How does your company fare when it comes to maintaining its equipment? Is it reactive or proactive?
Reactive maintenance involves repairing an asset only after it fails. On the other hand, proactive maintenance aims to prevent repairs and asset failure through preventive and predictive methods. So, what sets them apart?
Industries such as food, fuel, and manufacturing prioritize proactive maintenance, while others remain stuck in a reactive mindset. Surprisingly, over half of U.S. companies (55%) follow a “run to failure” approach to maintenance. With this reactive method, assets are operated until they break down, leading to unexpected and costly downtimes. Repairs are made only after a failure occurs, without regular maintenance in between.
In contrast, preventive maintenance includes planned and scheduled tasks based on time or meter triggers to reduce the chances of asset failure. Regularly checking, cleaning, and maintaining equipment not only extends its lifespan but also enhances reliability, minimizing downtime and boosting productivity and profitability.
Predictive maintenance goes a step further by using data trends to conduct maintenance. It monitors an asset’s efficiency and wear through data collected from various tools like vibration analysis, oil analysis, and thermal imaging. By analyzing trends through predictive algorithms, this method predicts when maintenance or replacement is needed, ensuring equipment is only shut down when necessary.
While preventive and predictive maintenance share similar goals, they differ in execution. Preventive maintenance tasks are usually done during equipment shutdowns based on a predetermined schedule, while predictive maintenance analyzes real-time data to predict maintenance needs while the equipment is running.
Both approaches have their merits, and a combination of preventive and predictive maintenance can form a robust maintenance strategy. Ultimately, the choice between the two methods depends on the specific needs and capabilities of each company.
Whether it’s proactive maintenance or reactive maintenance you need, East Coast Filtration is here to help. Contact us today, and be sure to visit Lakos.com to view their full list of products.