A Day In The Life Of A Maintenance Planner

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Maintenance planners are respected experts who make highly independent decisions by leveraging their skills and experience. The primary role of a maintenance planner is to plan and come up with a perfect schedule of maintenance work. They ensure that supplies and spare parts, as well as technicians required to complete a particular task, are readily available. Small sites with few facilities can run smoothly with only one planner, but large sites with many facilities will require several planners.

What qualifications do maintenance planners need?

The preferred academic qualification for maintenance planners is GED certificate or a high school diploma. In some instances, job experience of between five and seven years in property repair and maintenance can serve as a substitute to the high school diploma. An appropriate maintenance planner training and possession of a unique skill set are ingredients for succeeding in the challenging field of maintenance planning.

What challenges do maintenance planners face?

One of the major challenges faced by planners is an unanticipated breakdown of essential equipment. This failure delays other maintenance tasks, leading to more maintenance backlog. Lack of suitable tools can make the job of a maintenance planner quite difficult. Computerized maintenance management software streamlines the management of both unanticipated and preventive maintenance work. The software consists of a wide array of features that can make maintenance planning easier and enjoyable.

The maintenance planner job description

The primary focus of a planner is to create and execute a preventive maintenance plan. When a new professional joins an organization, evaluation of an existing program is necessary to establish if any adjustments should be made. Maintenance planners are responsible for making sure valuable equipment and facilities are well serviced to minimize chances of an unexpected breakdown. They achieve this goal by conducting regular inspections.

During the inspection process, the planner collects data regarding the condition of machinery and equipment, making necessary repairs and adjustments. The expert inspects equipment such as air handlers, fans, air compressors fans, and pumps. She or he must be familiar with each piece of equipment and the recommendations by the manufacturer. After completing the inspection procedure, the planner prepares a detailed report and assigns work duties to other preventive maintenance technicians. A competent planner must ensure that maintenance issues do not affect operations or result in other delays or losses. Additionally, the professional must make sure that maintenance technicians have adequate skill levels – she or he may need to determine training needs and plan them as required.

Work environment

Maintenance experts have a broad range of employment opportunities. They can work in construction companies, schools, and businesses. Other than working in an office, the professional may spend a substantial amount of time in mechanical equipment rooms and utility tunnels where temperatures may tend to vary. Planners who inspect and maintain moving equipment must be mentally alert and have a keen eye for details. Positions that are security sensitive always come with additional regulations.

Maintenance planners should be self-motivated to remain ahead of technicians who carry out maintenance work. They must demonstrate in-depth mastery of their work and be well respected for their unmatched skills. They must fulfill the continuous education requirement by attending educational conferences and pursuing short professional courses.