Organizations have realized the value of technology for the workplace in ways that our predecessors never dreamed possible. Previously, the benefits of computers and software were limited to management of finances and the workforce, as well as for communication purposes. Innovators in the software industry, however, have learned the value of utilizing technology for every aspect of running a facility. We now have the ability to collect data that enables us to predict future needs, share information spanning the entire workforce, and automate processes that were previously left to employees to remember. The result is streamlined processes and a more efficient business, leading to lower costs and a more profitable business.
Perhaps one of the most valued software tools today is the Facility Maintenance module, where users have the ability to process service requests, communicate concerns, optimize and provide information that will aid the technician when responding to the service call. Data is collected and analyzed, offering us valuable insight into where our focus should shift regarding aspects of the building and its machinery. The module allows us to identify trends and gain an understanding as to how we can more efficiently run the facility. Data collected over the last decade points to preventive maintenance as one of the most effective and profitable methods of managing our buildings.
What is Preventative Maintenance and Why is it a Valuable Business Strategy?
Typically, service requests are generated by users on an as-needed basis. When an issue arises, a service ticket is created and the technician places it in their queue to respond. Emergencies arise and equipment breaks, so companies will never be able to fully abandon this process. However, with the right tools and careful analysis, your Facilities team can create a systematic work order schedule that will ensure all equipment is properly maintained. This approach is designed to improve the life of your equipment, as well as reduce the number of unplanned maintenance issues.
Preventive maintenance plans typically include minor component replacement, inspection and testing of machinery, preplanned maintenance activities, and lubrication, cleaning, and adjusting, based on findings of the inspection. The company budget is positively impacted, as PM plans extend the life of equipment and the facility, depreciation and breakdowns are minimized, and issues are often identified before productivity is impacted.
Whether you own the facility or are leasing it, your maintenance plan and its benefits remain the same:
- Safety- A PM plan ensures the highest standards of care, avoiding any emergency situations that could put your people at risk.
- Efficiency- As your equipment and machinery ages, normal wear and tear is expected. When not properly attended to, this will affect the overall efficiency of the building and its energy costs.
- Short-term savings- Large repairs or replacement often come at a much higher price tag than regular, scheduled maintenance. Emergency repairs also typically bring about a loss in productivity while waiting for any issues to be corrected. Since routine maintenance is a scheduled event, you can plan for a time when the impact on productivity will be minimized.
- Long-term Savings- The long-term savings of a PM plan come in multiple forms. Routine maintenance of the facility’s assets not only helps prevent asset breakdown, it also minimizes the chances of secondary failures that typically occur when failures happen. Lastly, your Maintenance software should offer you the benefits of data analysis, so you can identify any assets that cost more to maintain than replace, further protecting the overall budget.