Maintenance Glossary

A

ABC Inventory Analysis

Method used in inventory management to categorize items based on their value and importance.

Additive Manufacturing

A process of building three-dimensional objects by adding material layer by layer based on a digital design.

Acoustic Analysis

Acoustic analysis, sometimes known as noise and vibration analysis, is the process of studying sound waves. Sound waves exist in all environments, from homes to offices to factory floors.

Advanced Inventory Management

Advanced inventory management is a process that uses data to make better decisions about inventory. It helps you manage levels and costs, often in conjunction with demand planning.

AI Powered CMMS

Computerized Maintenance Management System that uses artificial intelligence to enhance maintenance operations.

Analysis Paralysis

The inability to make a decision due to overthinking or an abundance of choice.

Annual Maintenance Contract (AMC)

A type of service agreement that provides ongoing maintenance and support for a specific equipment or asset.

Asset

Any physical item such as machinery or equipment used in operations provides value through functionality, efficiency, or productivity.

Asset Availability

The probability an asset is operational and ready for use when needed an uptime metric within RAM analysis.

Asset Hierarchy

An asset hierarchy is an important part of asset management. It helps you organize your assets and keep them working properly.

Asset Lifecycle

An asset life cycle is the series of stages involved in the management of an asset. It has 5 stages: plan, acquire, use, maintain, and dispose.

Asset Lifecycle Management (ALM)

A comprehensive approach to managing an organization's physical assets.

Asset Management

Systematic process of developing, operating, maintaining, upgrading, and disposing of physical assets cost-effectively.

Asset Management System

A software application used to track and manage physical and digital assets.

Asset Management Policy

An asset management policy is an essential component of having a solid and comprehensive asset management strategy.

Asset Naming Convention

An asset naming convention also referred to as an asset numbering system, defines how your assets will be referenced in a system.

Asset Performance Management (APM)

A strategic approach to managing assets that companies use in their daily business operations.

Asset Reliability

The ability of an asset to perform its intended function under specified conditions over a defined period of time without failure.

Asset Register

Centralized, structured record that contains detailed information about all the physical assets owned or managed by an organization.

Asset Tracking

Asset tracking is the process of documenting all information about a piece of equipment or other assets for easy access should the need arise.

Asset Turnover

Asset turnover is a measure of the use of assets in a business. It s used to determine how efficiently a company uses its assets, and to measure the financial.

Asset Utilization

A ratio showing how effectively assets are used to generate output or revenue helps optimize usage and ROI.

Audit Trail

A detailed, time-stamped record of all changes and activities within the system. It logs who made changes, what the changes were, and when they occurred, providing a comprehensive history of all actions within the system.

Automated Maintenance

Maintenance tasks that are performed with minimal human intervention using automated systems or technologies.

Automotive Work Order Software

Software that helps auto repair shops manage repair orders, streamline workflows, and improve efficiency. Often having features like digital repair orders, scheduling, inventory management, and customer communication tools.

Autonomous Maintenance

Operator-led maintenance tasks (e.g., cleaning, inspections) to reduce technician workload and foster ownership.

Auto Repair Work Order Software

Software that streamlines operations by digitizing the process of creating, managing, and tracking repair orders. Includes features like estimate creation, technician assignment, parts lookup, customer communication, and digital approval of work orders.

Availability-Based Maintenance (ABM)

A maintenance strategy that focuses on maximizing the operational time of equipment or systems by minimizing downtime.

Average Inventory Cost

A calculation that estimates the value or number of a particular good or set of goods during two or more specified periods.

Annualized Failure Rate (AFR)

Estimated probability that a device or component will fail during a full year of use.

B

Backlog

Maintenance tasks that have been identified but not yet completed.

Backoredering

Placing orders for maintenance, repair and operations (MRO) parts or materials not currently in stock or available from suppliers.

Barcode

Scannable labels used in CMMS for quick identification and access to asset history, work orders, and manuals.

Barcode Inventory System

Computerized method of tracking and managing inventory using barcode technology.

Benchmarking

The practice of comparing maintenance processes and performance metrics to industry bests and best practices from other companies.

Break-In Period

The initial period of use for a new vehicle or other mechanical component, during which it's recommended to operate it under specific conditions to ensure optimal long-term performance

Bill of materials

A detailed list of the parts and their respective quantities required to complete a project

Breakdown Frequency

A measure of the number of breakdowns that occur in a given period of time. It is calculated by dividing the total number of breakdowns by the total number of operating hours.

Breakdown Maintenance

Unplanned repair work initiated after an asset has failed, typically leading to downtime.

Breakdown Maintenance Cost

The expenses associated with repairing or replacing failed equipment, including labor, materials, and potential downtime costs.

Building Information Modeling (BIM)

A digital representation of physical and functional characteristics of a facility.

Building Maintenance Work Order Software

Software that helps managing maintenance tasks within a facility. Allows the creation, assignment, tracking, and completion of work orders, improving efficiency. Includes features like asset management, preventive maintenance scheduling, and reporting.

Bump Test

A process of ensuring the device's sensors and alarms are functioning correctly before each use.

C

Calendar-Based Maintenance

A preventive maintenance strategy where tasks are scheduled at fixed time intervals (e.g., daily, weekly, monthly), regardless of equipment usage.

Calibration

The process of adjusting and testing equipment to ensure it operates within specified parameters.

Capacity Utilization

Refers to the percentage of a manufacturing plant's total production capacity used at any given time. It is a ratio of actual output to maximum potential output.

Circular Economy

A system designed to minimize waste and maximize the use of resources by keeping products and materials in circulation for as long as possible through strategies like reuse, repair, refurbishment, remanufacturing, and recycling.

Computer-Aided Design CAD

The use of computer technology to aid in the creation, modification, analysis, and optimization of a design.

