Planned preventative maintenance (PPM) is a proactive programme that ensures buildings and other property assets operate efficiently and are protected from decay and dilapidation.
Also known as planned or scheduled maintenance, PPM can help to reduce reactive maintenance by pre-empting repair issues with buildings.
How PPM can help a business to remain productive
It is easy for busy building owners and managers to overlook the various facilities and services that are crucial to operational efficiency and productivity, not to mention safety.
An issue with one aspect of a building can have a domino effect, causing further building defects and leading to repair costs spiralling out of control.
This can be avoided by implementing a preventative maintenance schedule for your built assets.
Smooth operations are more complex than you might think
This can be put in perspective when you consider that most commercial buildings depend on many vital services and systems running smoothly around the clock. These include:
- The fabric of the building
- Roofs and rainwater goods
- Windows and doors
- Power and lighting
- Heating and air conditioning
- Plumbingand hot water systems
- Washroomsand toilets
- Electrical wiring
- Fire safety assets
Why prevention is better than cure
There are some perceived drawbacks of planned preventative maintenance. For example, starting PPM maintenance plan does require upfront investment. There’s the view from some that it can lead to buildings being over-maintained, or the argument that failures will still occur anyway.
However, the long-term savings made through PPM can significantly outweigh any upfront costs. Improved equipment life and decreased downtime are two major advantages.
Planned preventative maintenance can also allow you to use your building surveyors’ and maintenance engineers’ time more effectively, reducing the increased costs associated with emergency repairs.
Ensuring your building’s fabric and the equipment within it is well maintained and running in the best possible condition means better workplace safety, and the potential of reduced insurance premiums.