Acoustic analysis

Acoustic analysis, also referred to as noise and vibration analysis, is a pivotal method for studying sound waves in various environments – from homes and offices to factory floors. In the realm of maintenance, acoustic analysis is integral in assess...

Advanced inventory management

Advanced inventory management refers to a strategic approach that utilizes data-driven insights to optimize your inventory. This method allows businesses to effectively manage inventory levels and reduce associated costs, working in harmony with dema...

Asset hierarchy

An asset hierarchy is a structured framework that organizes your assets in a way that enhances asset management efficiency. By categorizing and classifying assets into different levels, you gain better insight into your inventory, enabling you to mai...

Asset lifecycle management (ALM)

Asset Lifecycle Management (ALM) is crucial for enhancing the efficiency and cost-effectiveness of assets throughout their lifespan. From their acquisition to their eventual retirement, every asset in a production facility undergoes multiple stages. ...

Asset management policy

An asset management policy is a framework that sets out core principles and strategies for managing assets efficiently

Asset naming convention

In today's maintenance landscape, the efficiency of asset management can greatly influence operational success. This makes an asset naming convention a critical element for any organization using a Computerized Maintenance Management System (CMMS). A...

Asset performance management (APM)

Asset Performance Management (APM) and Computerized Maintenance Management Systems (CMMS) are essential tools for optimizing asset management and maintenance processes. In this guide, we'll explore the benefits, steps, and tips for using APM and CMMS...

Asset tracking

Asset tracking is a critical component of modern asset management, especially when integrated with a CMMS (Computerized Maintenance Management System). By documenting and accessing all relevant information about equipment and other valuable assets, o...

Autonomous maintenance

Autonomous maintenance is a groundbreaking approach that empowers machine operators to perform basic maintenance without excessive reliance on maintenance technicians. By equipping operators with essential knowledge, confidence, and skills, facilitie...

Basic maintenance triggers

Maintenance triggers play a critical role in alerting technicians when maintenance is needed on an asset. Efficiently planning, executing, and recording these triggers is vital for ensuring equipment remains in optimal condition. Utilizing a CMMS (Co...

Bill of materials (BOM)

A Bill of Materials (BOM) is a central document that lists all necessary raw materials, components, instructions, tools, and documentation required to manufacture, assemble, or repair a product. Crafting an accurate BOM involves various departments s...

Breakdown maintenance

Breakdown maintenance refers to the repair activities performed on equipment that has ceased functioning. This maintenance approach is primarily triggered by the equipment's failure, necessitating immediate attention to restore operations. Organizati...

Computer aided facility management (CAFM)

Computer-Aided Facility Management (CAFM) software is a powerful tool designed to streamline operations for businesses managing complex physical spaces and assets

Corrective maintenance

Corrective maintenance is essential for keeping your assets in optimal working condition by fixing any detected issues. Tasks involved in corrective maintenance can be either planned or unplanned. Here's what you need to know about this critical aspe...

Cycle time

Cycle time is defined as the total time taken to complete a project or process from initiation to conclusion. This important metric can be quantified in various time frames, such as minutes, hours, days, weeks, or even months. By tracking cycle time,...

Deferred maintenance

Deferred maintenance, often referred to as backlog maintenance, is the practice of postponing necessary maintenance on assets or facilities. This delay can be due to various factors, with the most common being budget constraints. When maintenance tas...

Deming cycle

The Deming Cycle is fundamental to enhancing processes in organizations, especially when integrated with a Computerized Maintenance Management System (CMMS). Developed by Dr. W. Edwards Deming, this continuous improvement methodology consists of four...

Design failure mode and effects analysis (DFMEA)

Design Failure Mode and Effects Analysis (DFMEA) is an essential analytical tool used to anticipate potential failures within a design. Primarily implemented during the early phases of product development, DFMEA aims to pinpoint possible failure mode...

Develop an asset management model

Exploring and implementing an effective asset management model can greatly enhance maintenance efficiency, reduce downtime, and improve productivity in your organization. Provides insights into developing and implementing reliable maintenance strateg...

Digital twin in predictive maintenance (PdMDT)

A digital twin is a digital representation of a physical asset or system that replicates its real-time performance, behavior, and condition. In the context of predictive maintenance (PdMDT), digital twins allow organizations to monitor, analyze, and ...

