Common maintenance management and CMMS-related terms and definitions. Follow the links under each term’s description to learn more about each concept.
A
Automated Maintenance
Maintenance tasks that are performed with minimal human intervention using automated systems or technologies.Read more →
Asset Tracking
refers to monitoring the location, status, and usage of physical assets in real-time or over time.Read more →
Asset Register
What is an asset register? An asset register is a centralized, structured record that contains detailed information about all the physical assets owned or managed by an organization. This register…Read more →
Asset Management
Asset management in maintenance organizations refers to the systematic process of developing, operating, maintaining, upgrading, and disposing of physical assets cost-effectively.Read more →
Asset Lifecycle Management (ALM)
Asset Lifecycle Management (ALM) is a comprehensive approach to managing an organization's physical assets.Read more →
Asset Availability
Asset availability is the measure of an asset's readiness and ability to perform its intended function when required, expressed as a percentage of total time.Read more →
ABC Inventory Analysis
ABC Inventory Analysis is a method used in inventory management to categorize items based on their value and importance.Read more →
B
Breakdown Maintenance (Reactive Maintenance)
Breakdown Maintenance is a maintenance strategy in which repairs or replacements are performed only after equipment has failed or broken down.Read more →
Bill Of Materials
a list of all the parts and components that make up a particular asset. Not to be confused with an Applications Parts ListRead more →
Benchmarking (Maintenance)
Comparing maintenance performance metrics against industry standards or competitors.Read more →
Barcode Inventory System
Barcode Inventory System is a computerized method of tracking and managing inventory using barcode technology.Read more →
Backordering
What is Maintenance Backordering? Maintenance Backordering refers to placing orders for maintenance, repair and operations (MRO) parts or materials not currently in stock or available from suppliers. Backordering occurs when…Read more →
Backlog (Maintenance)
Maintenance tasks that have been identified but not yet completed.Read more →
C
Cross-Docking
What is Cross-Docking? Cross-docking is a logistics strategy in which incoming goods are directly transferred from inbound trucks or rail cars to outbound vehicles, with little to no storage in…Read more →
Corrective Maintenance
Maintenance tasks performed to restore equipment to its proper working condition after detecting faults.Read more →
Continuous Improvement
Continuous improvement is a lean improvement technique that helps to streamline workflows, resulting in saved time and money for organizations.Read more →
Consignment Inventory
Is a business arrangement where a supplier or manufacturer provides goods to a retailer, but retains ownership until the products are sold.Read more →
Condition Monitoring
The continuous or periodic monitoring of asset conditions to detect signs of wear, degradation, or potential failure.Read more →
CMMS (Computerized Maintenance Management System):
A software system used to plan, track, and manage maintenance activities and schedules.Read more →
Calibration
The process of adjusting and testing equipment to ensure it operates within specified parameters.Read more →
D
Drop Shipping
What is Drop Shipping? Drop shipping is a fulfillment method where a store does not keep the products it sells in the warehouse. Instead, when a customer orders, the store…Read more →
Downtime
The period during which equipment is not operational due to maintenance, failure, or other reasons.Read more →
Digital Twins
What are Digital Twins? In maintenance organizations, a digital twin is a virtual replica of a physical asset, system, or process that mirrors its real-world counterpart in real time. It…Read more →
Diagnosis (Maintenance)
Identifying the root cause of equipment failure or performance issues.Read more →
Design failure mode and effects analysis (DFMEA)
What is DFMEA? In maintenance organizations, Design Failure Mode and Effects Analysis (DFMEA) is a structured methodology used to identify, analyze, and mitigate potential failures in the design phase of…Read more →
Deferred Maintenance
Postponing scheduled maintenance tasks due to lack of resources, time, or priority.Read more →
E
Equipment Maintenance Strategies
The choice of routine maintenance tasks and the timing of those tasks, designed to ensure that an item of equipment continues to fulfil its intended functions.Read more →
Equipment Maintenance Log
What is an Equipment Maintenance Log? An equipment maintenance log is a detailed, structured record that tracks all maintenance activities performed on a piece of equipment throughout its lifecycle. It…Read more →
Equipment Depreciation
