Preventive Maintenance
Preventive maintenance is the practice of servicing assets on a fixed schedule, before they break down, to reduce unplanned downtime, extend equipment life and lower total maintenance costs.
Preventive maintenance (PM) is a proactive maintenance strategy in which assets are serviced at predetermined time or usage intervals to reduce the likelihood of failure. Tasks may include inspections, lubrication, filter changes, calibrations, and component replacements. PM schedules are typically based on manufacturer recommendations, regulatory requirements, or historical failure data.
Why it matters
Unplanned equipment failures can halt operations, create safety hazards, and cost several times more to repair than a scheduled service. Preventive maintenance reduces unplanned downtime, improves asset reliability, and helps organisations comply with safety regulations such as WHS in Australia, OSHA 29 CFR 1910 in the United States, and PUWER in the United Kingdom. Over time, PM data also reveals patterns that inform smarter scheduling and budgeting decisions.
How MapTrack helps
MapTrack automates preventive maintenance scheduling by time, meter readings, or usage thresholds, and sends alerts to technicians before a service is due so nothing falls through the cracks.
Related guides
Automate your maintenance scheduling
Set recurring tasks, track work orders and eliminate missed services with MapTrack.
- No credit card required
- 30 days free trial
- Cancel anytime
Frequently asked questions
How often should preventive maintenance be performed?
The interval depends on the asset type, manufacturer recommendations, operating conditions, and regulatory requirements. High-utilisation equipment may need weekly or monthly checks, while less critical assets might follow quarterly or annual cycles. Reviewing service history and failure data helps refine intervals over time.
What is the difference between preventive and predictive maintenance?
Preventive maintenance follows fixed time or usage intervals regardless of actual asset condition, whereas predictive maintenance uses real-time sensor data and analytics to service assets only when indicators suggest a failure is approaching. Preventive maintenance is simpler to implement; predictive maintenance can further reduce unnecessary servicing costs.
What are common preventive maintenance tasks?
Typical tasks include oil and filter changes, belt and hose inspections, fluid level checks, lubrication of moving parts, calibration of instruments, tyre pressure checks, brake inspections and safety device testing. The specific tasks depend on the asset type, manufacturer recommendations and operating environment. A well-structured PM checklist ensures nothing is missed.
Related terms
Maintenance Scheduling
Maintenance scheduling is the process of planning when maintenance tasks will be performed, assigning resources (technicians, parts, equipment), and sequencing work to minimise disruption to operations. Effective scheduling balances preventive maintenance intervals, corrective work priorities, resource availability, and production demands. It transforms a backlog of work orders into an executable plan.
Corrective Maintenance
Corrective maintenance refers to repair or restoration work carried out after a fault, defect, or failure has been identified in an asset. It may be triggered by an operator report, a failed inspection, or an unexpected breakdown. Corrective tasks range from minor adjustments to major overhauls, depending on the severity of the issue.
Predictive Maintenance
Predictive maintenance (PdM) uses real-time data from sensors, IoT devices, and analytics to forecast when an asset is likely to fail, enabling maintenance to be performed just before a breakdown occurs. Techniques include vibration analysis, oil analysis, thermal imaging, and machine-learning models trained on historical failure data. It represents the most advanced tier of proactive maintenance strategies.
Computerised Maintenance Management System (CMMS)
A CMMS is software that centralises maintenance information, automates work order management, and tracks the upkeep of physical assets such as plant, equipment, and fleet. It stores service history, schedules preventive tasks, and manages spare parts inventory. Organisations use a CMMS to move from reactive, paper-based maintenance to a structured, data-driven approach.
Downtime
Downtime is any period during which an asset is unavailable for its intended function. It can be planned (scheduled maintenance, shutdowns, inspections) or unplanned (breakdowns, failures, waiting for parts). Downtime is typically measured in hours and expressed as a percentage of total available time, providing a key indicator of asset availability.
See how MapTrack handles preventive maintenance
Ready to track every asset?
Join construction, mining and field service teams across Australia.
4.8 on G2 · 4.9 on Capterra
- No credit card required
- 30 days free trial
- Cancel anytime