Preventive maintenance sounds like a no-brainer: fix things before they break, save money, avoid headaches, and keep equipment humming along for years. And yet… most companies still don’t fully commit.90% of maintenance teams say preventive maintenance is “very” or “extremely” valuable. But only about half of them plan most of their maintenance activities ahead of time.
Preventive maintenance sounds like a no-brainer: fix things before they break, save money, avoid headaches, and keep equipment humming along for years. And yet… most companies still don’t fully commit.
90% of maintenance teams say preventive maintenance is “very” or “extremely” valuable. But only about half of them plan most of their maintenance activities ahead of time.
So what’s going on? And how can we close the gap between knowing it’s good for business and actually doing it?
Most teams already agree that preventive maintenance is essential. In fact:
That’s because the benefits are hard to ignore:
Unplanned breakdowns are expensive, stressful, and often happen at the worst possible time. Preventive maintenance catches issues before they turn into full-blown shutdowns, keeping operations smooth and customers happy.
Regular check-ups, part replacements, and servicing help equipment last longer and perform better. That means fewer big-ticket replacements and more value from what you already own.
Routine inspections don’t just protect equipment—they protect people. Plus, many industries have strict maintenance regulations, and preventive work keeps you on the right side of those rules.
Yes, preventive maintenance takes time and resources. But it’s almost always cheaper than emergency repairs, rush shipping, and paying techs overtime.
If preventive maintenance is so great, why do only half of companies make it a regular habit? The reasons are surprisingly relatable:
Maintenance teams are often stuck in “firefighting mode,” dealing with emergencies instead of sticking to a schedule. Without extra hands or breathing room, planned tasks get bumped.
If you’re still tracking work on spreadsheets or paper logs, it’s no wonder things slip through the cracks. Without a CMMS (computerized maintenance management system), organizing and prioritizing preventive work is much harder.
Production wants to keep machines running. Leadership wants output high. Sometimes, that means planned maintenance gets delayed “just until next week”… and then next week never comes.
Switching from a reactive mindset to a preventive one takes cultural change. And without leadership support, it’s easy for teams to revert back to “we’ll fix it when it breaks.”
Here’s how companies can go from good intentions to real, consistent preventive programs:
A CMMS can automate scheduling, track asset health in real time, and even predict failures before they happen. That means less guesswork, fewer missed tasks, and better use of your team’s time.
Maintenance, production, operations—everyone needs to see maintenance as a value-add, not a disruption. Regular check-ins help align schedules and priorities.
Preventive maintenance isn’t free—it needs people, training, tools, and budget. Make sure your maintenance team can focus on long-term care, not just emergencies.
Measure the results: less downtime, lower repair costs, longer asset life. Showing the ROI makes it easier to justify the investment and keep leadership onboard.
Almost every maintenance team believes preventive maintenance is worth it—but far fewer actually put it into practice. With better tools, stronger collaboration, the right resources, and clear performance tracking, companies can close that gap and reap the full benefits.
The payoff? More uptime, safer work environments, and equipment that keeps performing year after year.
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