As building managers know, finding the right maintenance strategy for your building is the key to increased efficiency, cost savings, and improved performance. Whether your approach is proactive, reactive, short-term, or “big picture,” managers need a plan to address equipment failure and maintenance issues on an ongoing basis.

Here’s a look at four different approaches to maintenance to get you started in developing a strategy that works best for your building and your business.

Corrective maintenance

This strategy is a reactive one, based on the idea that when an anomaly is detected, it is addressed with the goal of restoring regular operations soon as possible. This strategy relies on the belief that regular maintenance costs more than simply addresses issues as they arise.

Preventative maintenance

This approach is basically the opposite of the previous one, focusing on regular, scheduled maintenance to reduce the risk of failure and to avoid the equipment being out of service. This system also gives you a really good way to stay on top of the condition of your equipment so you can plan for replacement when the time comes.

Risk-based maintenance

Predictive, data-based decision-making is what this strategy is based on, using analysis and measurement to plan and carry out maintenance. The goal is to use risk assessment, based on gathered data to create a regular maintenance program. The premise is that when information is analyzed, risk assessment is conducted and maintenance is performed based on the identified risk, resulting in overall better performance and efficiency.

Condition-based maintenance

Similarly, this approach relies on data to set a maintenance schedule, but relying on constant monitoring, repair or replacement is conducted following predetermined criteria on a regular basis. This system basically relies on vigilant analysis and catching anomalies before they turn into serious issues, to cut down on major equipment failure.

Whatever approach you take – maybe it’s a combination of one of these or you’ve created your own version – the goal is to minimize overall spending, take the surprise out of costly expenditures, and run your building and equipment at their most efficient. Develop a strategy that works best for your business and allows you to better perform your job as the maintenance manager.