What is normal factory scheduled maintenance?
Normal factory scheduled maintenance is the routine, manufacturer-prescribed set of maintenance tasks performed at defined intervals to keep equipment safe, reliable, and efficient. It typically includes lubrication, part replacements, inspections, calibration, and preventive checks, as outlined in the equipment’s manual or OEM maintenance portal.
What it covers
Below is a core list of tasks commonly found in OEM maintenance schedules for a wide range of industrial equipment and manufacturing assets.
- Lubrication and oil changes for moving parts
- Filter replacements (air, oil, fuel, coolant)
- Inspections of critical components (bearings, seals, gears, belts)
- Calibration and alignment of sensors, tools, and actuators
- Replacement of wear parts (belts, gaskets, seals)
- Cooling system maintenance (coolant checks, leaks, heat exchangers)
- Electrical checks (connections, insulation, fuses, contactors)
- Safety system checks (interlocks, guards, emergency stops)
- Software/firmware updates and data backups
- Documentation and spare parts inventory aligned with OEM recommendations
Following these tasks at the prescribed intervals helps reduce unplanned downtime, maintain product quality, and extend equipment life by addressing wear and potential faults before they escalate.
How the schedule is set
Maintenance intervals are determined by a combination of manufacturer guidance, actual usage, and condition data. This approach can be purely time-based, usage-based, or condition-based, and increasingly blends these methods for greater reliability.
- Time-based intervals (e.g., every 1, 3, 6, or 12 months)
- Usage-based intervals (e.g., operating hours, cycles, pieces produced)
- Condition-based triggers (e.g., vibration, temperature, oil condition) using sensors or analyses
- Hybrid or risk-based maintenance planning (combining time/usage with risk assessments)
- Manufacturer service bulletins, recalls, and field updates
Implementing a scheduled maintenance plan that incorporates OEM guidance with real-world usage data helps balance downtime with reliability and can accommodate advances in maintenance tech, such as vibration analysis and infrared thermography.
Implementing maintenance in practice
Practical steps to put a normal factory maintenance plan into operation typically include the following:
- Create a preventive maintenance calendar aligned with OEM intervals
- Assign responsibilities and track completion with CMMS or maintenance software
- Record task details and monitor metrics such as mean time between failures (MTBF) and downtime
- Integrate condition monitoring to shift from purely calendar-based maintenance to condition-based maintenance
With an effective implementation, facilities can reduce surprise failures, improve safety, and maintain consistent production quality while managing maintenance costs.
Summary
Normal factory scheduled maintenance is the routine, manufacturer-prescribed set of checks and part replacements designed to keep equipment operating safely and efficiently. It is defined by OEM manuals and service practices, tailored to equipment usage and sometimes enhanced by condition-monitoring data. A well-managed PM program minimizes downtime, extends asset life, and supports safer, more productive operations.
