What is planned maintenance?
Planned maintenance involves scheduling maintenance tasks in advance to prevent asset breakdowns and extend the lifespan of equipment. This proactive strategy forms part of a broader facilities management approach that can help reduce operational costs, support compliance, and improve overall performance.
MRI Software provides tools that help you create and manage an effective maintenance schedule. With features that support preventive maintenance, predictive maintenance, and corrective maintenance, you can select the right mix of strategies for your organisation. The benefits of CMMS software become even clearer when combined with data-driven insights like those found in condition-based maintenance.
Contents:
- Why is planned maintenance important?
- Two types of planned maintenance
- Planned maintenance advantages versus disadvantages
- What is a maintenance plan & what does it include?
- Examples of equipment that requires planned maintenance
- Contact MRI Software
- FAQs
Why is planned maintenance important?
Unplanned equipment failure can lead to safety risks, costly disruptions, and poor asset performance. Planned maintenance helps reduce these risks by ensuring that inspections, servicing, and part replacements happen before issues arise. This approach improves asset reliability and supports workplace safety.
Planning also gives your team time to prepare, rather than responding to urgent breakdowns. It makes workforce management more efficient and allows for better budget forecasting. With fewer emergencies, resources are used more effectively and maintenance costs become easier to predict.
Two types of planned maintenance
There are two key approaches to planned maintenance. Each plays a different role in helping you manage assets and avoid operational delays.
Preventive maintenance
Preventive maintenance refers to scheduled servicing of equipment while it is still in working condition. Tasks might include cleaning, calibrating, inspecting, or replacing parts at regular intervals. The goal is to reduce the chance of unexpected breakdowns.
This approach is ideal when asset failure would interrupt business or pose safety risks. It relies on consistent planning and often involves CMMS or facilities management systems to track upcoming tasks.
Planned unscheduled maintenance
This form of maintenance still involves a plan but allows for flexibility. You may not know the exact day a task will be performed, but you understand that it will be required based on asset condition or previous performance.
Planned unscheduled maintenance usually applies to equipment that is monitored in real time. It allows you to act when signs of wear appear without waiting for failure to occur. This type of flexibility works well alongside predictive or condition-based strategies.
Planned maintenance advantages versus disadvantages
Advantages
Planned maintenance offers a range of benefits, including:
- Improved asset performance and longer equipment life
- Reduced unplanned downtime and business disruptions
- More accurate budgeting and resource allocation
- Safer work environments through regular inspections
- Better compliance with regulations and service standards
These outcomes can make a noticeable difference to both operational efficiency and financial results.
Disadvantages
Despite the benefits, planned maintenance requires an investment of time and resources. You may need to:
- Hire or train staff to carry out regular tasks
- Invest in software to manage schedules and track progress
- Allocate budget for parts or servicing, even if the asset hasn’t failed
If the plan is poorly managed, it can lead to unnecessary maintenance and higher costs. The success of this approach relies on accurate data, reliable tools, and clear communication.
What is a maintenance plan & what does it include?
A maintenance plan outlines the routine servicing activities required to keep your assets in optimal condition. It includes a schedule of tasks, the roles responsible, the materials needed, and the safety procedures to be followed.
Your plan might include:
- Equipment-specific instructions for inspections and repairs
- Frequency of tasks based on manufacturer recommendations or usage
- Checklists and compliance requirements
- Processes for tracking completion and follow-up actions
These elements help ensure consistency and allow your team to work efficiently. The clearer the plan, the easier it is to implement and adjust.
Examples of equipment that requires planned maintenance
Almost every business relies on physical assets that benefit from planned maintenance. Some common examples include:
- HVAC systems, air conditioners, and heating equipment
- Elevators and escalators
- Fire detection and sprinkler systems
- Electrical switchboards and lighting infrastructure
- Production equipment and machinery
By maintaining these systems regularly, you can avoid expensive repairs, improve efficiency, and extend asset life.
Contact MRI Software
If you are looking to implement a planned maintenance strategy or need support selecting the right software, contact MRI Software on 1300 657 700.
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