Routine Maintenance: A Guide for Facility Management

Routine maintenance is integral across various industries. Here, we highlight examples from manufacturing, healthcare, and oil & gas sectors to highlight the value of regular upkeep.

Manufacturing Industry Maintenance

In manufacturing, routine maintenance supports continuous production line operations. Machinery calibration is conducted regularly to maintain operation standards and product quality. Conveyor belt inspections help avert breakdowns that could stop production.

Preventive equipment maintenance includes scheduled downtime for machinery servicing, such as replacing parts before they fail and keeping machines running smoothly.

Healthcare Industry Maintenance

Meanwhile, in healthcare, the goal is both optimized operations and patient safety. Routine maintenance focuses on medical devices like MRI machines and ventilators, so they function properly and accurately when needed.

This includes regular servicing and calibration while sterilization systems are checked routinely to prevent infection and cross-contamination. Also, heating, cooling, and ventilation systems maintenance is necessary to sustain a sterile and safe environment.

Oil & Gas Industry Maintenance

The oil and gas industry depends on routine maintenance for safety and efficiency. Pipeline integrity management involves regular inspections and maintenance to prevent leaks and environmental hazards.

Scheduled servicing of drilling equipment reduces the risk of malfunctions and interruptions. Safety and emergency systems undergo frequent testing, including checks on safety valves and emergency shutoff systems, to confirm their ability to handle incidents.

The concepts of routine maintenance and preventive maintenance may sound similar, but they serve different purposes and use distinct approaches. 

Routine maintenance consists of regular, often straightforward tasks such as cleaning and minor adjustments to keep equipment running smoothly. This type of maintenance is typically scheduled based on time or usage and focuses on staying at current operational standards. Think of it as like a car getting an oil change. 

In contrast, preventive maintenance is more comprehensive and proactive. It is designed to anticipate and prevent potential equipment failures before they occur. This approach includes detailed inspections, parts replacements, or even system overhauls.

Preventive maintenance software builds schedules based on predictive analysis and recommendations from equipment manufacturers. The goal is to identify and resolve issues that may disrupt operations if left unaddressed, like inspecting and replacing a battery in a car before a long road trip.

A routine maintenance schedule is necessary for any operation that relies on machinery, equipment, or infrastructure. Here are key steps to put such a strategy into place:

Step 1: Assessment and Planning

Begin by cataloging all equipment and assets that require maintenance. Assess the maintenance needs for each item based on the manufacturer's guidelines or past performance data. Develop a comprehensive maintenance calendar that schedules each task at optimal times to minimize disruption to workflows.

Step 2: Standardization of Procedures

Then, to ensure consistency and completeness in maintenance tasks, create detailed checklists for each one. Establish standard operating procedures (SOPs) for common maintenance activities to maintain quality across all operations. Document all maintenance activities thoroughly for tracking purposes and future planning.

Step 3: Training and Resources

Make sure the team has clear directions. Provide the necessary tools and resources to perform maintenance tasks safely and effectively. Additionally, set up support systems like help desks or technical support to assist with complex maintenance issues.

Step 4: Implementation and Monitoring

Start executing the maintenance schedule. Prioritizing the most important assets first. Regularly monitoring compliance means that maintenance tasks are performed as scheduled and meet the required standards. Use the data collected from these checks to adjust the maintenance schedule and procedures as needed.

Step 5: Continuous Improvement

Build towards an effective future. Encourage ongoing feedback from teams to identify any challenges or areas for improvement. Periodically review the entire maintenance process to find opportunities. Continuously update training programs to keep maintenance skills relevant and effective.

By implementing this maintenance management software, organizations can significantly improve efficiency, reduce operational costs, and extend the lifespan of critical assets. Here are some of the key features of Maintenance Connection: 

• Asset Lifecycle Management: Tracks and manages the entire lifecycle of physical assets which helps companies get the most out of their equipment.
• Work Order Management: Streamlines the creation, assignment, and tracking of maintenance work orders for timely resolution.
• Preventive Maintenance Scheduling: Automates the scheduling of preventive maintenance tasks which reduces equipment failure and downtime.
• Mobile Accessibility: Maintenance teams can access and input data on the go, which improves flexibility and response time.
• Inventory Management: Keeps track of parts, supplies, and other necessary materials.
• Analytics and Reporting: Provides detailed reports and dashboards that help managers make informed decisions based on real-time data and trends.

Through these features, Maintenance Connection supports a variety of sectors by maintaining high standards. This CMMS tool facilitates daily maintenance tasks while contributing to strategic planning and long-term asset management.