What is maintenance planning? (2024)

Maintenance planning is the process of determining what maintenance work should be done and how it should be carried out. A strong maintenance plan is founded in the “why” of maintenance tasks, and it should be constantly updated as data becomes more complete.

Tip:Note that maintenance planning is not the same as scheduling. Maintenance scheduling has to do with daily work schedules and deadlines, whereas planning handles the processes and materials involved in maintaining equipment.

The maintenance planning process

Maintenance planning begins with a work order. From there, maintenance plannersplan out maintenance tasks.

This process consists of these steps:

1. Identify the problem
2. Inspect the asset and premises
3. Determine how work should be completed
4. Secure needed parts and materials
5. Prioritize tasks
6. Schedule and complete work orders
7. Gather data and follow up

Each of these steps is an important part of maintenance planning, but the last one is perhaps the most vital. Using data to make improvements to maintenance planning produces the safest, most effective methodsfor maintaining key pieces of equipment.

Tip:A well-designed CMMSmakes asset tracking and work order management easy. As such, it’s an invaluable component of maintenance planning.

The advantages of proper maintenance planning

When done well, maintenance planning yields a number of benefits, including:

• A more orderly work environment
• Increased maintenance productivity with decreased costs
• Increased asset life
• Lower equipment downtime
• A safer workplace
• A more proactive workplace culture

Ultimately, strong maintenance planning solidifies equipment reliability, improves production, and increases profitability.

Improving maintenance planning at your facility

To take your facility’s maintenance planning to the next level, consider implementing these best practices:

• Use key indicators—such as schedule compliance, PMP, and MTTR—to plan tasks.
• Prioritize critical, high-risk equipment over noncritical, low-risk assets.
• Keep necessary parts in stock.
• Don’t waste MRO budget on unnecessary parts (which often compose 68% of all item types).
• Examine workflows and eliminate obstacles.
• Keep open communication with operators.
• Examine equipment in person. Get out of the office.

Ultimately, maintenance planning improves as planners keep a watchful eye on data and collaborate with other departments.