Computer-Aided Facility Management (CAFM)

Software used to manage and optimize facility operations, including space planning, asset tracking, maintenance scheduling, and resource allocation.

Computerized Maintenance Management System (CMMS)

A software solution that helps plan, track, and manage maintenance tasks, work orders, assets, and inventory all in one centralized platform.

Construction Work Order Software

Helps manage work orders within construction projects, streamlining processes and improving efficiency. Allows for the creation, assignment, and monitoring of work orders, often including features like scheduling, notifications, and real-time progress tracking.

CMMS Data Security

Refers to measures and protocols put in place to protect the information stored within a Computerized Maintenance Management System (CMMS) from unauthorized access, data breaches, and cyber threats.

CMMS Implementation

A structured approach to transition from manual or outdated maintenance management systems to a digital platform.

CMMS Integration

Refers to connecting a CMMS with other business systems to streamline data sharing and enhance operational efficiency.

CMMS Software

A software that helps companies centrally manage maintenance information and processes.

CMMS Software Features

A set functionalities within that software such as maintenance request management, work order management, preventive maintenance, asset management, inventory and spare parts management, vendor management, and reporting.

CMMS Software Trends

Refers to the latest advancements in computerized maintenance management systems (CMMS) technology.

CMP Certification

The programme enhances the knowledge and performance of meeting professionals, promotes the status and credibility of the meeting profession and advances uniform standards of practice.

CMRP Certification

The leading certification program to certify the knowledge, skills, and capability of maintenance, reliability, and physical asset management professionals.

Collaborative Robotics (Cobots)

The robots designed to work alongside humans in a shared workspace,

Commercial Facilities Maintenance

Is a process of upkeeping and repairing of all physical assets and systems within a commercial property, ensuring it functions safely, efficiently, and in compliance with regulations.

Condition Based Maintenance

A maintenance methodology in which maintenance operations are performed depending on the current condition of your assets.

Condition Monitoring

The continuous or periodic monitoring of asset conditions to detect signs of wear, degradation, or potential failure.

Condition Monitoring Techniques

Methods used to assess the condition of machinery and equipment to detect potential issues before they lead to failure.

Consignment Inventory

Is a business arrangement where a supplier or manufacturer provides goods to a retailer, but retains ownership until the products are sold.

Continuous Improvement

Continuous improvement is a lean improvement technique that helps to streamline workflows, resulting in saved time and money for organizations.

Continuous Manufacturing

The process of manufacturing large quantities of products with few variations.

Corrective Maintenance

Maintenance tasks performed to restore equipment to its proper working condition after detecting faults.

Cost of Maintenance

The expenses associated with keeping an asset, like equipment, a building, or a vehicle, in good working condition or restoring it to its original state. They include both routine upkeep and repairs when things break down.

Cost-Benefit Analysis

A systematic process used to evaluate the financial and non-financial implications of a project or decision by comparing its anticipated costs with its potential benefits.

CPMM Certification

A credential that is designed to validate your skills as an experienced facilities engineering professional.

Criticality Analysis

Assessment to rank assets based on failure impact, guiding resource allocation and maintenance prioritization.

Cross-Docking

What is Cross-Docking Cross-docking is a logistics strategy in which incoming goods are directly transferred from inbound trucks or rail cars to outbound vehicles, with little to no storage in

Cyber-Physical Production Systems (CPPS)

Method that integrates physical production processes with computational and communication capabilities, enabling real-time data exchange, analysis, and control for more efficient, flexible, and responsive manufacturing operations.

Cycle Count

Physical inventory check of parts spares to ensure accurate stock records and availability.

D

Data-Driven Maintenance

Refers to the use of data analysis techniques to guide maintenance activities.

Decision Trees

Decision trees are a type of supervised machine learning algorithm used for both classification and regression tasks.

Deferred Maintenance

Postponed maintenance tasks due to resource constraints. If unaddressed, it can increase risk and downtime.

Demand Forecasting

Method that predicts future customer demand for products or services based on historical data, market trends, and other influencing factors.

Depreciation

Accounting of asset value reduction over time through use and wear, important for repair vs. replace decisions.

Design Failure Modes and Effects Analysis (DFMEA)

A structured design-phase process to anticipate all potential failure modes in a product or system design, and implement changes before production.

Destructive Testing

Testing method that stresses a component until failure to validate design assumptions.

Diagnosis

Identifying the root cause of equipment failure or performance issues.

Diagnostic Maintenance

A proactive approach to maintenance that uses various techniques to identify potential problems in equipment or systems before they lead to failure.

Digital Factory Layout Planning

The process of designing and optimizing the physical layout of a factory or manufacturing facility using digital tools and techniques.

Digital Manufacturing Platform

An integrated software solution that acts as a centralized hub for collecting, analyzing, and utilizing data from across the entire manufacturing value chain, from product design to production planning and execution.

Digital Twins

A virtual replica of a physical asset, system, or process that mirrors its real-world counterpart in real time.

Downtime

The period when equipment or systems are not operational, either due to maintenance, failure, or other disruptions resulting in lost productivity.

Dropshipping

Dropshipping is a retail fulfillment method where a business doesn't keep the products it sells in stock. Instead, when a customer purchases something, the business buys the item from a third-party supplier who then ships it directly to the customer.

E

Economic Life

The optimal period when an asset provides the most significant net financial benefit to an organization

EHS Software

A digital solution designed to help organizations manage and improve their environmental impact, workplace safety, and compliance with relevant regulations.

Economic Order Quantity (EOQ)

The formula used in inventory management to determine the optimal order quantity that minimizes total inventory costs, encompassing both holding costs and ordering costs.

Equipment Criticality Assessment Matrix

A tool used to prioritize maintenance efforts by categorizing equipment based on its importance to operations. It helps determine which equipment, if it fails, would have the most significant impact on safety, production, and cost.

