Preventive maintenance is planned work done before equipment or a facility fails.
The work is usually based on time, usage, or a regular service schedule. The goal is to keep assets working reliably and reduce unexpected breakdowns.
What Are Common Preventive Maintenance Tasks?
- Regular inspections.
- Cleaning and lubrication.
- Replacing filters or worn parts.
- Testing safety or building systems.
- Servicing equipment after a set amount of time or use.
The schedule should match the asset, manufacturer guidance, operating conditions, and the organization's maintenance plan.
How Is Preventive Maintenance Different From Corrective Maintenance?
| Type | Simple Meaning |
|---|---|
| Preventive maintenance | Planned work done before a failure. |
| Corrective maintenance | Work done to fix a problem that has already been found. |
Both types are useful. Preventive work reduces avoidable failures, while corrective work handles problems that still occur.
How Can Software Help?
Maintenance software can store schedules, create reminders, assign work, track overdue tasks, and keep a service history for each asset.
Booking Ninjas' Facility Management area supports scheduled preventive maintenance and related maintenance workflows.
Sources and Further Reading
- IBM: What Is Preventive Maintenance? — defines preventive maintenance as planned work intended to reduce unexpected equipment failure.
- Booking Ninjas: Facility Management — includes preventive and corrective maintenance workflows, inspections, assets, and maintenance tracking.