Any maintenance strategy must unquestionably include preventive maintenance. It’s essential for minimizing maintenance costs, cutting downtime for equipment, extending the lifespan and efficiency of assets, and boosting worker safety. Any company wishing to lower maintenance expenses and the frequency of reactive maintenance issues must prioritize preventive maintenance. But what does preventive maintenance for retail stores entail? This article will define preventative maintenance in detail and explain how to apply it to your company to remain on top of problems as they develop.
What is Preventive Maintenance for Retail Stores?
Preventive maintenance entails taking the proper safeguards and steps to foresee any accidents or equipment failures. Hence, it includes tasks like executing routine equipment and business inspections, cleaning and lubricating crucial equipment, and maintaining the grounds of your company.
Preventive maintenance aims to lower the risk of accidents by preventing equipment failure before it happens. Finally, by taking specific procedures to ensure minimal risk to your company, you and your staff will be able to concentrate on enhancing what is currently effective rather than trying to fix what is broken.
What are the Benefits of Preventive Maintenance for Retail Stores?
Lengthen asset lifespan
Possibly the most significant advantage of preventive maintenance is increased asset lifespan. Maintaining your equipment will enable it to run longer and cost less. Mean time between failures, or MTBF, is a popular KPI that facilities managers use to make knowledgeable maintenance decisions. By keeping track of data like MTBF, you can schedule preventative maintenance at precisely the correct time and catch the equipment before it breaks down. Because of the effectiveness of a solid downtime tracking system, 78% of businesses that track and use preventative maintenance report longer equipment lifespans.
Lower risk of breakdowns
Preventive maintenance also has the important benefit of lowering the risk of breakdowns. In actuality, a decreased chance of breakdown is the primary cause of the majority of the advantages stated here. If you put off maintenance until something breaks, your business could suffer from missed production and a bad image. 90% of mechanical breakdowns in industrial equipment are caused by problems that may be avoided with a thorough preventative maintenance plan because only 10% or less of industrial equipment ever genuinely wears out from proper operation. On the other hand, as a facility manager, you may greatly reduce the chance of equipment failure through proactive maintenance scheduling, which will provide you peace of mind.
Decrease unplanned downtime
Machine downtime is unavoidable when maintenance is being done, whether you elect to use reactive or preventive maintenance. However, by planning maintenance ahead of time with a preventive maintenance strategy, downtime can be significantly decreased. Wait times to see specialized technicians or the delivery of required parts may increase the machine’s downtime in the case of reactive maintenance repairs. Preventive maintenance allows you to arrange the procedure at a time that is convenient for you and your facility, reducing disruptions to production and efficiency.
Boost customer satisfaction
Maintaining equipment as efficiently as possible not only results in cost savings and greater income but also strengthens the brand and increases customer happiness. Preventive maintenance is the practice of preventing failures and maintaining the quality of the commodities produced at manufacturing facilities. This guarantees consumer happiness with the product, which in turn reinforces brand image.
Even at establishments that don’t generate products for sale, “customers” can be the employees or students who attend the facility. A comfortable climate has been shown to boost productivity in offices and classrooms; preventive maintenance may ensure that productivity is never lost due to a malfunctioning HVAC system.
Save money
All of the aforementioned benefits of preventive maintenance ultimately point to one thing: financial savings. Typically, unplanned maintenance costs 3 to 9 times as much as scheduled maintenance.
Emergency reactive maintenance must account for missed sales or productivity while the equipment is not in use, as well as the cost of expedited shipping for critical machinery parts. Even worse, improperly performing preventative maintenance may necessitate a complete equipment replacement, which would result in exorbitant costs.
When you initially start performing preventative maintenance, the upfront fees may seem frightening, especially if your facility is on a limited budget. Maintaining your equipment, however, is an investment in the long-term success of your business.
As with most things in life, being proactive will help your facility save time and money over time while also easing the transition to preventive maintenance work. We’ll discuss the value of a preventative maintenance routine now, as well as how to get going.
