Corrective Maintenance (Reactive)
Repair when it breaks. This is the “Run-to-failure” approach. While it is the most expensive mode in terms of unplanned downtime and weight, it can remain acceptable for non-critical and easily replaceable equipment.
Preventive Maintenance
Intervening according to a fixed schedule or a number of hours of use (e.g., every 6 months). This is an improvement over corrective maintenance, but it carries two risks: replacing parts that are still perfectly functional (waste) or experiencing a random failure between two inspections.
Predictive Maintenance
Intervening only when the actual condition of the machine justifies it, thanks to constant data monitoring. This is the “Just-in-time” of maintenance.
How to Choose the Right Strategy?
You must evaluate the total cost of a breakdown (lost production + parts + emergency labor).
- Critical Machines: Predictive is essential to guarantee operational continuity.
- Semi-critical Machines: Preventive is often a good compromise.
- Non-critical Machines: Corrective can be considered if it does not impact safety.
The ultimate goal is to find the optimal economic balance for each asset in your plant.