Preventive maintenance in manufacturing is a proactive approach to reducing the risk of breakdowns and malfunctions in production equipment. It is a planned system of regularly scheduled inspections, adjustments, cleaning, and replacements of parts and components to ensure that all production equipment is in optimal condition and running efficiently. Preventive maintenance can help manufacturers reduce downtime and unexpected costs, improve product quality, and extend the life of their equipment.

Preventive maintenance activities in a manufacturing environment may include regularly scheduled visual inspections, functional tests, preventive lubrication, and other corrective measures such as replacing worn or damaged parts. Regular maintenance helps to identify potential problems before they become critical, allowing for timely repairs. An effective preventive maintenance system also helps manufacturers to reduce energy use and improve productivity by ensuring that equipment is running efficiently and at peak capacity. Implementing a preventive maintenance program can help manufacturers reduce costs, increase reliability and safety, and extend the life of their machines.