Glossary

A

1. Air conditioner - a device used to cool and dehumidify the air in indoor spaces. It works by removing heat and moisture from the air, providing a cooler environment
2. Asset - any item of value that an organization owns or operates, including machinery, equipment, tools, or infrastructure. In maintenance, assets refer to the physical items that require upkeep or management to ensure optimal performance.
3. Asset Lifecycle Management - the process of managing the entire lifespan of assets, from acquisition to disposal, ensuring optimal use, maintenance, and replacement at the appropriate times
4. Automation -  the use of technology or systems to perform tasks or processes with minimal human intervention. This can include automated monitoring of equipment, predictive maintenance, or even robotic systems that perform repairs or inspections

B

1. Backlog - a list of maintenance tasks, repairs, or projects that are pending and have not yet been completed. A backlog can accumulate when demand for maintenance exceeds the available resources or when tasks are delayed due to various factors
2. Building Maintenance - the upkeep and repair of the physical structure and systems of a building. This can include maintenance of HVAC systems, plumbing, electrical systems, elevators, lighting, floors, windows, and other building components. Its goal is to ensure the safety, comfort, and functionality of the building

C

1. CMMS (Computerized Maintenance Management System) -  software that helps businesses manage, automate, and streamline all of their maintenance operations
2. Compliance - adhering to laws, regulations, standards, and industry best practices related to equipment safety, environmental impact, and operational procedures. Ensuring compliance is essential to avoid fines, legal issues, and ensure safety and reliability
3. Contractor Management - the process of overseeing and coordinating the work of contractors hired for specific projects or tasks. This includes ensuring that contracts are followed, tasks are completed on time, and quality standards are met
4. Corrective Maintenance - refers to repairs or adjustments made to equipment or machinery after it has failed or is not functioning properly. It is reactive in nature and aims to restore the asset to its proper working condition

D

1. Deferred Maintenance - maintenance that is delayed or postponed due to budget constraints or lack of resources, but which still needs to be performed eventually to avoid further issues
2. Downtime - the period when equipment, machinery, or a system is not operational or functioning due to maintenance, failure, or other issues. During downtime, production or operations are typically halted, which can impact efficiency and productivity

E

1. Emergency Maintenance - unplanned, urgent work performed to fix a critical issue that could cause equipment failure, safety risks, or production stoppage. It is usually carried out immediately to minimize operational disruptions or safety hazards

F

1. Facility Manager - a professional responsible for overseeing the physical infrastructure and operational aspects of a building or facility. This includes ensuring that buildings are well-maintained, safe, and functional for the people who use them

H

1. HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning) - a system designed to regulate indoor air quality, temperature, and humidity. It includes components like heating systems, air conditioners, ventilation systems, and air filtration devices

I

1. Inventory - the stock of parts, tools, materials, or supplies required for maintenance activities. A well-managed inventory ensures that the necessary components are readily available when needed, reducing downtime and improving the efficiency of maintenance work
2. Inventory Management -  the process of overseeing and controlling the flow of goods, materials, and products within an organization. It involves tracking inventory levels, orders, sales, and deliveries, ensuring that the right amount of inventory is available at the right time to meet demand without overstocking

M

1. Maintenance -  activities undertaken to preserve, repair, or restore equipment, machinery, or infrastructure to ensure they operate efficiently and safely. It includes routine checks, repairs, and replacements of parts or systems.
2. Maintenance Checklist - a list of tasks or inspections that need to be performed on equipment or systems as part of routine or scheduled maintenance. It helps ensure that all necessary maintenance activities are completed thoroughly and consistently
3. Maintenance Costs - the expenses related to maintaining equipment, property, or facilities. This includes costs for labor, parts, tools, and other resources required for upkeep
4. Maintenance Log - a maintenance log is a record of all maintenance activities performed on equipment or facilities. It includes details about the type of work done, parts replaced, dates of maintenance, and any issues encountered. The log helps in tracking the history of maintenance tasks and supports decision-making for future maintenance needs
5. Maintenance Policy - a policy which outlines the overall approach an organization takes to maintain its assets. It defines the guidelines, responsibilities, and objectives of maintenance activities, setting standards for how equipment and facilities should be maintained, the types of maintenance to be performed, and who is responsible for each task
6. Maintenance Schedule - a detailed plan that lists the specific dates and times when maintenance activities should be performed. It helps in organizing regular inspections, servicing, and repairs, ensuring that equipment is kept in good working condition and minimizing downtime
7. Maintenance Strategy - a long-term plan developed to manage an organization's assets effectively. It includes decisions on preventive maintenance, predictive maintenance, corrective maintenance, and the tools, resources, and personnel needed to implement these strategies. It aims to maximize uptime, minimize costs, and improve asset longevity

P

1. Preventative Maintenance - involves scheduled inspections, servicing, and repairs designed to prevent equipment failures before they happen. By performing regular maintenance tasks, companies can reduce the likelihood of unexpected breakdowns and extend the lifespan of assets

Priority -  level of importance or urgency assigned to a maintenance task or issue. Tasks are typically prioritized based on factors like the impact on safety, production, or operation. High-priority issues are addressed first, while lower-priority tasks can be scheduled later

Q

1. QR-code - a machine-readable code consisting of an array of black and white squares. Typically, QR-codes are used for storing URLs and are meant to be read using the camera on a smartphone

R

1. Risk  - the possibility of a negative event or outcome that could impact a business or project. It includes both the likelihood and potential impact of such events
2. Risk Assessment - the process of identifying, evaluating, and analyzing potential risks that could affect the safety, health, operations, or environment of an organization. It involves assessing hazards, the likelihood of their occurrence, and the potential impact to prioritize actions that mitigate or eliminate the risks. In maintenance, this may refer to identifying risks related to equipment failure, safety hazards, or environmental impacts
3. Routine Maintenance -  regular, day-to-day tasks aimed at keeping equipment and systems in good working order. These tasks include cleaning, lubricating, inspecting, and making small adjustments to ensure everything is functioning properly.

S

1. Sensors - devices or instruments used to monitor and detect specific conditions, such as temperature, pressure, vibration, or fluid levels, in equipment or machinery. They provide real-time data that can inform maintenance decisions or trigger automated actions to prevent failures

W

1. Workflow - a sequence of tasks or processes that are carried out to achieve a specific goal. It typically involves a series of actions or steps that are completed in a systematic order
2. Work Order - a formal request or document that outlines the details of a maintenance task, including the scope of work, the resources needed, and the timeline for completion. Work orders are issued to initiate repairs, inspections, or other maintenance activities
3. Work Order Management - the process of creating, tracking, and managing work orders for maintenance tasks. It includes assigning work to technicians, setting timelines, tracking progress, and ensuring that the work is completed efficiently and effectively. Work order management ensures that maintenance tasks are handled in an organized way