Glossary
What is Preventive Maintenance?
Preventive maintenance (PM) is planned maintenance performed on a schedule or trigger—such as calendar time or equipment usage—to reduce the risk of failure and extend asset life. It includes inspections, servicing, lubrication and parts replacement before breakdowns occur.
What it means
Unlike reactive maintenance (fix when it breaks), preventive maintenance is scheduled in advance. Teams use PM plans to generate work orders automatically so nothing is missed.
Why it matters
- PM is scheduled by time (e.g. monthly) or usage (e.g. every 500 hours).
- It reduces unplanned downtime and can lower long-term repair costs.
- PM plans are often tied to each asset in a CMMS.
- PM compliance (percentage completed on time) is a common KPI.
Example in maintenance operations
Changing HVAC filters every quarter, lubricating bearings every 1,000 operating hours, and inspecting fire extinguishers annually are all examples of preventive maintenance.
Related concepts
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between preventive and predictive maintenance?
Preventive maintenance is time- or usage-based (e.g. every month or every 500 hours). Predictive maintenance uses condition data or sensors to trigger work when failure is likely, often just in time.
How do you schedule preventive maintenance?
In a CMMS you define PM plans per asset with a frequency (e.g. weekly, monthly, by meter). The system generates work orders when due so technicians can execute and record completion.
Run maintenance with VectraManage — work orders, PM and reporting in one platform
See pricing Start free