What is a potential consequence of not conducting regular preventive maintenance?

Not conducting regular preventive maintenance can lead to increased equipment downtime. This is primarily because equipment that is not properly maintained is more likely to experience unexpected failures and breakdowns. Preventive maintenance aims to identify and rectify potential issues before they develop into significant problems that hinder equipment operations. When equipment is frequently out of service due to neglect, production schedules can be disrupted, leading to not only lost productivity but also potential delays in meeting customer demands.

Additionally, increased downtime can have a ripple effect on overall operations, affecting everything from labor costs to supply chain efficiency. In contrast, regular preventive maintenance helps to ensure that equipment runs more reliably and reduces the likelihood of unscheduled interruptions, contributing to a smoother and more efficient operational environment.