacements. Preventive maintenance keeps equipment and assets in good, working, functional harmony and reduces unscheduled downtime and major repairs.
Preventive maintenance (PM) is also called preventive maintenance checks and service (PMCS). It is conducted with the goal of increasing asset lifetime by preventing excess impairment and depreciation or untimely breakdown. Any maintenance that is not reactive maintenance is preventive maintenance, and there are many different types of preventive maintenance that require varied technologies and expertise.
Here are four common types of preventive maintenance:
Calendar-Based Maintenance– A recurring work order is scheduled for when a specified time interval is reached.
Usage-Based Maintenance– Meter readings are used and logged. When a specific unit is reached, a work order is created for routine maintenance.
Predictive Maintenance- When work order data is logged, maintenance engineers can predict when an asset will crash based on historical events and create specific PMs to prevent them from happening again.
Prescriptive Maintenance- This is like predictive maintenance, but instead of only the maintenance engineers prescribing PMs, machine learning software assists them.
With a PM schedule in place, maintenance engineers can decrease downtime. It could take just one period of downtime or a single notifiable accident to demonstrate how important it is to undertake a program of forward-looking maintenance. We can also incorporate this PM principle in our personal lives. For example, preventive maintenance can help with unexpected life challenges such as automobile trouble. Consistent oil changes based on miles driven will increase engine life and prevent deterioration. Checking your tires could uncover a need to replace them before they go flat. Preventive maintenance for health incorporates daily exercise and proper diet to maintain longevity. If you’re an avid fisherman, conducting preventive maintenance will ensure all your equipment and rods are functioning correctly before the trip. What are some other areas in your life that preventive maintenance can address?