What Is the Difference Between Unplanned and Unscheduled Maintenance?

Unplanned maintenance and unscheduled maintenance are two remarkably similar types of words & that is why they are used interchangeably. In this blog, we will know what exactly unplanned maintenance and unscheduled maintenance are! Despite their names sounding so similar, there are some major differences so what are the major differences between them so Let us begin!

What Is Unplanned Maintenance?

Unplanned maintenance is that maintenance that is unplanned, unexpected. This maintenance is used when asset breakdown occurs & it is unexpected. Unplanned maintenance is often known as reactive maintenance or emergency maintenance.

It can also be time-consuming as there is no proper strategy and the maintenance team will have to figure out what is the issue! Unplanned maintenance is expensive due to overtime, call-outs & spare parts required which might be needed to purchase.

Also Read: Detailed Overview and Importance of Planned Maintenance

What Is Unscheduled Maintenance?

Unscheduled maintenance is something in which asset maintenance was planned but a slot for maintenance was not given. In simple words, time day, and date are not fixed for maintenance.

Here is an example of unscheduled maintenance, with the help of data, you found that a vehicle needs maintenance after every 2000-km ride.

Now you know that maintenance will be scheduled for the vehicle after 2000-km but the first condition is that vehicle needs to complete 2000-km after only that maintenance will be scheduled & performed. So, there is uncertainty.

What Are the Several Types of Unplanned Maintenance?

Several types of unplanned maintenance exist that we have discussed below:

1. Reactive Maintenance

It is done when an unexpected asset breakdown occurs and repair is done.

Reactive maintenance is done as a reaction therefore it can increase downtime and repairing can be a time-consuming process.

The maintenance team will have to first figure out what is the issue and what actions can be taken to resolve the issue.

2. Corrective Maintenance

Corrective maintenance gets the asset working again after it quits working appropriately.

Support for corrective goes from fixing a minor deformity that is making a resource run gradually, to fixes on a machine that has separated.

This sort of upkeep adjusts unanticipated issues that have not been anticipated or planned.

What Are the Types of Unscheduled Maintenance?

Below we have discussed several types of unscheduled maintenance:

1. Improvement Maintenance

Improved maintenance is that maintenance in which the upkeep team found another issue while performing maintenance. It can be a minor issue or a major issue.

Also Read: A Simplified Approach to Asset Maintenance Software

However, this maintenance is helpful as maintenance is not be scheduled and maintenance is given to assets. It increases asset life as maintenance is done on time.

2. Emergency Maintenance

The emergency breakdown is also the type of unscheduled maintenance in which suddenly an asset is failed and now it needs to be restored. In this case, an asset has priority and dependency thus asset needs to be bought back into running condition as soon as possible.

For instance, if the asset is not in running condition, then the business operation will be slowed. As a result, delay in production & which can lead to customer disappointment & loss. That is why this maintenance is also called emergency maintenance & breakdown maintenance.

Conclusion

Unplanned maintenance & unscheduled maintenance can be used only when assets' productive life is over or giving maintenance is not possible.

If an organization is asset-intensive then this organization cannot rely on these maintenance techniques.

We know unplanned maintenance or unscheduled maintenance are not good for business. It only led to increased expenses, Chao in operation & hindrance in productivity. Therefore, investing in automated software is essential to avoid these issues.

You can easily avoid issues with automated maintenance applications such as CMMS (Computerized Maintenance Management Software). CMMS software provides a systematic approach to proper, efficient & effective asset management.

It not only schedule maintenance but also keeps track of each asset maintenance. Another benefit of this software is that it comes with cloud technology. It means that your all data will be secured.

Moreover, you will get detailed accurate reports which will help you in making informed decisions.

Also Read: Major Facility Maintenance Challenges Faced by Facility Managers

Frequently Asked Question (FAQs)

1. What are the benefits of scheduling maintenance?‍

There are several benefits of scheduling maintenance:
1. It eliminates unpredictability.
2. Saving maintenance expenses.
3. Increasing asset life.
4. Boosting asset performance.
5. Avoiding sudden asset failure.

2. What are the advantages of CMMS software?

‍CMMS software schedule maintenance & creates a list of all your assets and provide maintenance to each asset. It also allows you to schedule maintenance in advance & sends you alerts & notifications before maintenance so that maintenance takes place on schedule. It provides several other advantages such as recording the cost of maintenance in each maintenance work order. Detailed maintenance report assists in making strategic business decisions. Avoiding sudden breakdowns because this software emphasizes preventive maintenance.

3. Why is preventive maintenance is the best feature of CMMS software?‍

One of the main reasons preventive maintenance is best is because it helps take care of assets proactively. It eliminates unplanned maintenance & unscheduled maintenance factor it ensures asset maintenance is planned and scheduled with the help of data assistance.

Preventive maintenance is one of the most required & demanded features of organizations. According to Allied Market Research,  “The global predictive maintenance market size was valued at $4,331.56 million in 2019, and is projected to reach $31,965.49 million by 2027, growing at a CAGR of 28.8% from 2020 to 2027.”