Equipment Depreciation

Gradual decrease in the value of machinery, tools, or other physical assets over time due to wear and tear, age, usage.

Equipment Failure Analysis

A systematic process for investigating and determining the root causes of equipment malfunctions.

Equipment Lifecycle

The entire duration an asset is in use, from acquisition and operation to disposal or replacement.

Equipment Maintenance Log

Detailed, structured record that tracks all maintenance activities performed on a piece of equipment throughout its lifecycle.

Equipment Maintenance Software

A software that provides businesses with the necessary tools for streamlining and optimizing the process of maintaining heavy equipment.

Equipment Maintenance Strategies

The choice of routine maintenance tasks and the timing of those tasks, designed to ensure that an item of equipment continues to fulfil its intended functions.

Equipment Management

The process of strategically overseeing the acquisition, use, maintenance, and disposal of tangible assets like machinery, tools, and computers.

Equipment Reliability

Refers to the ability of a piece of equipment to consistently perform its intended function without failure over a specified period

Emergency Maintenance

A type of reactive maintenance that is used to prevent a threat to lives, property, profitability, or viability of an organization.

Enterprise Asset Management (EAM)

A comprehensive approach to managing an organization's physical assets across departments, locations, and lifecycles combining maintenance, planning, and analytics in one system.

Enterprise Resource Planning (ERM)

ERM software is an integrated system that helps manage and coordinate an organization’s resources, including assets, personnel, finances and inventory.

Environmental Health and Safety (EHS)

Refers to a field focused on protecting people and the environment from harm related to human activities, particularly in the workplace

Equipment Management Software

Software that helps the tracking, maintenance, and utilization of equipment and assets within an organization, improving efficiency and reducing downtime. It helps automate processes related to equipment inventory, scheduling, maintenance, repairs, and performance analysis.

F

Facility Condition Assessment (FCA)

A comprehensive evaluation of a building's physical condition, identifying maintenance needs and potential issues.

Facility Management

A professional discipline focused on the coordination of people, processes, and technology to ensure the functionality, comfort, safety, and efficiency of buildings and their supporting infrastructure.

Facility Management KPI

Measurable metrics used to assess the performance and efficiency of facility operations and maintenance.

Facility Management Software

Tool that helps organizations manage their physical assets, track maintenance, and streamline operations. It encompasses a range of tools, including CMMS (Computerized Maintenance Management System) and CAFM (Computer-Aided Facility Management).

Facility Manager

Skilled professional responsible for overseeing all maintenance operations within an organization.

Facility Maintenance

All activities and services required to ensure the built environment functions as intended, maintaining buildings' structural, mechanical, and aesthetic components.

Failure Analysis

Detailed investigation of a failure to pinpoint root causes and prevent recurrence.

Failure Codes

Alphanumeric or text identifiers that specify why an asset failed.

Failure Finding Task

An inspection that reveals hidden failures or potential failures within an asset.

Failure Mode

A specific way a component or system can fail is used in FMEA and reliability studies.

Failure Modes and Effects Analysis (FMEA)

A structured approach to identify potential failure modes in a system, assess their effects, and prioritize actions to reduce risk.

Failure Modes, Effects, and Criticality Analysis (FMECA)

An extension of FMEA that adds a criticality rating to each failure mode, helping prioritize the most impactful issues.

Failure Reporting, Analysis, and Corrective Action System (FRACAS)

A maintenance operations and management system that is used to identify, analyze, and address failures in equipment and processes.

Fast Fourier Transform (FFT) algorithms

An algorithm that efficiently computes the Discrete Fourier Transform (DFT) of a sequence, or its inverse.

Fault Detection

Techniques used to detect faults early before they cause breakdowns.

Fault Tolerance

The capability of any system or equipment to sustain operations during the presence of a fault.

Fault Tree Analysis

Diagram that maps faults and their root causes to assess failure risk.

Failure Modes

The various ways in which equipment can fail, including mechanical, electrical, or operational failures.

Field Failure Analysis

The analysis of failed components that have been returned to suppliers, particularly those with no-fault found reports.

FIFO

FIFO (First In, First Out) is an inventory management methodology used in maintenance operations and management. It is based on the principle that the first items to enter into inventory should be the first items to be used or sold.

Fixed Asset Management

Managing long-lived assets including acquisition, maintenance, and disposal.

Fixed Asset Turnover Ratio (FATR)

A financial metric that shows how efficiently a company uses its fixed assets to generate revenue. It is calculated by dividing net sales by net fixed assets.

Fixed Time Maintenance (FTM)

Foundational preventive maintenance strategy in which organizations perform maintenance activities at predetermined, regular intervals, regardless of the asset's current condition

Fleet Maintenance

Systematic process of keeping a company's vehicles (its "fleet") in optimal working condition through regular inspection, servicing, repair, and asset management.

Fleet Management

The process of overseeing and optimizing a company's vehicles and other assets to ensure efficient, safe, and cost-effective operations.

Fleet Work Order Software

A digital solution designed to manage and streamline the process of vehicle maintenance within a fleet.

Free CMMS Software

A type of free of charge software that helps organizations manage and streamline their maintenance operations.

G

Gantt Chart

A type of bar chart that displays project activities and schedules over time. It maps out work orders against a timeline, with work orders represented by a horizontal bar whose length reflects their duration.

Gap analysis

The process of comparing current maintenance practices with desired standards or benchmarks to identify areas for improvement.

General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR)

A European Union law focused on protecting the personal data of individuals within the EU and EEA. It sets out rules for how organizations should collect, use, and protect personal data, and grants individuals more control over their data.

General Maintenance

Routine tasks to keep equipment, machinery, or infrastructure in good working condition.

GIS

Geographic Information System. It's a computer system that captures, stores, analyzes, manages, and displays geographically referenced information, essentially linking maps with descriptive data.

