Scheduled Preventative Maintenance Keeps Operations Running

We’ve all heard the motto, “if it’s not broke, don’t fix it.”

It’s an approach that may save a company money in the short term but can often end up costing more in the long run. 

This type of maintenance strategy employed by companies that rely on production equipment and automation is referred to as reactive maintenance.

On the other hand, a company that follows a strategy where they routinely perform maintenance tasks in order to avoid larger, more costly fixes down the road is considered preventative maintenance.

There are many benefits of preventative maintenance for ongoing equipment upkeep versus reactive maintenance.

Here are some key reasons for properly maintaining equipment and automation at your facility.

Cost Savings

A preventative maintenance plan focuses on avoiding equipment failure rather than responding to emergencies and catching small service issues before they become bigger repair headaches. 

Companies that are reactive with their maintenance needs are essentially waiting for a problem to happen which can be a costly proposition.

Companies that are reactive with their maintenance needs are essentially waiting for a problem to happen.

Unplanned downtime can result in unproductive employees, interrupted work flow, missed deadlines, and potentially compromised customer relationships.

Unexpected breakdowns may also result in having to pay repair technicians overtime and incur expenses for rush delivery of needed parts—much of which could be avoided with a preventative maintenance plan.

Equipment Efficiency

Planning routine maintenance of equipment and automation through inspections, worn part replacements, fluid changes, and regular cleaning allow shop floor operations to run much more efficiently.

Consistent productivity is ensured with equipment operating at peak performance. 

In addition, equipment that is serviced regularly does not have to be turned over, or replaced, as frequently—lowering investment and upgrade costs over time.

Higher Reliability, Less Downtime

Virtually all maintenance tasks require some equipment downtime.

A preventative maintenance program can decrease and optimize that downtime so it is less disruptive to production, saves time, and streamlines day-to-day operations. 

Preventative maintenance can also help a company be a more reliable business partner.

Preventative maintenance can also help a company be a more reliable business partner.

It will ensure that it delivers its products, services, or materials on time to its customers without unnecessary delays.

This also enhances customer service, improves its reputation, and differentiates its brand.

Improved Safety

Equipment failures can have catastrophic consequences.

When equipment is not in optimal shape, it can create hazards, a compromised work environment, and possibly situations where workers become injured. 

Properly maintaining equipment will result in safer working conditions for the operator as well as those working nearby.

Preventative maintenance not only improves the safety of equipment but may also result in fewer on the job injuries and accidents.

Prolonged Equipment Life

There are numerous benefits for shifting from a reactive to a preventative maintenance program.

The bottom line is that the better a company cares for its equipment and automation, the longer it will last. 

It’s a smart move for companies to regularly schedule equipment maintenance.

Preventative maintenance will prolong equipment life, enabling a company to get more hours and production out of it, leading to reduced costs and increased profits.

It’s a smart move for companies to regularly schedule equipment maintenance to help them succeed in the long run.

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For more information about reducing downtime at your business, contact CONNSTEP (800.266.6672).