At MaintenX we talk a lot about preventative maintenance (PM) planning, but many of our clients confuse this for the list of manufacturer recommendations for their assets. While manufacturer recommendations are a great guide, they do not comprise even half of what is necessary for an effective PM strategy.
Below are the five elements you need in order to have an effective PM program for your electrical, plumbing, roofing, and HVAC systems:
A schedule for cleaning and inspections
Your manufacturer recommendations will likely help you with the bulk of this schedule. Skipping cleaning or tune-ups on major appliances can affect your system performance, so be sure to make a plan and stick to it.
A CMMS software
A computerized maintenance management software (CMMS) is essential for keeping track of maintenance history, service requests, technician notes, and more. If you’re still relying on a simple paper trail for all of your maintenance history, you’ll never be able to improve your processes over time. Digitalizing the process makes for a more efficient maintenance scheduling process.
A long-term plan
Your cleaning and inspection schedule comprises your short-term plan, but how do you plan to adjust for building aging, changes in maintenance technologies, and performance changes as your equipment becomes outdated? By planning for maintenance five and ten years down the road, you can better shape your building for long-term efficiency.
A budget for renovations and upgrades
You don’t want to wait until a major system fails to start thinking about an upgrade. Set aside a budget for HVAC, plumbing, electrical, and roofing upgrades so that when the opportunity arises to replace equipment, you’re ready and can invest in the best options on the market.
A sustainability plan
The world and its resources are changing rapidly, with energy becoming more expensive and environmental sustainability becoming a more common concern in building design. As your facility equipment ages, you’ll want to plan for renovations that include environmentally-sustainable design.
These five elements create a PM program that takes your building’s future and performance into account far beyond simple appliance repair. To learn more about how you can plan for your building’s future through maintenance planning, visit our Resource Center.
