Preventive Maintenance Planning

Why Preventive Maintenance?

Preventive Maintenance (PM) is maintenance that is regularly performed on a piece of equipment to lessen the likelihood of it failing. It is performed while the equipment is still working, so that it does not break down unexpectedly.

Types of Maintenance

• Reactive (Run-to-Failure): Fixing things only when they break. High downtime cost.
• Preventive (Time-Based): Servicing equipment at scheduled intervals (e.g., oil change every 3 months).
• Predictive (Condition-Based): Using sensors to monitor vibration or temperature and servicing exactly when needed.

Creating a PM Plan

Follow these steps to establish a robust maintenance schedule:

1. Asset Inventory: List all machines and equipment.
2. Prioritize: Identify critical assets that cause major bottlenecks if they fail.
3. Consult Manuals: Use OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) recommendations for service intervals.
4. Create Checklists: Define specific tasks for each machine (e.g., lubricate bearings, check belt tension).
5. Schedule: Assign frequency (Daily, Weekly, Monthly, Annual) to tasks.
6. Log and Track: Keep records of all maintenance activities.

Daily Operator Maintenance (Autonomous Maintenance)

Operators should perform simple daily checks:

• Cleaning chips and debris.
• Checking oil levels.
• Listening for abnormal noises.
• Visual inspection for leaks.