If your PMs are scheduled correctly, then you are doing just enough PM work to take corrective action before emerging problems significantly degrade equipment performance and/or interrupt operation of that equipment. This means that getting behind schedule on PMs increases the likelihood of equipment degradation or failure. Simply staying behind isn't a practical option.
Unfortunately, many things can cause you to fall behind on PMs. Two big causes are personnel changes and unplanned downtime, both of which hold clues for catching up:
- Re-evaluate and streamline PM procedures to eliminate unnecessary steps.
- Hire a contractor to supplement your workforce, performing a specific project that would otherwise occupy your people.
- Invest in better tools and test equipment to increase worker efficiency.
- Invest in training so people are not only more skilled, but also feel more valued.
- Contract out a predictive maintenance (PdM) project (e.g., ultrasonic bearing analysis) and the repair work for the problems found.