GPS

The Global Positioning System (GPS) is a U.S.-owned utility that provides users with positioning, navigation, and timing (PNT) services. This system consists of three segments: the space segment, the control segment, and the user segment.

Green Maintenance

A type of maintenance that focuses on minimizing the environmental impact of maintaining buildings, equipment, and landscapes.

Ground Maintenance

Maintenance of outdoor assets like landscaping, walkways, fencing, etc.

H

Handover Maintenance

The formal transfer of responsibility for equipment or a maintenance task from one party to another,

Hazardous Materials Management

Management that involves safely handling, storing, and disposing of substances that pose a risk to human health and safety.

Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA)

A US federal law that primarily addresses patient privacy and security of health information.

Health and Safety Management

A system that involves systematically managing risks and hazards in the workplace to prevent incidents, injuries, and illnesses. It encompasses a range of activities, including risk assessment, policy development, training, and emergency preparedness.

Healthcare CMMS

A software solution designed to help healthcare facilities manage their maintenance operations, including medical equipment and facility upkeep.

Hierarchy of Maintenance

Refers to the structured classification and organization of assets within a facility or organization for the purpose of managing and prioritizing maintenance activities.

Historic Failure Analysis

A systematic process of examining past failures to identify root causes, trends, and patterns. The goal is to prevent future failures and improve overall operational efficiency and safety.

Hotel Maintenance

Maintenance of lodging facilities including plumbing, HVAC, and aesthetics.

Human Centric Manufacturing

Method that prioritizes the well-being and capabilities of workers in the design and operation of manufacturing processes.

HVAC Work Order Software

Helps HVAC businesses streamline operations by managing tasks, scheduling, dispatching, invoicing, and customer communication in one centralized platform.

I

Idle Time

A period of time in which an asset (machine or employee) is ready and available, but not being productive.

Industry 4.0

The latest trend in industrial production characterized by the use of interconnected cyber-physical systems (CPS).

Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT)

The use of connected sensors, devices, and systems in industrial settings to collect real-time data for monitoring, analytics, and predictive maintenance.

Industrial Maintenance

The processes and systems used in an industrial setting to reduce breakdowns, increase uptime, and generally ensure that assets are kept in good working condition.

Infrared Thermography (IRT)

Non-destructive testing technique that measures and visualizes the infrared radiation emitted by objects.

Inventory Cost

Refers to the total expenses associated with acquiring, storing, and managing a company's inventory.

Inventory Management

Systematic and strategic approach to overseeing and controlling the flow of goods, materials, and resources within an organization.

Inventory Management Software

A system that helps businesses track, manage, and control their inventory levels, orders, sales, and deliveries.

Inspection

Routine checks to detect wear, defects, or performance issues.

Intelligent Factory

A manufacturing facility that utilizes advanced technologies like AI, machine learning, and the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) to create a highly connected, automated, and data-driven production environment.

Intermittent Failure

A malfunction that occurs irregularly in a device or system that functions normally at other times.

IoT Devices

Physical objects embedded with sensors, software, and other technologies that connect and exchange data with other devices and systems over the internet.

ISO 55000

The foundational standard in the ISO 55000 series, providing an overview of asset management, its principles, and terminology. It establishes a framework for organizations to manage assets effectively throughout their lifecycle, enhancing value and helping achieve strategic goals

J

Job Planning and Scheduling

Two interconnected processes that are crucial for efficient task management. Planning involves defining the scope, objectives, and required resources for a job, while scheduling determines the specific timing and sequence of tasks and resource allocation.

Just-in-Time (JIT) Inventory

A strategic approach in which materials, components, and products are received exactly when needed in the production process or for service.

Just-in-Time (JIT) Maintenance

A strategy designed to enhance efficiency and reduce waste by receiving goods only as they are needed in the production process.

K

Key Performance Indicators (KPI)

A performance measurement that focuses maintenance work on desired organizational outcomes.

L

Leak Detection and Repair (LDAR)

A proactive program designed to identify and fix leaks of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and other pollutants from industrial equipment, particularly in the oil and gas and chemical industries.

Lean Inventory Management

A methodology that focuses on minimizing inventory waste while ensuring materials and products are available when needed.

Lean Maintenance

Applying lean principles to maintenance to eliminate waste and improve workflow.

Lean Manufacturing

A philosophy of production focused on removing anything from a production process that does not add value to the finished product and the customer.

Lean Six Sigma

A process that aims to systematically eliminate waste and reduce variation

LEED Accreditation

Refers to the professional credentials offered by the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) to individuals who demonstrate expertise in green building practices and the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) rating system.

Level of Repair Analysis (LORA)

Level of Repair Analysis (LORA) is a decision-making process identifying the most cost-effective and efficient asset maintenance approach for physical assets.

Lifecycle Costing

A method used to estimate the total cost of ownership of an asset over its entire lifespan, from acquisition to disposal

LIFO

LIFO, which stands for Last-In, First-Out, is an inventory management and accounting method. In LIFO, the most recently acquired inventory items are assumed to be the first ones sold or used.

Lockout‑Tagout (LOTO)

Safety procedure ensuring equipment is de-energized and tagged before servicing.

M

Machine Availability

A crucial performance metric that measures when equipment or machinery is ready and can perform its intended function when needed.

Machine Maintenance

The set of regular activities performed to keep equipment working properly and prevent breakdowns.

Maintenance

The process of maintaining or preserving a physical asset that is essential to a business’s operations in order to keep that business running.

Maintenance Backlog

A measure of required maintenance work that has not been completed.

Maintenance Budgeting

The process of planning, estimating, and allocating financial resources for maintaining an organization's assets (equipment, facilities, infrastructure).

Maintenance Checklist

A tool used by maintenance workers to document equipment maintenance activities and ensure necessary steps are taken consistently.