Distribution Control System (DCS)

A Distribution Control System (DCS) is a sophisticated computerized solution that monitors and controls various physical processes within industrial environments. It employs a network of sensors to gather data about machine states, such as temperatur...

Downtime Tracking

Downtime tracking is the practice of logging and analyzing periods when machinery or equipment is not operational. The primary goal is to uncover patterns that can lead to improved performance, reduced breakdowns, and better service delivery. This is...

Electrical engineering

Electrical engineering is a dynamic and essential field that revolves around the design, development, and testing of electrical systems and equipment. From creating powerful motors and transformers to developing cutting-edge power distribution system...

Emergency maintenance

In the realm of maintenance management, emergency maintenance—often referred to as breakdown maintenance—is a crucial concept every organization must understand. This type of maintenance is required when equipment or assets face unexpected breakdown...

Equipment depreciation

Equipment depreciation refers to the process of accounting for the gradual reduction in value of an asset over its useful life. This method allows businesses to spread the initial cost of equipment over several years, enabling better financial planni...

Equipment maintenance

Equipment maintenance encompasses the systematic practices of ensuring that machinery and equipment remain in optimal working condition. This involves various procedures aimed at prolonging equipment life, enhancing performance, and ensuring safety d...

Equipment maintenance log

An Equipment Maintenance Log is a systematic document that records all maintenance tasks performed on equipment. By logging these activities, organizations can prioritize preventive maintenance and prevent unplanned downtime. Accurate logs also supp...

Facility maintenance

Facility maintenance is crucial for minimizing unscheduled downtime and ensuring the optimal performance of assets within your facilities. This process involves both preventive and corrective actions to maintain equipment effectively.

Facility manager

As the backbone of an efficient workplace, facility managers are essential in orchestrating seamless building operations and maintenance. Whether you're new to the field or an experienced professional, understanding the diverse responsibilities and q...

Failure code

In simple terms, a failure code is a combination of numbers or alphanumeric acronyms that denote specific reasons for equipment or system failures. Each organization typically customizes these codes to align with their unique asset labeling conventio...

Failure mode and effects analysis (FMEA)

Failure Mode and Effects Analysis (FMEA) is a proactive tool used for identifying potential failures within processes, designs, or services, and evaluating their impact. This analytical method helps in understanding how and where failures might occur...

Failure mode, effects, and criticality analysis (FMECA)

Failure Modes, Effects, and Criticality Analysis (FMECA) is a systematic approach within a Computerized Maintenance Management System (CMMS) used to identify and evaluate potential failures in equipment and systems. By recognizing and prioritizing th...

Failure modes effects and diagnostic analysis - FMEDA

Failure Modes, Effects, and Diagnostic Analysis (FMEDA) is a structured methodology used to identify potential failure modes within systems, components, or processes. This approach extends the traditional Failure Modes and Effects Analysis (FMEA) by ...

Failure reporting, analysis, and corrective action system (FRACAS)

FRACAS, or Failure Reporting, Analysis, and Corrective Action System, is a strategic maintenance tool used for optimizing asset management within a CMMS (Computerized Maintenance Management System). It revolutionizes how maintenance professionals und...

Fault tree analysis (FTA)

Fault tree analysis (FTA) is a powerful tool that plays a crucial role in identifying the causes behind system failures.

Field service management software

Field service management (FSM) software is a powerful tool designed to streamline maintenance operations for organizations with off-site workers. Accessible through mobile devices, this technology enables managers and supervisors to optimize workforc...

First time fix (FTF)

First Time Fix (FTF) is a crucial maintenance metric that indicates the percentage of issues resolved by technicians on the first attempt, without the need for further expertise, information, or parts. A high FTF rate is essential for enhancing custo...

Fixed asset management

Fixed asset management refers to the systematic oversight of fixed assets within a facility. These assets are tangible and typically have a lifespan of over one year. Examples include buildings, land, machinery, and vital equipment.

Fleet maintenance

Fleet maintenance encompasses the regular upkeep and repair of company vehicles to guarantee they remain safe, reliable, and efficient. This involves systematic inspections and timely repairs to prevent any component failures that could jeopardize th...

Functional failure mode and effects analysis (FFMEA)

Discover how integrating Functional Failure Mode and Effects Analysis (FFMEA) into a Computerized Maintenance Management System (CMMS) can streamline your maintenance processes. Utilizing FFMEA helps proactively identify, assess, and mitigate potenti...

