Preparing the published article.
Planned Downtime Scheduling
Unplanned stops are expensive; planned ones are cheap.
How to plan
| Factor | Consideration |
|---|---|
| Production calendar | Align with low-demand periods |
| Task grouping | Combine work needing the same isolation |
| Parts lead time | Order before the window, not during it |
| Skills | Book the specialist, not just the date |
| Buffer | Allow time for the unexpected finding |
Practical notes
- Publish the plan to production early so orders can be rebalanced.
- Use the window for tasks that need the machine stopped.
- Record what was planned against what was completed.
Downtime planning should involve both production and maintenance. One cannot decide alone.