2) Preventive Maintenance

Preventive maintenance is time-based and typically includes periodic servicing and overhaul. An example is the motor car where the oil is changed after a certain number of miles, or a certain period of time has elapsed.

Advantages:

• Greater control and confidence in the availability of equipment.
  
  
• Scheduling of maintenance tasks with production requirements.
  
  
• Scheduling of maintenance resources to give the most efficient use of labour.
  
  
• Avoidance of the premature deterioration of equipment.

However, the cost effectiveness of preventive maintenance does depend on:

• Knowledge of the equipment and its failure / deterioration characteristics.
  
  
• Adherence to the maintenance schedule and the quality of the work carried out.
  
  
• Discipline of keeping records and updating the system.

Disadvantages:

• Can increase maintenance costs through over-maintaining equipment.
  
  
• Can cause failures as a result of the maintenance activity.
  
  
• Is most effective when the deterioration of the equipment is age related.