While no one would argue against the importance of fixing something as soon after it breaks as possible, what many people don’t realize is that operating in the ‘run until it breaks’ mode comes with a high cost. The preventive maintenance approach, or an approach that helps prevent equipment failure, is a far more predictable and cost-effective way to operate.
Preventive maintenance is a time-based maintenance strategy that often involves taking equipment offline on a predetermined, periodic basis to inspect it. After a visual inspection, any required repairs are made and then the equipment is put back online. The tasks and intervals of preventive maintenance management software programs are based on the following:
- Industry standards
- Owner’s manuals
- Equipment criticality
- Environmental conditions
- Work order history
- Past maintenance
A preventive maintenance program consists of performing tasks and procedures that prevent equipment failure and unplanned breakdowns to ensure that your equipment continues to run optimally. Examples of preventive maintenance tasks include cleaning, adjustments, testing, inspections and lubrications.
By the time your equipment has broken down and stopped working, it’s too late. The cost of regular preventive maintenance is small compared to the cost of a major breakdown that halts operations. The cost of a breakdown is anywhere from four to 15 times the cost of maintenance. A facility that relies solely on a reactive maintenance approach generally uses up more labor and material resources because equipment failures tend to occur at inopportune times. Unplanned equipment downtime can lead to increased costs and may be an inefficient use of staff resources.
Manage Your Assets with Facility Maintenance Software
The importance of using computerized maintenance management software (CMMS) to run an effective maintenance program cannot be overlooked. Managing assets is a critical aspect of facility operations, and CMMS software gives you the ability to track, locate and analyze all of your assets. CMMS software facilitates regular maintenance, helps prevent equipment failure and ensures your equipment is operating at 100% efficiency at all times. An effective maintenance program involves inspecting, cleaning, and making minor adjustments to your equipment on a regular schedule so that you can detect minor problems before they become major issues. When equipment is properly cared for, it goes without saying that the equipment will operate more effectively and for longer periods of time.
A CMMS stores preventive maintenance schedules and procedures. Facility maintenance software can also be used to track personnel, work orders, equipment downtime, equipment repair history, inventory and more. Another important purpose of maintenance software is generating data that helps maintenance managers make more informed decisions about facility and equipment maintenance.
In today’s world, the success of any facility depends on its ability to streamline operations and cut expenses. You can enhance your business and reduce unnecessary expenses by implementing facility maintenance software. Although many managers view the maintenance department as a cost center, it’s possible to make the maintenance department a profit center. The key to success is taking a proactive maintenance approach. If you’re looking for a reliable maintenance management software vendor, contact DPSI today or sign up for a free trial today.