Maintenance Costs

All expenses that are the result of efforts to keep physical assets in optimal working condition.

Maintenance Engineer

A person who combines engineering expertise with hands-on technical knowledge to develop, oversee, and optimize industrial equipment, facilities, and systems maintenance strategies.

Maintenance Excellence Index (MEI)

A framework used to assess and improve the effectiveness of a company's maintenance operations.

Maintenance Execution

The process of carrying out planned and unplanned maintenance activities to ensure equipment and facilities are reliable, safe, and efficient.

Maintenance Inspection

A systematic process of examining, evaluating, and documenting the condition of physical assets, equipment, or facilities.

Maintenance Interval

The scheduled time frame or frequency at which maintenance tasks, inspections, or repairs are performed on equipment, machinery, or vehicles to ensure optimal performance and longevity.

Maintenance Log

A document that records activities that have been performed on an asset

Maintenance Management

A systematic approach to overseeing and controlling the maintenance activities within an organization to ensure optimal performance, reliability, and longevity of assets and equipment.

Maintenance Management Software

A software solution designed to help organizations manage and optimize their maintenance operations. Also known as CMMS.

Maintenance Management Strategy

A comprehensive plan that outlines how an organization will maintain its physical assets to ensure optimal performance, minimize downtime, and control costs.

Maintenance Manager

A person who oversees all maintenance operations, equipment reliability, and facility upkeep within an organization.

Maintenance Optimization

The process of improving the efficiency and effectiveness of maintenance activities to reduce costs, increase asset availability, and enhance safety and reliability.

Maintenance Outsourcing

The practice of hiring external contractors or service providers to handle some or all of a company's maintenance needs, rather than relying on in-house staff.

Maintenance Performance Indicator

Quantifiable metrics used to measure the effectiveness and efficiency of a maintenance department.

Maintenance Planning and Scheduling

The process of scheduling and coordinating maintenance tasks to ensure minimal disruption and efficient use of resources.

Maintenance Policy

A document produced, owned, and managed by senior management intended to establish the expectations of a maintenance department.

Maintenance Process

All activities aimed at keeping equipment and systems in optimal working condition. It involves preventing breakdowns, restoring equipment to working order, and improving overall system performance.

Maintenance Repair and Operations

A phrase that refers to the equipment, tools, and activities a maintenance team performs to keep your facility (and the equipment inside it) in good operating condition.

Maintenance Report

A document that contains specific information or summaries of your past maintenance actions and their impact on cost, assets, and business performance..

Maintenance Scheduling

The process of planning and assigning maintenance tasks to ensure timely upkeep using available labor, tools, and parts.

Maintenance SOP

A standardized step-by-step guide that ensures maintenance tasks are performed safely, consistently, and correctly.

Maintenance Strategy

An organization's long-term plan for maintaining assets, combining goals, methods, and resources to maximize performance and reliability.

Maintenance Technician

A skilled professional responsible for the upkeep and repair of equipment, machinery, and facilities.

Maintenance Tracking

Systematically recording, monitoring, and managing all activities related to the upkeep of assets.

Maintenance Triggers

Conditions or events (like usage hours or sensor alerts) that indicate when maintenance should be performed.

Manufacturing 1.0

Manufacturing 1.0, also known as the First Industrial Revolution, emerged in the late 18th century and marked a transition from manual labor to machine-based production, primarily powered by steam engines.

Manufacturing 2.0

Manufacturing 2.0 represents a significant shift in the manufacturing landscape, characterized by increased automation, data-driven decision-making, and the integration of digital technologies like Web 2.0 applications and mobile technology.

Manufacturing 3.0

Manufacturing 3.0, also known as the Third Industrial Revolution, refers to the period characterized by the widespread adoption of automation and digital technology in manufacturing processes.

Manufacturing 4.0

Manufacturing 4.0, also known as Industry 4.0, refers to the ongoing transformation of manufacturing through the integration of digital technologies like IoT, AI, and big data.

Manufacturing 5.0

Manufacturing 5.0, also known as Industry 5.0, is the next evolution in manufacturing, building upon Industry 4.0 by emphasizing human-centric and sustainable practices.

Manufacturing 6.0

Industry 6.0 represents the next phase of industrialization, which is focused on creating fully integrated, intelligent manufacturing systems that can operate with minimal human intervention.

Manufacturing Intelligence

The practice of leveraging data and technology to improve manufacturing operations.

Material Requirements Planning (MRP)

A production planning, scheduling, and inventory control system that helps organizations manage manufacturing processes.

Mean Time Between Failures (MTBF)

The average time a system or asset operates before experiencing a failure. Used to measure reliability.

Mean Time To Failure (MTTF)

The expected operational lifespan of a non-repairable asset before it fails. Commonly used for disposable components.

Mean Time To Repair (MTTR)

The average time required to diagnose, repair, and restore a failed asset to normal operation. Indicates maintainability.

Meter Log

A record that tracks the readings of a measuring device over time. It records the value of the meter at specific points, such as at the start and end of a period, or at regular intervals. Often used to monitor usage, track performance, or analyze trends of measured quantity.

Meter-Based Preventive Maintenance

A strategy that schedules maintenance tasks based on equipment usage, rather than a fixed time interval. This approach uses meters (like hour meters, odometer, or cycle counters) to track usage and trigger maintenance when a certain threshold is reached.

Mobile CMMS

A software application that extends the capabilities of a traditional CMMS to smartphones and tablets, allowing maintenance teams to manage tasks, track assets, and communicate on the go.

Mobile Maintenance

A maintenance solution that you can install on your mobile device as an app.

Motor Based Maintenance (MBM)

A strategy that schedules equipment maintenance based on actual usage metrics (like operating hours, cycles, or distance) rather than fixed calendar intervals.

