Glossary
What is Asset Criticality?
Asset criticality is a ranking of how critical an asset is to operations, safety or revenue. Critical assets get more attention: higher PM compliance targets, faster response and often more robust spare parts. Criticality is used to prioritise maintenance and investment.
What it means
Not all assets are equal. Criticality helps focus resources on what matters most. It is often stored in the asset register and used in prioritisation and reporting.
Why it matters
- Criticality can be simple (high/medium/low) or a scored ranking.
- Factors: impact of failure, safety, replacement cost, lead time.
- Critical assets may have higher PM compliance targets and SLA response.
- CMMS can filter work and reports by criticality.
Example in maintenance operations
A production line motor is critical (stops the line); a spare pump is low criticality. A hospital steriliser is critical (safety and throughput); a corridor light is lower.
Related concepts
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