Many facility managers use reactive management. Reactive management is when a piece of equipment continues running until it breaks, at which time it is either repaired or replaced, depending on the damage and cost. Sometimes reactive management fits if it’s financially sensible – such as with light bulbs. It’s also preferable to use if a piece of equipment is costing a great deal to maintain, and replacing it will be more cost-effective in the long-run (for example a very outdated air-conditioning unit).
However, reactive management can be much costlier in comparison to other models. This happens due to early equipment failure, bad energy efficiency, the duration of time involved in fixing or replacing items, and the man hours associated with this. However, there are a number ways in which to reduce the amount of reactive management that happens in your facility.
How Can I Avoid Reactive Maintenance?
1. Preventative Maintenance
Regular preventative maintenance is a successful way to curb reactive management, and can be extremely cost-effective. This strategy works by devoting time to systematically maintain equipment to stop problems before they happen. It is often used on high-cost items. Preventative maintenance often involves tasks like cleaning, lubricating, and replacing parts, and can result in cutting costs by up to 20 percent.
2. Predictive Maintenance
This system uses technology to continuously monitor a piece of equipment. It can be costly to install and run, however if the item is extremely valuable or its malfunction will have a significant negative effect on productivity, it can be worth it. This can help save up to 40 percent on costs, as data about equipment is collected constantly so problems are easily recognized and fixed.
3. Balanced Maintenance
The final model is a combination of all of the above: Reactive, preventative, and predictive. This is the most cost-efficient form of maintenance, and should follow a rough combination of 10% reactive, 35% preventive, and 55% predictive. Taking a balanced approach to maintenance can help make your facility more cost-effective and efficient.