What is Equipment Depreciation? Equipment depreciation refers to the gradual decrease in the value of machinery, tools, or other physical assets over time due to wear and tear, age, usage,…Read more →
Enterprise Resource Planning
What is Enterprise Resource Planning? In maintenance organizations, Enterprise Resource Management (ERM) software is an integrated system that helps manage and coordinate an organization’s resources, including assets, personnel, finances, and…Read more →
Emergency Maintenance
Unplanned maintenance that must be performed immediately to address critical issues or prevent safety hazardsRead more →
Economic Life
What is the Economic Life of Assets? Economic life represents the optimal period when an asset provides the most significant net financial benefit to an organization, balancing acquisition costs, operating…Read more →
F
Fleet Maintenance
What is Fleet Maintenance? Fleet maintenance refers to the systematic process of keeping a company’s vehicles (its “fleet”) in optimal working condition through regular inspection, servicing, repair, and asset management.…Read more →
Fixed Time Maintenance (FTM)
What is Fixed-Time Maintenance (FTM) Fixed-time maintenance (FTM) is a foundational preventive maintenance strategy in which organizations perform maintenance activities at predetermined, regular intervals, regardless of the asset’s current condition.…Read more →
Fault Tree Analysis
What is Fault Tree Analysis? Fault Tree Analysis (FTA) is a sophisticated, systematic approach to understanding and preventing equipment failures. At its core, FTA is a deductive reasoning tool that…Read more →
Failure Modes
The various ways in which equipment can fail, including mechanical, electrical, or operational failures.Read more →
Failure Mode and Effects Analysis (FMEA)
What is Failure Mode and Effects Analysis (FMEA)? Failure Mode and Effects Analysis (FMEA) is a structured analytical methodology used to identify and evaluate potential ways a system, design, process,…Read more →
Facility Manager
What is a Facility Manager? A Maintenance Manager is a skilled professional responsible for overseeing all maintenance operations within an organization. They ensure the optimal functioning of facilities, equipment, and…Read more →
Facility Maintenance
What is Facility Maintenance? Facility maintenance encompasses all activities and services required to ensure the built environment functions as intended, maintaining buildings’ structural, mechanical, and aesthetic components. This comprehensive approach…Read more →
G
General Maintenance
What is General Maintenance? General maintenance refers to routine tasks to keep equipment, machinery, or infrastructure in good working condition. These tasks are essential for preventing unexpected breakdowns, maintaining performance,…Read more →
Gap Analysis
The process of comparing current maintenance practices with desired standards or benchmarks to identify areas for improvement.Read more →
H
Hazardous Materials Management
Hazardous materials management involves safely handling, storing, and disposing of substances that pose a risk to human health, safety, or the environment during maintenance activities. These materials can include chemicals,…Read more →
Handover Maintenance
What is Handover Maintenance? Handover in maintenance refers to the formal transfer of responsibility for equipment or a maintenance task from one party to another, often between maintenance shifts, teams,…Read more →
I
Inventory Management
What is Inventory Management? Inventory Management is a systematic and strategic approach to overseeing and controlling the flow of goods, materials, and resources within an organization. It encompasses the entire…Read more →
J
Just-in-Time (JIT) Maintenance
What is Just-in-Time Maintenance? Just-in-time maintenance is a proactive maintenance strategy that synchronizes maintenance activities with actual equipment needs, scheduling work to be performed exactly when needed—no earlier and no…Read more →
K
Key Performance Indicators (KPI)
What are Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)? Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) in maintenance are measurable metrics used to evaluate the effectiveness and efficiency of maintenance activities. KPIs provide insights into how…Read more →
M
Mean Time to Repair (MTTR)
What is Meat Time to Repair (MTTR)? Mean Time to Repair (MTTR) is a maintenance metric that measures the average time it takes to repair equipment after a failure occurs.…Read more →
Mean Time Between Failures (MTBF)
What is Mean Time Between Failure (MTBF)? Mean Time Between Failures (MTBF) is a key performance indicator measuring the average time an asset or piece of equipment operates before it…Read more →
Maintenance Inspection
What is Maintenance Inspection? A maintenance inspection is a systematic process of examining, evaluating, and documenting the condition of physical assets, equipment, or facilities. This process involves trained personnel using…Read more →