What is a preventive maintenance schedule?
The goal of a preventative maintenance schedule is to keep assets in top functioning order through a predetermined list of routine maintenance operations and inspections. A maintenance manager or maintenance supervisor must balance the needs of the facilities and assets with the resources available before putting in place a preventative maintenance schedule. The following elements will be present in a well-built plan:
- Detail-oriented instructions to help technicians perform maintenance and inspections
- Timelines that specify when a maintenance task must be finished and how often preventive maintenance must be carried out
- adequate stock and spare parts available in case a repair is required
- To make sure you’re assigning the correct employees to the work, it’s crucial to take into account your team’s expertise and availability when creating a maintenance schedule.
When performing a maintenance task, checklists are a useful tool for keeping track of progress and holding yourself accountable. The best facilities management teams utilize checklists as a tool to hold technicians and staff accountable for adhering to their specific routines, which they rely on to keep operations operating smoothly.
Furthermore, here are preventative maintenance checklists that you can download to keep your facilities running smoothly and minimize unscheduled downtime.
Building interior quality preventive maintenance checklist for retail stores
This preventive maintenance template guarantees that the inside of your building remains in excellent working order. Additionally, the items on the following checklist should be kept an eye out for during regular facility operations, but at least once a month, this checklist should be specifically reviewed. It assists in preventing potential future budget-devouring issues for your building.
Procedure
- Hallways are free of obstacles, and if necessary, anti-slip surfaces are in good shape.
- There is no evidence of dampness, flaking, or peeling on the walls or ceilings.
- Good condition; no lifting or fraying of the carpet.
- Check that windows and doors have functional locks, and grease hinges as necessary.
- Check the area surrounding doors and windows for leaks and drafts.
- Look for signs of bugs or other critters.
- Make that ramps, stairs, and railings are in good working order.
- Examine light switches and search for burned-out bulbs.
- Check electrical outlets for potential problems and watch out for overloading extension cords.
- Verify the license is current and that the elevator is in good working order.
- Additionally, make sure your building complies with safety requirements.
Building exterior quality preventive maintenance checklist for retail stores
The outside of a building is a large and varied landscape. This inspection check list is divided into a number of sublists for different jobs. Additionally, it is a good idea to regularly check for the elements listed here, just like with the building interior quality checklist. But it’s crucial to look more closely and go over the checklist at least twice a year. Again, it aims to prevent issues in order to maintain budgets.
Procedure
- Walkways are even and clear of hazards with safety markings when needed.
- Exterior signage is accurate and easily readable.
- Doors and windows are properly sealed for temperature preservation.
- Paint and siding are in good condition.
- Lightbulbs in lamps, daylight meters, or timers are working effectively.
- Ramps and railings are up to code.
- Remove plants and weeds that pose a risk to building foundation.
- Ensure fencing is intact and in good condition.
- Check the condition of parking lots and garages.
- Roof and gutter system are clear of debris; no pooling or leaking.
- Make seasonal preparations to your facility if needed.
Plumbing preventive maintenance checklist for retail stores
Although it is an essential component of regular facility operations, plumbing is frequently taken for granted. In the event of a plumbing emergency, things will soon turn bad. Regular plumbing inspections are a simple way to avoid potentially severe damage. Consequently, two times a year, you should review this template for a routine maintenance checklist.
Procedure
- Check for signs of active leaks, including water spots, moisture or puddles, and the presence of mold or mildew.
- Check for signs of corrosion on all visible pipes.
- Ensure the water pressure is between 40-80 psi.
- Check that the water heater is at the correct temperature and isn’t leaking.
- Test all drains and ensure there are no clogs.
- Put backflow prevention devices in place and perform backflow tests to prevent water in the system from flowing backward or being contaminated.
- Test that the safety and shutoff valves function properly.
