Periodic maintenance is an ongoing process that helps extend the life of any piece of equipment. It involves inspecting and servicing machinery or equipment on a regular schedule to ensure it remains in peak performance. If you operate a manufacturing plant, warehouse, or another industrial site, periodic maintenance can prevent small issues from turning into major problems.
It’s also an excellent way to reduce your operating costs by reducing the risk of unplanned downtime and repairs. At first glance, periodic maintenance appears like an unnecessary cost -- why not just replace broken parts when they break? Well, because those small repairs add up fast!
Luckily, once you understand the benefits of periodic maintenance, it’s fairly easy to implement it in your own business.
Why is periodic maintenance Important?
Periodic maintenance is a system that helps you manage replacement parts, repairs, and other maintenance activities. If you have a machine or piece of equipment that needs periodic maintenance, that means you need to perform certain tasks regularly to keep it in good working condition.
Periodic maintenance is important because if you don’t perform it on a regular basis, certain parts could break and cause your entire operation to shut down. Periodic maintenance helps to extend the life of your equipment and reduce breakdowns by identifying potential problems before they escalate into full-blown failures.
What is a periodic maintenance procedure plan?
A periodic maintenance procedure plan is a document that outlines the maintenance activities and procedures for a given piece of equipment or machinery. It includes information like what types of parts are included in the scheduled maintenance, how often each part should be checked, and what specific testing or measurements should be completed. A periodic maintenance procedure plan should be created for every piece of equipment in your operation that requires periodic maintenance.
With the right plan in place, you’ll know exactly when and what maintenance tasks need to be performed.
What is the difference between periodic and preventive maintenance?
Periodic maintenance is a set schedule for inspection and repair of a machine or piece of equipment. Preventive maintenance is a proactive strategy for keeping machines and equipment in good working condition.
Some of the main differences include:
- Preventative maintenance is less frequent than periodic maintenance
- Periodic maintenance is time-based (scheduled) maintenance activity whereas preventative maintenance activity depends on the condition of the asset
The important thing to remember is that both of these activities are used to keep machines and equipment in good working order. The key difference is that periodic maintenance is used to address issues as they arise, whereas preventive maintenance acts as a preventative measure to keep machines in good working order.
Servicing and Inspection Checklist:
- Check the condition of the flooring and walkways. Make sure they are sturdy and free of debris. Broken equipment could be hidden beneath a shifting walkway.
- Check the electrical system and make sure that there are no loose connections. Make sure the circuit breakers work as they should.
- Ensure that all stairwells are free of debris. Make sure there is adequate lighting in stairwells, hallways, and areas where you walk.
- Examine the fire extinguishers and make sure they are in good condition. Check the expiration dates and replace them if necessary.
- Check the condition of the plumbing. Make sure there are no leaks and that the water flow is normal.
- Check the HVAC system and make sure that it is operating as it should.
- Check the filters and make sure they are cleaned as needed.
- Examine any exterior doors, windows, and the roof. Make sure they are in good condition and free of debris.
- Check the exterior of the building. Make sure there are no signs of damage.
Conclusion
Regular maintenance helps prolong the life of equipment by ensuring it stays in top condition. In addition to inspecting and servicing machinery or equipment on a regular basis, periodic maintenance includes other maintenance procedures such as lubrication, adjustments, and cleaning. When unplanned downtime and repairs become too costly, periodic maintenance can be a way to reduce operating costs. It seems like an unnecessary expense at first glance—why not just replace broken parts as they fail?
However, these short-term repairs can add up to the same cost as periodic maintenance. Preventive maintenance, when performed regularly, can help avoid costly repairs and keep machines operating efficiently.
We’ve outlined the steps you can take to start keeping your business in top shape and avoid costly repairs in the future. You can start with a thorough inspection of your property to find potential problems before they cause major issues. Next, you can schedule regular maintenance to keep your property in good working order. Finally, you can identify any problems that you can solve yourself instead of calling in expensive contractors to avoid wasting money in the long run.
If you’re looking to build a plan for periodic maintenance for your facility, an all-in-one solution like FlowPath is your best bet. Schedule a demo today and unlock your facility’s true potential.
About FlowPath
Founded in 2019, FlowPath is a facilities management software that automates work orders, maintenance, communication, notifications, projects, and reporting in a simple-to-use platform that can be leveraged across industries. FlowPath was named a Gartner top Facility Management Software for 2022. To learn more, visit https://www.getflowpath.com.
