STEP 01
Create stable machine records
Assign an asset ID to every machine and record the location, owner, equipment description and an appropriate priority or criticality. Use the ID throughout your task and cost logs so names and locations can change without losing history.
STEP 02
Separate planned tasks from performed work
Track maintenance tasks with interval, due date and verified last-completed date. A work order records actual performance, labor and notes. Do not automatically mark a task completed merely because an order was closed or a future date passed.
STEP 03
Capture downtime with real timestamps
For interruptions, record start and end date-time, planned versus unplanned status and the affected asset. Overnight events need full timestamps. Check for overlapping interruptions before adding hours to a monthly report.
STEP 04
Track parts consumption independently
A purchase receipt increases recorded inventory, but does not by itself make a maintenance repair more expensive. Log the cost of parts when issued to a valid work order, and keep physical stock counts available for reconciliation.
STEP 05
Use reliability indicators carefully
Mean time to repair (MTTR) depends on consistent definitions of repair time. Mean time between failures (MTBF) requires relevant operating-hour and failure data. A low event count makes such numbers unstable. Review the logs regularly and follow the equipment manufacturer's instructions and required safety procedures.