Motor Current Analysis (MCA)

A diagnostic method used to assess the condition of electric motors by analyzing electrical signals without dismantling the equipment.

N

Next Maintenance Date

The specific date when a scheduled maintenance task is planned to be performed on a piece of equipment, asset, or system.

Near Miss Reporting

A safety practice where potential incidents that could have caused harm but didn't are documented and analyzed.

Non-Destructive Testing (NDT)

Testing methods that do not compromise the structural integrity of the parts being tested. Non destructive testing (NDT) employs various inspection techniques to evaluate components, individually or collectively.

Non-Stock Items

Goods or services that a business doesn't routinely keep in inventory or stock. These items are typically ordered only when needed, either on a demand or project basis, and may not be physically stored in a warehouse or store.

O

Oil Analysis

A routine activity for analyzing oil health, oil contamination and machine wear.

Operating Hours

The total time a machine or system is actively running. Often used to schedule maintenance and assess performance or reliability.

Operation and Maintenance Manual

A comprehensive document that provides all the details necessary about a physical plant as well as individual pieces of equipment to help the maintenance staff keep everything running smoothly

Operator

A skilled worker responsible for operating and controlling different types of machines and equipment used in manufacturing, production, construction, and other industries.

Operator-Based Maintenance (OBM)

An approach in which equipment operators take a proactive role in basic maintenance tasks rather than relying solely on the maintenance team.

Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM)

A company that produces parts used in another company's final product. OEMs influence long-term asset quality and support.

Overall Equipment Effectiveness (OEE)

A metric that measures how well equipment performs compared to its full potential, factoring in availability, performance, and quality.

OSHA

Occupational Safety and Health Administration. A federal agency within the U.S. Department of Labor that ensures safe and healthful working conditions for workers by setting and enforcing standards, and by providing training, outreach, education, and assistance.

Overfitting

Overfitting in machine learning occurs when a model learns the training data too well, including its noise and random fluctuations, leading to poor performance on new, unseen data.

P

P-F Curve (P-F Interval)

A graph showing how an asset's condition degrades over time. It helps identify when maintenance should occur to avoid failure.

Periodic Inventory System

A method of tracking inventory where the actual count and valuation of stock are performed at scheduled intervals rather than continuously.

Periodic Maintenance

Activities performed on equipment based on a set time interval.

Perpetual Inventory System

A comprehensive, real-time method of tracking and managing inventory levels, usage patterns, and stock movements.

Planned Downtime

Scheduled periods when equipment is intentionally taken offline for maintenance, upgrades, or inspections to avoid unplanned failures.

Planned Maintenance

Maintenance activities scheduled in advance to prevent failures and keep equipment operating efficiently.

Planned Maintenance Interval

A predetermined time or usage-based schedule for performing routine maintenance tasks to prevent equipment failures and extend the lifespan of assets.

Planned Maintenance Optimization

A method of improving maintenance strategies based on existing preventive maintenance (PM) routines and available failure history.

Planned Maintenance Percentage (PMP)

A percentage that describes the amount of maintenance time used towards planned maintenance tasks, which is measured against the total amount of maintenance hours in a given time period (weeks, months, years)

Planned Shutdown

A scheduled period during which a facility, production line, or equipment is removed for comprehensive maintenance, repairs and upgrades.

Precision Maintenance

Precision maintenance is a methodology focused on performing maintenance tasks with high accuracy, consistency, and adherence to industry best practices.

Predictive Maintenance

Maintenance based on real-time data and condition monitoring to detect issues and address them before failure occurs.

Predictive Quality in Manufacturing

Method that leverages data analytics and machine learning to anticipate potential quality issues and prevent defects before they occur.

Prescriptive Maintenance

An advanced approach that analyzes data to recommend not just when, but what type of maintenance should be done.

Preventive Maintenance

Routine maintenance performed at set intervals to reduce the risk of equipment failure and extend asset life.

Preventive Maintenance Checklist

A structured list of tasks used to maintain equipment and facilities, aiming to prevent breakdowns and extend their lifespan.

Preventive Maintenance Compliance

A metric that measures the percentage of scheduled maintenance tasks completed on time within a specific timeframe.

Preventive Maintenance Optimization

A strategic approach to refine existing preventive maintenance (PM) programs by analyzing tasks, identifying potential failures, and ensuring the right maintenance is performed at the right intervals on the right assets.

Preventive Maintenance Percentage

A key metric that indicates the proportion of total maintenance work that is planned and proactive, rather than reactive or unplanned.

Preventive Maintenance Software

It's a tool, often part of a CMMS (Computerized Maintenance Management System), that streamlines scheduling, tracking, and reporting of preventive maintenance activities.

Proactive Maintenance

Maintenance focused on identifying and fixing root causes of issues before they lead to equipment failure.

Process Failure Modes and Effects Analysis (PFMEA)

A method for identifying and prioritizing process failures and their impacts, used to design more reliable operations and systems.

Productive Efficiency

A state where resources are used to their fullest potential to maximize output with minimal waste, often supported by reliable maintenance.

Property Maintenance

The systematic, strategic approach to preserving, protecting, and optimizing real estate assets through planned care, repairs, and improvements.

Property Management System (PMS)

A software designed to streamline and automate the operations of hospitality and residential rental businesses

Purchase Order

A commercial document used to control and document the purchasing of products and services from external suppliers.

Q

Quality Management Systems (QMS)

A formalized framework that outlines an organization's processes, procedures, and responsibilities for consistently meeting quality objectives and customer expectations.

R

RAMS Framework: Reliability, Availability, Maintainability, and Safety

A comprehensive approach to ensuring complex systems' performance, dependability, and safety, particularly in engineering, manufacturing, and infrastructure development.

Random Forest

A machine learning algorithm that uses an ensemble of decision trees to make predictions.

Ranking Index for Maintenance Expenditures (RIME)

A systematic approach to prioritizing maintenance tasks to ensure optimal resource allocation.

