autonomous maintenance |
A maintenance technique in which tasks are performed by the machine operator rather than maintenance staff. Autonomous maintenance is a element of total productive maintenance. |
baseline reading |
Initial data collected while a machine is in working order. Baseline readings are compared to future readings in order to detect machine problems. |
computerized maintenance management system |
CMMS. A type of management software that performs functions to support operations and maintenance programs. Facility personnel can use CMMS to track and monitor the time and costs associated with maintenance. |
condition-based maintenance |
CBM. A type of predictive maintenance which depends on continuous or periodic monitoring to both anticipate failures and alert machine operators to potential problems. CBM is a type of predictive maintenance. |
corrective maintenance |
CM. The practice of performing maintenance on a machine after a problem becomes apparent but before the machine fails. CM corrects problems before reactive maintenance is necessary. |
downtime |
A period of time when production stops, often due to mechanical failure or maintenance needs. Downtime can be planned or unplanned. |
lean manufacturing |
An approach to manufacturing that seeks to improve quality, reduce cost, and eliminate waste. Total productive maintenance is a maintenance approach used in lean manufacturing. |
maintenance |
Any activity that contributes to the care and upkeep of machines or equipment. Maintenance approaches can involve monitoring equipment for problems or fixing a machine after it breaks down. |
maintenance planner |
A person who schedules and coordinates maintenance activities. Companies with large maintenance departments often hire maintenance planners. |
overall equipment effectiveness |
OEE. A lean metric that measures how effectively equipment is being used. Overall equipment effectiveness is determined by multiplying the percentage of an equipment's availability, quality, and performance together. |
planned downtime |
A scheduled stop in production which is often used for machine maintenance. Planned downtime is preferable to unplanned downtime, which is usually caused by machine failure. |
predictive maintenance |
PdM. A maintenance approach that tests and monitors each machine individually in order to predict failures. In PdM, periodic readings are compared to baseline readings in order to identify problems. |
preventive maintenance |
PM. The practice of performing standard maintenance functions on a scheduled basis in order to prevent breakdowns. PM tasks are usually determined by the age of the equipment. |
reactive maintenance |
RM. The practice of performing immediate maintenance on a machine only after it becomes damaged or problematic. RM is not a cost-effective long term maintenance approach. |
reliability-centered maintenance |
RCM. A maintenance approach that identifes the maintenance requirements for each machine based on the needs of the work environment. RCM prioritizes some machines over others. |
run-to-failure |
A maintenance policy that allows equipment to run until it breaks down, at which point reactive maintenance may be performed. Run-to-failure is typically used for low-priority machines. |
total productive maintenance |
TPM. A comprehensive maintenance approach that gives continuous attention to equipment in order to reduce waste. TPM encourages employee participation and incorporates lean manufacturing principles. |
unplanned downtime |
An unexpected stop in production due to maintenance, mechanical failure, or other processing problems. Unplanned downtime can lead to safety problems and production losses. |
vibration analysis |
A maintenance technique that measures levels of machine vibration in order to determine if the machine is functioning properly. Increases in vibration usually indicate a problem. |