Gemba

A gemba walk is an essential practice within maintenance management, focusing on areas where work actually happens. By integrating CMMS into the process, leaders can gain accurate insights, ensuring that operations are not only efficient but also con...

Grounds maintenance

Grounds maintenance is essential for the upkeep of any facility, ensuring that outdoor spaces are not only aesthetically pleasing but also functional. It encompasses a range of activities aimed at maintaining the exterior of buildings and landscapes....

Hazard analysis and critical control point (HACCP)

Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point (HACCP) is a proactive approach to managing food safety. Its goal is to identify and prevent potential hazards throughout the food production and processing stages. Unlike reactive systems that deal with pro...

Heavy equipment maintenance software

Heavy equipment maintenance tracking software is a powerful tool that assists organizations in managing the upkeep and repairs of their heavy equipment. This software facilitates the planning of routine and preventive maintenance, procurement of spar...

Idle time

Idle time, often called waiting time, refers to the moments when employees or machines are ready to work but cannot be productive. This distinction is crucial: while idle time indicates that work can be done but isn’t, downtime means that operations ...

Infrared thermography

Infrared thermography is an advanced, non-contact technique that measures temperature variations by detecting infrared radiation emitted from objects. This innovative technology finds applications across various fields, including medical diagnostics,...

Inventory control

Inventory control, often referred to as stock control, plays a crucial role in your maintenance operations by managing the spare parts inventory. It’s essential for ensuring that maintenance tasks run smoothly without overstocking parts that could be...

Kaizen

Kaizen emphasizes incremental improvements that gradually lead to significant advancements. This approach, adopted by industry giants like Toyota, Lockheed, and Pixar, is crucial for sustaining a lean maintenance environment, aligning with methodolog...

Leak detection and repair (LDAR)

Leak Detection and Repair (LDAR) is a strategic approach used by maintenance teams to identify, assess, and rectify leaks—from air, water, gas, to electricity—within pipelines, tanks, and other critical systems. Implementing an LDAR program is crucia...

Lean maintenance

Lean maintenance takes cues from lean manufacturing principles but adapts them for maintenance purposes. It prioritizes asset reliability over a pull-based system seen in manufacturing. Unlike manufacturing, where demand dictates production, maintena...

Lean manufacturing

Lean manufacturing is a production philosophy focused on minimizing waste while maximizing productivity, and efficiency in operations. Core to its success is the integration of a reliable CMMS, which plays a vital role in achieving lean principles.

Lockout tagout (LOTO)

Discover the importance of Lockout Tagout (LOTO) in ensuring workplace safety during equipment maintenance. With our comprehensive guide, ensure that your maintenance procedures meet the highest safety standards using your Computerized Maintenance Ma...

Machine availability

Machine availability, often synonymous with uptime, is a critical metric that assesses the operational time of a machine against its scheduled time. It is pivotal for production planning as it influences production capacity, delivery schedules, antic...

Machine maintenance

Machine maintenance is crucial for keeping mechanical assets operational with minimal downtime. This process involves regular inspections, routine checks, scheduled service, and both preventative and emergency repairs. A strategic maintenance approac...

Maintenance budget

A maintenance budget is a detailed financial plan for managing the costs of maintaining assets. It categorizes expenses by type—such as preventive or reactive maintenance—and by asset group or individual asset. With a structured budget, you can prior...

Maintenance engineer

A maintenance engineer is a pivotal player in ensuring that a business operates smoothly by managing equipment and processes efficiently. They proactively monitor machinery to detect potential issues before they escalate into costly problems.

Maintenance inventory system

Discover how a Computerized Maintenance Management System (CMMS) can streamline your maintenance inventory processes and enhance operational efficiency. Learn the advantages of digital inventory management and explore the solutions that make organizi...

Maintenance management

Maintenance management is a cornerstone of any efficient operation. The use of a Computerized Maintenance Management System (CMMS) plays a vital role in planning, executing, and monitoring maintenance activities to keep equipment and facilities opera...

Maintenance manager

Maintenance managers play a critical role in ensuring the efficient operation and longevity of an organization's equipment and facilities. By using a CMMS, these professionals can enhance their workflow, ensuring that both repairs and replacements ar...

Maintenance planner

Maintenance planners play a crucial role in modern facilities by efficiently orchestrating maintenance activities. As guardians of operational efficiency, these professionals ensure that work orders and preventive maintenance tasks are flawlessly exe...