Reactive Maintenance

The simplest form of physical asset management where operators run assets until they malfunction or completely break down. It is only at the point of breakdown that technicians are called.

Real-Time Production Monitoring

The ongoing process of collecting, transmitting, and analyzing operational data from manufacturing processes as they occur.

Redundancy

A backup system or component that ensures continued operation if the primary system fails, used to increase reliability.

Regulatory-Driven Maintenance

Activities that comply with laws, regulations, standards, or directives issued by governmental bodies, industry associations, or other regulatory authorities.

Regression Analysis

A statistical method used to examine the relationship between a dependent variable and one or more independent variables. It helps determine the strength and direction of the relationship, and can be used for prediction and forecasting.

Regression Algorithms

A class of supervised machine learning algorithms used to predict a continuous output variable based on one or more input features.

Reliability

The ability of a system or component to consistently meet performance standards over time under normal conditions; part of RAM analysis for improving asset performance.

Reliability Centered Maintenance (RCM)

A strategy that identifies the most effective maintenance methods for each asset based on reliability, safety, and cost.

Reliability Engineering

The application of engineering principles to ensure systems perform reliably and cost-effectively throughout their lifecycle.

Remaining Useful Life (RUL)

Refers to the estimated time remaining before a machine, component, or system will require repair or replacement. It's a key concept in predictive maintenance and prognostics, allowing for proactive maintenance scheduling and avoidance of unplanned downtime.

Remote Monitoring and Diagnostics

A technology-driven approach that allows for the continuous or periodic tracking of system performance or condition from a remote location, often in real-time, and the use of data analytics to identify, predict, or resolve system issues

Repair

An action we take to restore an asset to proper working conditions. are closely linked, but in contrast to maintenance, repair is performed in response to a failure.

Replacement Asset Value (RAV)

Refers to the current total cost to replace existing assets with new, identical ones. It's a key metric in asset management.

Return on Assets (RoA)

A financial ratio that measures how efficiently a company utilizes its assets to generate profit. ROA is calculated by dividing net income by total assets.

Return on Fixed Assets (RoFA)

A financial ratio that measures how efficiently a company generates profit from its fixed assets. Calculated by dividing operating income by the value of fixed assets.

Return on Investment (ROI)

A performance metric that evaluates the profitability of an investment by comparing the return to its cost. In maintenance, it helps justify spending on tools, systems, or upgrades.

RFID Inventory System

A comprehensive technology solution that uses radio-frequency identification (RFID) to track, monitor, and manage inventory items throughout a supply chain or within a facility.

Risk-Based Maintenance (RBM)

A methodology that helps you determine the most economical use of your maintenance resources. The goal of corrective is to find the critical problem assets and dedicate your maintenance resources.

Risk Priority Number (RPN)

A method used in Failure Mode and Effects Analysis (FMEA) to assess and prioritize potential risks. It's calculated by multiplying three factors: Severity, Occurrence (probability of the failure happening), and Detection (how easily the failure can be detected before it reaches the customer).

Root Cause Analysis (RCA)

A method used to identify the underlying cause of a problem or failure to prevent it from recurring.

Routine Maintenance

Regularly scheduled tasks performed to keep equipment in good working condition and prevent unexpected failures.

Run-To-Failure Maintenance

A maintenance strategy where maintenance is only performed when equipment has failed.

S

Saas CMMS

Software as a Service Computerized Maintenance Management System. It's a cloud-based maintenance management software solution where users subscribe to access the software online, rather than purchasing and installing it on their own servers.

Safety Compliance Management

The processes and procedures organizations implement to ensure adherence to all relevant safety regulations, standards, and best practices.

Safety Maintenance

A systematic approach to protecting people and equipment by preventing accidents and failures before they happen.

Safety Stock

A reserve inventory of spare parts kept to ensure that unplanned maintenance activities can be performed without interruption

Schedule Compliance

A maintenance KPI that measures how many scheduled tasks are completed on time compared to the total planned.

Scheduled Discard Task

Involves replacing a specific part or component of a piece of equipment at regular time intervals, regardless of its performance quality.

Scheduled Maintenance

Any repair and upkeep work performed within a set timeframe that details when maintenance tasks are performed and by whom.

Scheduled Restoration Task

A complete overhaul of machinery or equipment that is performed on a predetermined schedule regardless of the condition of the equipment

Scheduling Work Order Management Software

A digital tool that streamlines the process of creating, assigning, tracking, and scheduling work orders, particularly for maintenance and field service operations.

Scrap Rate

The percentage of materials or products that are discarded as waste during a manufacturing or construction process.

Sensors

Devices that detect physical properties (like temperature, vibration, or pressure) and provide data to support condition monitoring and predictive maintenance.

Service Level Agreement (SLA)

A contract between a service provider and a customer that defines the level of service expected.

Service Request

Formal request to perform maintenance, typically initiated by a user.

Six Sigma

A set of techniques and tools for process improvement. It is a data-driven approach used to identify and eliminate defects in any process.

Shutdown, Turnaround, and Outage (STO)

Refers to planned or unplanned periods where an industrial facility, like an oil refinery or power plant, temporarily halts operations for maintenance, inspections, repairs, or upgrades.

Single Sign-On (SSO)

An authentication scheme that allows a user to log in with a single ID to any of several related, yet independent, software systems.

Smart Inventory Management

A state-of-the-art inventory solution that is powered by advanced technologies: IIoT, robots, RFID tracking, smart shelves, etc. The system collects and analyzes real-time data such as condition, availability and shipment status to maintain optimal inventory levels.

Smart Maintenance

A type of predictive maintenance that uses advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning (ML), and the Internet of Things (IoT) to monitor and analyze the performance of equipment and assets.

