A preventive maintenance (PM) program is a key component of any effective facilities management strategy.
By regularly scheduled inspections, cleanings, and repairs, a PM program keeps equipment and systems running smoothly and efficiently, minimizes unscheduled downtime and associated costs, and extends the useful life of critical assets.
While a PM program’s benefits are clear, creating and managing one can be daunting. A Work Order Management System (WOMS) can be a valuable tool in this effort, providing a centralized, efficient way to track and manage all aspects of the PM program.
To help you build a sound work order management plan in place for your buildings and property, get info on available software solutions and systems.
This guide provides an overview of preventive maintenance and describes how a WOMS can be used to streamline and improve the PM process.
What is Preventive Maintenance?
Preventive maintenance (PM) is a scheduled program of inspections, cleanings, and repairs designed to keep equipment and systems running smoothly and efficiently to prevent unscheduled downtime.
PM programs are typically based on the manufacturer’s recommended maintenance schedule, which specifies the frequency and type of maintenance required for each piece of equipment.
However, the PM program may also be tailored to the facility’s specific needs, taking into account such factors as the type of equipment, the environment in which it is used, and the frequency of use.
While a PM program focuses on maintaining equipment in good working order, the program can also include preventive measures to address potential safety hazards.
Why is Preventive Maintenance Important?
A well-designed and executed PM program offers several important benefits, including:
- Improved equipment performance and efficiency
- Reduced unscheduled downtime
- Extended equipment life
- Reduced repair and replacement costs
- Improved safety Improved customer satisfaction
A PM program can also improve the facility’s overall efficiency by reducing the need for emergency repairs, which can be disruptive and costly.
How does the Work Order Management System help?
A work order management system can help you implement and track your preventive maintenance program. A work order management system can provide you with the ability to:
- Create and track preventive maintenance work orders
- Schedule preventive maintenance tasks
- Receive alerts when preventive maintenance tasks are due
- Generate reports on the status of your preventive maintenance program
Work order management systems can also help you track and manage corrective maintenance work orders. Corrective maintenance work orders are generated when a problem occurs and needs to be fixed.
By tracking preventive and corrective maintenance work orders in a single system, you can get a complete picture of the maintenance activities at your facility.
When choosing a work order management system, look for one that offers the features and functionality you need to support your preventive maintenance program.
This guide helps you understand that the work order management system is simplified with the help of PM software, as their features help with scheduling and can help trigger work orders automatically.