Maintenance repairs and operations (MRO)

Maintenance, repairs, and operations (MRO) refers to the systematic processes involved in keeping equipment and infrastructure in optimal working condition. Also known as maintenance, repair, and overhaul, MRO practices are critical in preventing equ...

Maintenance schedules

Effective maintenance schedules are crucial for the longevity and efficiency of your assets. In this guide, we'll explore preventive maintenance scheduling, including its types and benefits. Read on to discover how you can optimize your maintenance s...

Maintenance SOP

A Maintenance Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) is a comprehensive document outlining the precise steps that maintenance personnel must follow when performing specific tasks. These SOPs delineate the expected practices and quality standards to ensur...

Maintenance technician

A maintenance technician is a vital professional responsible for ensuring machinery, equipment, and tools are in optimal working condition. These skilled individuals work across various industries, often taking charge of maintaining the facilities th...

Manufacturing Execution System (MES)

A Manufacturing Execution System (MES) is a sophisticated software platform designed to automate and optimize production processes. It provides manufacturers with real-time visibility into their operations, enabling them to track and monitor every st...

Master Equipment List (MEL) in CMMS

A Master Equipment List (MEL) is an essential document for any maintenance team. It serves as a comprehensive inventory of all equipment utilized in maintenance operations. This list not only catalogs the equipment but may also include vital details ...

Material safety data sheets (MSDS)

Safety Data Sheets (formerly MSDS) are essential documents that provide detailed information about the potential hazards and safety measures associated with chemicals. These sheets are vital for anyone handling, storing, or transporting chemicals, of...

Message queuing telemetry transport (MQTT)

Message Queuing Telemetry Transport (MQTT) is a lightweight, open-source messaging protocol designed for devices operating on low-bandwidth, high-latency, or unreliable networks. Developed by IBM in the late 1990s, MQTT has emerged as a pivotal playe...

Meter based maintenance

Meter-based maintenance refers to the practice of conducting maintenance on equipment based on specific meter readings. These meters can track various parameters, including operational hours, kilometers driven, production counts, or significant opera...

Nested PM

Traditionally, if multiple preventive maintenance (PM) cycles for a piece of equipment coincided on the same date, maintenance teams had to create separate scheduled maintenance triggers in their CMMS (Computerized Maintenance Management System). Thi...

Oil analysis

Oil analysis is a critical component of asset maintenance, enabling businesses to assess the health of equipment engines and motors. By analyzing oil samples for metal content and moisture levels, maintenance teams can identify current issues and pot...

Operational performance

Operational performance is a critical measure of how efficiently a company executes its core business functions. Using Key Performance Indicators (KPIs), organizations can quantify and analyze their operational effectiveness.

Operations and maintenance

Operations and maintenance (O&M) involve a strategic approach to maintaining the health of your facilities. This process combines routine maintenance tasks, management protocols, training, budgeting, and a comprehensive understanding of business proc...

Original equipment manufacturer (OEM)

OEM stands for Original Equipment Manufacturer. It refers to a company that manufactures parts or equipment that are later sold and branded by another company, known as the Value-Added Reseller (VAR). OEM parts are designed and built to meet the exac...

OSHA certification

Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) aims to ensure safe and healthy working conditions by setting standards and offering training

Parts management software

Parts management software, integral to CMMS solutions, empowers maintenance teams to efficiently oversee and manage maintenance, repair, and operations (MRO) inventories. These systems allow for the smooth purchasing, organizing, and tracking of spar...

Plan Do Check Act (PDCA) cycle

The Plan Do Check Act (PDCA) cycle is a versatile and effective method for bringing about continuous improvement. This four-step approach—comprising Plan, Do, Check, and Act—enables teams to systematically test potential solutions, evaluate outcomes,...

Planned downtime

Planned downtime refers to the scheduled periods when production equipment is taken offline to perform essential maintenance, repairs, upgrades, or tests. Understanding and implementing planned downtime is crucial for maintaining the health of critic...

Pre-startup safety review (PSSR)

In industries dealing with hazardous chemicals or intricate equipment setups, ensuring operational safety before launching new or altered processes is crucial. This is where the Pre-startup Safety Review (PSSR) comes into play. PSSR is a systematic a...

Precision maintenance

Precision maintenance is a systematic approach to maintenance tasks, ensuring they are carried out with absolute consistency, accuracy, and compliance with industry best practices. This strategy enhances attention to detail, operational efficiency, a...

