Maintenance Terms

Asset - unlike in the accounting definition, in maintenance this is commonly taken to be any item of physical plant or equipment.

Asset Management -  the systematic planning and control of a physical resource throughout its life. This may include the specification, design, and construction of the asset, its operation, maintenance and modification while in use, and its disposal when no longer required.

Asset Register -  a list of all the assets  in a particular workplace, together with information about those assets, such as manufacturer, vendor, make, model, specifications etc.

Auto Generation of PM WO's - Work Orders are automatically created based on some frequency (# of weeks, meter or both whichever come first).  The day or days of the week is set by a user.

Auto Generation of PO's - Purchase Orders are automatically created from a list of parts that have dropped below the minimum stock on hand quantity.

Backlog -  work which has not been completed by the nominated 'required by date'. The period for which each Work Order is overdue is defined as the difference between the current date and the 'required by date'. All work for which no 'required by' date has been specified is generally included on the backlog. Backlog is generally measured in "crew-weeks", that is, the total number of labour hours represented by the work on the backlog, divided by the number of labor hours available to be worked in an average week by the work crew responsible for completing this work. As such, it is one of the common

Bill of Materials (BOM) - a list of all the parts and components that make up a particular asset. Not to be confused with an Applications Parts List.

Breakdown - a specific type of failure, where an item of plant or equipment is completely unable to function.

Break Down Maintenance (BDM)  - "Unplanned" corrective maintenance performed on equipment after the equipment has suffered a failure and has to be corrected during a break down of the equipment. Break down maintenance indicates a lack of planning.

Calendar-Based Maintenance - a maintenance strategy where specified activities (typically preventative in nature) are undertaken on a predetermined schedule at fixed intervals of time.

Capital Spares - usually large, expensive, long lead time parts that are capitalized (not expensed) on the books and depreciated. They are often deemed as a "protection" against downtime.

Charge Rate - this is the rate that you charge for a mechanic or engineer's time. In addition to the direct wages, it includes provision for benefits and overhead (such as supervision, clerical support, shop tools, truck expenses, and supplies).

Computerized Maintenance Management System (CMMS) - a computerized system to assist with the effective and efficient management of maintenance activities through the application of computer technology. It generally includes elements such as a computerised Work Order system, as well as facilities for scheduling Routine Maintenance Tasks, and recording and storing Standard Jobs, Bills of Materials and Applications Parts Lists, as well as numerous other features.

Corrective Maintenance - any maintenance activity which is required to correct a failure that has occurred or is in the process of occurring. This activity may consist of repair,  or replacement of components.

Craftsperson - alternative to Tradesperson.  A skilled maintenance worker who has typically been formally trained through an apprenticeship program.