Keeping research on track: the importance of preventive maintenance in academia
When asked to write about preventive maintenance, my initial reaction was one of hesitation. It’s not the most glamorous subject, nor is it the dramatic climax of a research story. Yet, preventive maintenance is the backbone that supports the entire structure of academic research. It’s the unseen force that keeps the gears of innovation turning smoothly. Preventive maintenance ensures that laboratory equipment functions efficiently, reducing delays in experiments and data collection. This is crucial, especially in academic research where the pursuit of knowledge is a continuous endeavor.
So, what are the benefits of preventive maintenance for academic research? There is a clear need for this practice, but how does it positively impact research outcomes and productivity?
This blog post serves as a gentle reminder of the many advantages gained by adhering to regular maintenance schedules and how preventive maintenance fits into the broader picture of academic excellence.
What is preventive maintenance?
In its simplest terms, preventive maintenance is a critical practice to ensure that your research equipment operates as expected and continues to do so. All equipment comes with a recommended maintenance schedule and should be optimized to prevent foreseeable failures. Following this schedule helps minimize the risk of costly repairs and unscheduled downtime in the future. Preventive maintenance is best performed by trained and certified service engineers who can verify the correct operation and functionality of all critical equipment components. As a proactive approach, this type of service not only results in early identification of potential issues but also provides documentation that confirms due diligence, which is essential for research integrity and compliance.
To read more about evolution of maintenance: Predictive and prescriptive digital maintenance strategies | Cytiva
Reduce downtime, reduce risk
In academic research, reducing risk is a shared responsibility. When equipment is not maintained at regular, predictable intervals, there is often a risk that a component will fail at the least opportune time, causing experiment downtime and potentially compromising the integrity of the research data.
With the growing importance of accurate and timely research results, the worst-case scenario represents more than just financial loss; these are days or even weeks, months of research lost; this can delay critical scientific discoveries.
Planned maintenance reduces the risk of unplanned downtime and ensures that research activities proceed with optimal functionality.
Enhance equipment health
Preventive maintenance offers peace of mind that components are operating within manufacturer’s specifications. Systems consistently running within specification can increase efficiency in your research activities. It goes without saying that component and overall equipment reliability increase when a recommended maintenance schedule is followed. Regular maintenance goes beyond simple visual inspection; it confirms the condition of critical working components, promoting overall system health and reliability.
Ensure researcher safety
Safe equipment use is paramount in academic laboratories. Despite rigorous safety protocols, constant use, multiple researchers, and many hours of operation can lead to wear and tear, and in extreme cases, unvalidated modifications. This can inevitably bring with it the risk of researcher injury. Scheduled preventive maintenance helps to enhance lab safety and can lead to fewer accidents. A trained service engineer adds value by verifying the correct functionality of safety interlocks, giving researchers confidence in their equipment and their working environment.
Increase cost savings and lengthen equipment life
The cost of planned maintenance can often be lower than the financial loss associated with equipment downtime. Equipment reliability leads to a longer lifespan, which in turn leads to further savings. At its best, preventive maintenance creates a positive feedback loop where regular servicing leads to ongoing reliability, cost savings, and above all, continuity in research activities and assurance of data integrity.
Returning to my opening thought: Is preventive maintenance something we should consider later? Often yes, but it should not be another forgotten task on an endless list. In the realm of academic research, preventive maintenance is a critical practice that ensures the smooth and efficient progress of scientific discovery.
