Glossary · Automation fundamentals, platforms and components
Maintainability
Also known as: Serviceability
German: Instandhaltbarkeit
In dependability engineering, maintainability is the ability of an item to be retained in, or restored to, a state in which it can perform as required, under given conditions of use and maintenance.
- Automation components
- Standards
In one sentence
Maintainability is the ability of an item to be kept in or restored to working order under given conditions of use and maintenance.
Example
Designing the drive modules for front access and tool-free replacement reduces the mean time to repair from two hours to 20 minutes.
How it applies
- Engineering: Maintainability is designed in: access, modularity, diagnostics, standard parts and clear labeling. In software, it covers readable code, structure and documentation.
- Maintenance: Good maintainability shortens repairs and reduces errors during maintenance, which also affects safety.
- Documentation: The Maintenance manual is part of maintainability. Clear procedures, spare parts lists and troubleshooting guides reduce repair time as much as hardware design does. Involve documentation early, when access and procedures can still be improved.
- Operation: Maintainability data such as repair times is collected in the field and fed back to design teams.
Maintainability vs. maintenance
Maintainability is a property of the design; maintenance is the activity. A system with poor maintainability needs longer and riskier maintenance, regardless of how good the maintenance team is.