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PREVENTATIVE & REACTIVE MAINTENANCE UK - WHICH IS BEST FOR YOU?

 

 

 

 

 

 

Understanding Preventative Maintenance

 

Preventative maintenance consists of scheduled, systematic maintenance tasks designed to avoid equipment malfunctions and failures. This proactive method emphasizes routine inspections, servicing, and repairs to ensure that systems and equipment remain in peak operating condition.



PROS OF PREVENTATIVE MAINTENANCE

Increased Safety: Routine inspections and upkeep help pinpoint potential safety risks before they escalate into major problems.

Extended Asset Lifespan: Regular maintenance can prolong the life of equipment and infrastructure, postponing the need for expensive replacements.

Cost Efficiency: While there are initial expenses, preventative maintenance reduces the likelihood and severity of unexpected repairs, leading to overall cost savings.

Reduced Downtime: By addressing potential issues before they become serious problems, preventative maintenance minimizes the likelihood of unexpected equipment failures and operational disruptions.

Increased Resale Value: Well-maintained assets often have higher resale values, as their condition reflects their ongoing care and functionality.

Optimized Performance: Properly maintained systems run more efficiently, which lowers energy usage and operational costs.

 



CONS OF PREVENTATIVE MAINTENANCE

Higher Initial Costs: Implementing a preventative maintenance program requires initial investment in time, resources, and manpower.

Scheduling Challenges: Coordinating maintenance without disrupting operations can be challenging.

Resource Allocation: Preventative maintenance can require significant resources in terms of time, personnel, and materials, which might be challenging for smaller teams or facilities with limited budgets.

Potential for Over-Maintenance: Risk of performing unnecessary maintenance if intervals are not accurately determined.

Training Requirements: Personnel may need specialized training to effectively carry out preventative maintenance tasks, leading to potential additional costs and time investment.

Balancing Maintenance and Production: Ensuring that maintenance activities are balanced with production schedules can be challenging, particularly in high-demand environments.

 

TAILORING YOUR FACILITIES.

 

 

 

 

 

Understanding Reactive Maintenance

 

 

Reactive maintenance, also known as “run-to-failure” maintenance, involves dealing with equipment and system issues as they occur. This method is generally unplanned and takes place in response to equipment breakdowns or malfunctions.



PROS OF REACTIVE MAINTENANCE

Lower Initial Costs: There are no upfront expenses for regular maintenance schedules, making it appear more cost-effective in the short term.

Simplicity: Without the requirement for scheduling and planning, reactive maintenance is straightforward and less resource-intensive initially.

Immediate Response: Maintenance activities are performed only when needed, potentially saving time on unnecessary inspections.

Potential for Innovation: Encountering frequent breakdowns can lead to a deeper understanding of equipment weaknesses, potentially driving innovation and improvements.

Reduced Staffing Requirements: There is no need for dedicated maintenance staff on standby, potentially lowering labor costs.

Minimized Planning Effort: The absence of a maintenance schedule reduces the need for detailed planning and coordination.



CONS OF REACTIVE MAINTENANCE

Higher Long-Term Costs: Repeated emergency repairs and replacements can be more expensive than planned maintenance in the long run.

Safety Risks: Unplanned failures can create unsafe conditions for occupants and staff, leading to potential liabilities.

Inefficient Operations: Equipment failures can result in inefficiencies, affecting overall performance and increasing energy consumption of the property.

Increased Downtime: Unanticipated breakdowns can cause considerable downtime, disrupting operations and causing inconvenience.

Unpredictable Budgeting: The costs of emergency repairs can be unpredictable, making it difficult to manage budgets effectively.

Negative Impact on Reputation: Frequent breakdowns and disruptions can damage the reputation of a business or facility, affecting customer satisfaction and trust.



KEY
CONSIDERATIONS

Which is right for you?

For property and facilities managers, the decision between preventive and reactive maintenance hinges on specific operational needs, budget constraints, and the importance of the systems involved.

Key Considerations:

Budget: Preventive maintenance involves an initial investment but can offer long-term savings. Reactive maintenance might seem less expensive at first but can lead to higher costs due to frequent repairs and downtime.

Operational Impact: Evaluate how downtime affects your operations. Preventive maintenance can reduce unexpected disruptions, whereas reactive maintenance may result in more frequent interruptions.

Safety and Compliance: Ensure your maintenance strategy meets safety standards and regulatory requirements to protect occupants and staff.

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