Process control systems (PCS)

Process Control Systems (PCS) play a critical role in overseeing and managing industrial operations across a range of sectors. These systems are employed to monitor and regulate processes like manufacturing, chemical production, oil and gas extractio...

Process failure mode and effects analysis (PFMEA)

Process Failure Mode and Effects Analysis (PFMEA) is a critical component of the broader Failure Mode and Effects Analysis (FMEA) used within Computerized Maintenance Management Systems (CMMS). PFMEA serves as a risk management tool that assesses pot...

Production efficiency

Production efficiency is crucial for businesses striving to optimize their resource utilization and enhance profitability. In the simplest terms, it measures how effectively a company transforms inputs (like materials and labor) into outputs (product...

Programmable logic controller (PLC)

Discover how PLCs, as the nervous system of industrial systems, empower maintenance teams to optimize equipment efficiency, streamline production lines, and enhance manufacturing processes. Learn how to effectively maintain these critical components ...

Property maintenance

Property maintenance is the comprehensive approach to keeping your assets—be it residential or commercial—in top condition. It encompasses routine tasks like cleaning, repairing, and replacing items, along with more elaborate projects such as landsca...

Remote terminal units (RTU)

Remote Terminal Units, commonly referred to as RTUs, are integral components in the realm of industrial automation and maintenance management. These smart devices gather, transmit, and process data from various sensors and actuators across industrial...

Repair and maintenance

Optimize your maintenance workflow with Maintainsoft CMMS. No matter your industry, the goal in maintenance is to ensure that equipment, tools, and infrastructure are running smoothly and efficiently, minimizing unplanned downtime and averting costly...

Repair tracking software

Repair tracking software is crucial for managing the maintenance and repair of industrial machinery. In an industrial or manufacturing setting, this software, often referred to as CMMS, maintenance software, field service software, or work order trac...

Root cause analysis (RCA)

Root Cause Analysis (RCA) is a strategic process used to uncover the fundamental reasons behind failure incidents in maintenance operations. By pinpointing the true cause, not just superficial symptoms, RCA plays a crucial role in enhancing the relia...

Routine maintenance

Routine maintenance encompasses tasks conducted on a consistent schedule, either time-based or usage-based. These tasks are generally simple and can be executed by personnel who need not possess specialized training or skills. This includes routine c...

Scheduled maintenance

Scheduled maintenance is an essential component in the management of assets, where tasks are pre-planned and assigned to maintenance personnel before being executed. It could be a routine task carried out at regular intervals, such as changing a conv...

Shewhart cycle

The Shewhart Cycle, commonly known as the Plan-Do-Check-Act (PDCA) cycle, is a powerful four-step methodology used in project management and continuous improvement. This cyclical approach allows organizations to test solutions, review outcomes, and i...

Six sigma

Six Sigma is a methodology that utilizes a set of tools and strategies aimed at improving product quality and production processes. It identifies and eliminates defects in processes to ensure consistently high-quality outputs. For maintenance teams, ...

Smart manufacturing

Smart manufacturing, often referred to as Industry 4.0 or the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT), integrates advanced technologies and data analytics to optimize manufacturing processes. This approach enhances quality, efficiency, and flexibility w...

Stockout

A stockout occurs when a product or spare part is completely out of stock, preventing businesses from fulfilling customer demands. Stockouts can arise from various factors, including supplier delays or unexpectedly high demand. Understanding stockout...

Stockout

A stockout occurs when a product is unavailable for sale, leaving customers empty-handed. This frustrating scenario can arise from various factors, such as suppliers failing to deliver on time or an unexpected surge in demand.

Supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA)

A Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) system is a powerful tool used for real-time monitoring and controlling of industrial processes

System availability

At the core, System Availability, also known as equipment availability or asset availability, measures the likelihood that an asset functions without failure or repair interruptions when needed. High availability is critical for ensuring efficient pr...

Technician scheduling software

Discover how technician scheduling software can transform your maintenance operations by making work assignments more efficient and effective. At MaintainSoft, we offer cutting-edge solutions using Computerized Maintenance Management Systems (CMMS) t...

Time-based maintenance (TBM)

Time-Based Maintenance (TBM) is a type of maintenance strategy that involves performing maintenance tasks on equipment according to a predetermined schedule. Essentially, time serves as the trigger for initiating maintenance actions.