5 Types of Equipment Maintenance and Why They Matter

Different Types And Need Of Equipment Maintenance
  • Author: Mohsin Khan
  • Posted On: September 29, 2022
  • Updated On: July 10, 2023

As a business owner, you should be aware of several types of equipment maintenance and be able to implement them thoughtfully into your company’s operational processes. Every piece of equipment and machinery your business owns and uses on a regular basis requires some maintenance to remain in tip-top shape.

For instance, depending on your production volume, you might either delegate the whole process to CNC machining services or invest in such equipment and take care of the production yourself.

When it comes to the latter, not neglecting this requirement will, in turn, allow you to extend the service life of your equipment, making your investments actually worthwhile.

In the article below, you will find essential information on every type of equipment maintenance, including preventative, predictive, routine, corrective, and emergency maintenance. Other than that, we will also share some tips and best practices for scheduling maintenance.

Keep reading and learn how different types of equipment maintenance will help you keep your business in top-notch condition.

Types of Maintenance

Depending on the needs of your business, you can pick and choose different types of equipment maintenance. However, in most cases, companies combine all five methods to achieve the best results.

So, let’s take a closer look at each one of them:

Preventative Maintenance

Also known as “planned” or “scheduled” maintenance, preventative maintenance is an essential part of the equipment maintenance process. The main goal of this method is to discover potential issues with your equipment before they become problems and turn into costly repairs.

Preventative maintenance is usually performed on a regular basis, for example, once a month or once a year. The frequency of maintenance depends on several factors, including the type of equipment you have, how often it is used, and how old it is.

Predictive Maintenance

Predictive maintenance is very similar to preventative maintenance, but with one major difference. Unlike preventative maintenance, which is scheduled based on time, predictive maintenance is performed based on the actual condition of your equipment.

In other words, it uses data collected by sensors to determine when a particular piece of equipment is likely to break down.

By using this data, you will only be replacing parts when they are actually worn out instead of doing it at set intervals. As a result, you can avoid unnecessary downtime and save money by not replacing working parts.

To implement predictive maintenance into your business, you will need to invest in some monitoring equipment. For example, you can use sensors to track the vibration and temperature of your machinery. By analyzing this data, you can predict when a particular part is going to fail and replace it before it actually does.

Routine Maintenance

Routine maintenance is exactly what it sounds like — maintaining your equipment on a regular basis to keep it running smoothly. This type of maintenance usually includes simple tasks like checking fluid levels and making sure all the parts are properly lubricated.

It is crucial to perform routine maintenance even if your equipment is brand new and has no visible problems. This way, you can prevent small issues from turning into big ones down the road.

Corrective Maintenance

Corrective maintenance is performed when a problem with your equipment is already evident. For example, if your machinery starts making strange noises or a particular part stops working properly, you will need to fix the issue as soon as possible to avoid further damage.

This type of maintenance usually entails replacing worn-out parts and making repairs. In some cases, you may also need to perform some preventive maintenance to make sure the same problem doesn’t occur again in the future.

Emergency Maintenance

Emergency maintenance is performed when a problem with your equipment is so severe that it needs to be fixed immediately. For example, if your machinery breaks down in the middle of production, you will need to fix it right away to avoid costly downtime.

Emergency maintenance is usually more expensive and time-consuming than other types of maintenance because it often requires special parts and skilled labor. However, it is still cheaper than having to replace your equipment entirely.

Best Practices for Scheduling Maintenance

Now that you know all about the different types of equipment maintenance, you may be wondering how to schedule it. Here are a few tips that will help you get started:

Keep Track of Your Equipment

The first step is to make a list of all the equipment you have and how often it needs to be maintained. This inventory will also allow you to easily track when each piece of equipment is due for maintenance.

Use Maintenance Software

Using maintenance software will make it easier to schedule and track maintenance. Such software tools allow you to manage maintenance by organizing, planning, tracking, and analyzing all the jobs that need to be performed.

There are many different software programs available, so make sure to find one that meets your specific needs.

Follow the Manufacturer’s Recommendations

When in doubt, always follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for maintenance. They know their products better than anyone else, so they will be able to give you the best advice on how to care for your equipment.

Make a Schedule

Once you have all the necessary information, you can start making a maintenance schedule. Make sure to include all the different types of maintenance we discussed above. And don’t forget to leave some room for unexpected problems!

Hire a Professional

If you don’t have the time or expertise to perform maintenance yourself, you can always hire a professional. Hiring a professional will ensure that your equipment is properly maintained and that any problems are fixed quickly and efficiently.

Conclusion

There are several types of equipment maintenance, and each has its own purpose. The most important types of equipment maintenance are preventative, predictive, and corrective maintenance. However, all types of equipment maintenance are necessary to keep equipment in good working condition.

When managing maintenance, it’s important to establish a schedule, perform maintenance at regular intervals, and use maintenance software. If you don’t have the time or resources to schedule maintenance yourself, you can always hire a maintenance company. Good luck!

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Author: Mohsin Khan

Mohsin has worked as one of the experienced editors with ConstructionHow since 2020 with a total span of 5 years of experience in business PR, boasting a remarkable professional trajectory, he has collaborated with entrepreneurs and startups, and certain publications over the last few years. His unwavering interest lies in the construction industry and related materials. He believes in creating functional and aesthetically pleasing buildings, and homes that fall under the right budget. With a wide range of experience in construction, he also tapped into DIY and home improvement projects based on his extensive set of knowledge in the industry.

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