When is it most appropriate to conduct preventative maintenance on machinery?

Conducting preventative maintenance as part of a scheduled routine is ideal because it ensures that machinery is regularly inspected, serviced, and repaired before any issues can lead to equipment failure. This proactive approach minimizes the risk of unexpected downtime, enhances equipment reliability, and extends the lifespan of the machinery. By scheduling maintenance, organizations can plan for it during off-peak hours or times when the machinery is not in high demand, allowing for a smoother operational flow and reducing disruptions.

In contrast, conducting maintenance only when machinery fails can lead to unexpected downtime and higher repair costs. Performing maintenance during peak operational hours can interrupt production and negatively impact output. Simply doing maintenance whenever time permits may lead to neglecting critical components and could result in equipment failure due to missed scheduling. Thus, a structured maintenance schedule is essential for optimal production efficiency and reliability.