December 23, 2024

Understanding Operations and Maintenance: Preventative Maintenance Strategies

We want to understand the term operations and maintenance (O&M). To accomplish that, we also should understand the various types of maintenance tasks. This article will highlight those varieties. Also, we'll discuss how a computerized maintenance management system benefits O&M.

Common Types of Operations and Maintenance Tasks

The terms used might vary from industry to industry. Individual companies may have unique types of maintenance. However, let's look at a few common types.

1. Reactive. This is where technicians don't do anything to assets until they break down or fail. While this type does have advantages, the risk of increased costs always exists. You can look at this as a mindset and a way of conducting an operation.
2. Corrective. A piece of equipment needs a repair. Some type of damage or failure occurred. A part needs replacing. A leak formed. Internal software requires adjusting or reprogramming.
3. Predictive. This utilizes special software that ties directly into the machine. It monitors the "health" and gives data for the technician to schedule maintenance.
4. Regulatory. Certain assets require attention for the company to stay compliant with OSHA or other agencies.
5. Condition-based. Similar to predictive. You might use other metrics, including various equipment readings. Pressure. Level. Depth. Temperature. Hours in operation. Miles driven.

For further information on types of maintenance, visit Reliability Academy.

The Role of Preventative Maintenance in Operations and Maintenance

Here, we move into more of the field of O&M. This involves tasks aimed at sustaining equipment through preventive measures. PM activities include:

• Regular inspections.
• Cleaning.
• Minor part replacements.
• Lubrication.
• Fluid monitoring.

Real-World Examples of Preventative Maintenance and Operations Management

Fire extinguisher inspection. A company's maintenance department could handle this or it could contract another.

Annual tune up of all company vehicles. From administrative transportation to delivery trucks.

Manufacturing means regular equipment inspections, calibration, and cleaning.

In healthcare facilities, O&M involves maintaining critical medical equipment. You conduct regular facility inspections and adhere to stringent safety standards.

In the energy sector, O&M tasks may include preventive maintenance of power generation equipment. You'd monitor assets for environmental compliance and ensure the integrity of infrastructure.

Hospitality requires routine maintenance of HVAC systems, plumbing, and electrical systems.

Leveraging CMMS for Enhanced Operations and Maintenance

The main benefit of this system? Organization. It won't create an O&M for you. It will help you improve the existing operation. How? Read on for further details.

1. Asset Management. Create your list of assets. Provide as many details that will help your PM planning.
2. Inventory. Again, create your parts and supplies list. A quality CMMS will help you set up your stockroom, giving a location for each part. Aisle>Shelf>Bin or however you designate places for parts.
3. Preventive Maintenance. You have your record of assets. Now, prepare what PMs you'll use for each. Again, provide as much relevant data as you want. If you're working with a superior CMMS, you'll see the above three cross-reference with each other.
4. Work Order Management. You process work requests and create work orders so much easier. A CMMS should convert PM procedures to work orders. You'll have access to a scheduling calendar.
5. Better communications. With so many details, the interaction between coworkers improves.
6. Reporting and Analytics. A CMMS offers plenty of reports for assets, inventory, PMs, and work orders. You generate Key Performance Indicators (KPIs).
7. Mobile. So many companies have work done in the field. A CMMS mobile app delivers the freedom to travel. Check inventory quantities, process work orders, and so much more. This means more efficiency for the maintenance team.
8. Regulatory Compliance. Review the above discussion regarding this type of maintenance. With a CMMS, you have easily accessible information to show regulators.
9. Cost Savings. Efficiency means more productivity. Organizing PMs, assets, and inventory means you're reducing costs. You have fewer unplanned downtime incidents. You have fewer emergency problems that risk safety and higher costs.
10. Historical Data Analysis. A CMMS tracks and stores information for analysis. Look for assistance integrating the system with others. This allows data transference to other departments for analysis.

You can set date ranges for reports. A quality system will track revisions to records. This provides more accountability.

Achieving Success in Operations and Maintenance

In conclusion, you should have an effective O&M program, supported by a robust CMMS. You're looking for maintenance management success. You want efficiency and better productivity. You want to extend asset life.

Developing this O&M (PM) strategy will take you down the right path for your goals. A CMMS can help by providing organization and so many other "tools."

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