HVAC system preventive maintenance checklist for retail stores
Regular maintenance involves more than just changing the air filter once a year. Your heating and cooling systems will function more efficiently and cost less with preventive maintenance.
Procedure
- Clean or replace filters.
- Inspect burner assembly.
- Check the heat exchanger and other heating elements.
- Check for carbon monoxide or gas leaks in heating elements.
- Inspect electrical connections for frays or damage.
- Lubricate motor bearings and all moving parts.
- Inspect belts for damage or fraying.
- Check drains for blockages.
- Check gas pressure.
- Test thermostats.
- Test and check the heat pump.
- Check ductwork and vents.
- Clean and check the flue system.
- Check the flue system’s attachment to the furnace.
- Check humidity levels.
- Clean condenser and evaporator coils.
- Check for signs of gas leaks.
- Check drain lines for clogs.
- Clean any standing water out of the drain pan.
- Replace worn pulleys and belts.
- Change batteries.
- Clean or replace air filters.
- Clean or replace fan blades.
- Check thermostat settings and functionality.
- Ensure proper airflow throughout.
- Check refrigerant for leaks.
- Check electrical connections.
- Lubricate motor bearings and all moving parts.
- Clear any debris or dust on or around the unit.
- Check the unit cabinet for damage and ensure secure closure.
Manufacturing equipment preventive maintenance checklist for retail stores
If your facility uses manufacturing or construction machinery, it’s essential to regularly check that everything is operating effectively. That is why an excellent strategy to keep track of maintenance and lower the cost of repairs and equipment downtime is to implement a preventative maintenance schedule.
Procedure
- Machinery is clean and clear of debris and dirt.
- Tools and machinery are in good condition and adequately sharp; replace if needed.
- Recalibrate machinery if needed.
- Check for irregular erosion and wear on equipment.
- Ensure there is enough space between equipment and that surrounding areas are clean.
- Display safety signs prominently.
- Manage temperature and humidity levels for optimum performance.
- Check stock level of raw materials, inventory, and emergency replacement parts for machinery.
- Refer to a preventive maintenance schedule to keep machinery working efficiently and lasting longer.
It’s important to keep in mind that every piece of equipment will need its own unique set of preventative maintenance procedures, each of which needs to be established separately. However, this preventive maintenance template offers straightforward daily tasks that will lay the groundwork for maintaining the quality of your equipment. The amount of preventive maintenance performed directly relates to the lengthened lifespan of an item.
Safety standards preventive maintenance checklist for retail stores
Every institution should be concerned about safety, whether it is working with large machinery or guarding the wellbeing of visitors and employees. Annually, thoroughly inspect it, but remember to keep the points mentioned in mind while you go about your daily business.
Procedure
- Fire evacuation routes are up to date and posted clearly.
- Smoke detectors and fire alarm systems are intact.
- Place extinguishers in locations where a fire could spontaneously start and are kept up to date.
- Clearly mark exits with lit signs.
- Fire escapes are up to code.
- All equipment meets safety regulations.
- Security system is fully functioning; alarms and locks on all windows/doors work.
- Check batteries in carbon monoxide detectors.
- Ensure emergency generators are fully functional.
Engage Expert Preventive Maintenance for Retail Stores with Fixwerks Corporate
Preventive maintenance for retail stores helps you manage compliance and inspection requirements, extends the life of your equipment, saves downtime, eliminates demands for reactive maintenance, and avoids expensive emergency repairs. Consequently, by streamlining operations and promoting long-term profitability, strategic preventive maintenance adoption can greatly benefit enterprises. in particular, equipment and facility maintenance done proactively can have benefits including higher productivity, cost savings, improved reliability, increased safety, and increased customer satisfaction.
Therefore, preventative maintenance must be conducted regularly to decrease risks, improve operational efficiency, and decrease downtime. Get in touch with Fixwerks Corporate today to find out how you can maximize preventive maintenance services for your retail store!
