Glossary
What is a Maintenance Schedule?
A maintenance schedule defines when maintenance tasks should be performed—by calendar, operating hours, or other trigger. It is used to generate work orders automatically in a CMMS so that preventive and recurring work is done on time.
What it means
Schedules can be time-based (e.g. weekly, monthly) or usage-based (e.g. every 500 hours). They are typically attached to assets or asset types.
Why it matters
- Schedules can be calendar-based or meter/usage-based.
- They drive automatic work order generation in a CMMS.
- Multiple schedules per asset are common (e.g. daily checks, monthly PM).
- Schedule compliance (work done on time) is a standard KPI.
Example in maintenance operations
HVAC filter change every 3 months; bearing lubrication every 1,000 hours; annual safety inspection. Each is a maintenance schedule that can trigger work orders in a CMMS.
Related concepts
Frequently asked questions
How do you create a maintenance schedule?
In a CMMS you define a PM plan or recurring task for an asset (or asset type) with a frequency—e.g. every 30 days or every 500 hours. The system then generates work orders when due.
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