Smart Manufacturing

The integration of digital technologies into manufacturing processes to create more efficient, responsive, and flexible production environments.

Society for Maintenance & Reliability Professionals (SMRP)

A not-for-profit professional society formed by practitioners to advance the maintenance, reliability and physical asset management profession.

Software Validation and Verification

Two related processes focused on ensuring software quality. Verification confirms the software is built according to specifications and standards, while validation ensures it meets user needs and intended purpose.

Space Planning

The process of strategically arranging the layout of spaces within a building to optimize functionality, efficiency, and aesthetics. I

Spare Parts

The concept of maintaining an inventory of equipment repair parts in order for them to be immediately available when needed without waiting for a purchase order and delivery

Spare Parts Management

Ensuring critical parts are stocked to minimize downtime.

Sports Facility Management

Process that involves the comprehensive oversight of sports and recreation facilities, encompassing everything from daily operations and maintenance to strategic planning and financial management.

Standard Operating Procedure (SOPs)

An official document with detailed instructions that outline how to perform a specific task.

Statistical Process Control (SPC)

A method used to monitor and control processes, primarily in manufacturing, by analyzing data to ensure they operate within established limits and maintain consistent quality.

Stockouts

A stockout occurs when an inventory item is unavailable to fulfill a demand. In the context of replacement parts for maintenance teams, a stockout means critical components required for repair or preventive maintenance activities are not in stock.

Storeroom Management

The process of organizing, controlling, and optimizing the storage of materials, parts, and equipment within a storeroom to ensure efficient operations and minimize costs.

Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA)

A system of software and hardware elements that enables industrial organizations to control and monitor industrial processes

Sustainable Maintenance

An approach to maintaining assets, facilities, and equipment that balances immediate operational needs with long-term environmental, social, and economic considerations.

Sustainable Manufacturing

Sustainable manufacturing is the practice of designing, manufacturing, and operating products and processes in a way that minimizes environmental impact.

T

Thermal Imaging

A technique that uses infrared radiation to create an image based on temperature differences.

Time-Based Maintenance

A proactive maintenance strategy where tasks are performed at fixed intervals, regardless of the equipment's current condition

Time Study

The act of observing, recording, and rating human work to establish the time it takes to perform specified work under specific conditions at a defined pace

Total Preventive Maintenance (TPM)

A maintenance approach that involves all employees in routine maintenance tasks to improve equipment reliability, reduce downtime, and build a culture of shared responsibility.

Total Productive Maintenance

A holistic approach to equipment maintenance that aims to maximize overall equipment effectiveness by engaging all employees in maintenance activities.

Troubleshooting

The process of identifying, diagnosing, and resolving issues or faults in equipment or systems to restore normal operation.

True Downtime Cost

Refers to the comprehensive financial impact of equipment or system downtime, encompassing not just direct losses but also indirect and hidden costs.

Turnaround Maintenance (TAM)

A planned, comprehensive maintenance event where a facility or unit is taken offline for a period to perform necessary inspections, repairs, replacements, and upgrades.

U

Ultrasound Testing

A medical imaging technique that uses high-frequency sound waves to create real-time images of internal body structures.

Universal Maintenance Standards (UMS)

A systematic approach to maintenance that aligns with the goals of asset preservation, cost optimization, and operational excellence.

Unplanned Downtime

Unexpected periods when equipment is not operational due to failures or breakdowns, often causing production delays and increased costs.

Unplanned Maintenance

Maintenance performed in response to unexpected equipment failure, typically urgent and not scheduled in advance.

Unscheduled Maintenance

Unscheduled maintenance is maintenance that is planned, but is not scheduled for specific time and has not been assigned to a technician.

Uptime

Time when equipment or systems are operational, expressed as a percentage.

Usage-Based Maintenance

A preventive maintenance strategy that schedules maintenance activities based on the actual utilization of equipment rather than calendar time.

Useful Life

An estimate of the number of years an asset will remain in profitable service.

V

Vendor Managed Inventory

An inventory management strategy in which the supplier or vendor manages inventory levels at the customer’s facility

Vessel Maintenance Management Systems

Specialized software solutions designed to streamline the maintenance, repair, and overall management of vessels in the maritime industry.

Vibration Analysis

A method used to diagnose faults in machines, particularly rotating equipment, by examining the patterns of vibration they produce

W

Warranty Management

Tracking and managing asset warranties to ensure timely repairs or replacements.

Work Order

A formal document or digital record that outlines maintenance tasks to be performed on an asset, including details like priority, parts needed, assigned personnel, and deadlines.

Work Order App

A mobile application that allows technicians to manage and complete work orders using smartphones or tablets.

Work Order Scheduler

Tool that allows maintenance managers and planners to coordinate maintenance work orders effectively, reduce scheduling conflicts, and ensure equipment is serviced in a timely manner.

Work Order Software

A digital tool that helps businesses manage maintenance tasks and streamline workflows.

Work Permit System

A structured approach to managing potentially hazardous tasks, ensuring all safety precautions are in place before work begins

Work Request

A work request is a document or notification, either formal or informal, submitted to initiate a task or project.

Wrench Time

A metric that shows how much time a maintenance technician spends with a tool in their hand, performing actual maintenance work.

Y

Yield

(KPI) in manufacturing, directly gauges the efficiency and effectiveness of a production process. It measures the percentage of completed, non-defective units produced in relation to the total units started during a specific period.

Z

Zero-Based Maintenance

A maintenance management approach where maintenance tasks and schedules are developed from scratch, without relying on past routines.

Zero-Touch Manufacturing

A production environment where processes are automated to the point of minimizing or eliminating human intervention.

0-9

21 CFR Part 11

A U.S. regulation that sets standards for electronic records and electronic signatures in FDA-regulated industries. It ensures that electronic records and signatures are trustworthy, reliable, and equivalent to paper records and handwritten signatures.