Production process is guaranteed continuity only when the component of transformation is available and functional. Any machine or production system experience wears and tears with time of usage. Whatever the salvage life of equipment could be it is expected that considerable effort is made to first keep the system functional, available and running for as long as it is needed.
Secondly, it is the desire of the management that the life of the equipment be prolonged possibly beyond manufacturer proposed life. An unkept and poorly maintained machine should be expected to breakdown anytime with little or without notification. The question of economy of use of equipment must be considered along with the economy of maintenance could be achieved after analyzing the cost maintenance and cost element. Attitude of manager to maintenance tends toward two extremes which are under funding and over funding of maintenance activities. It takes experience and analytical mind to be able achieve an optimal maintenance cost.
Likewise, different equipment /system require different types of maintenance. Decision on the type of maintenance practice that is most appropriate or suitable for an engineering system should be based on all the criteria relevant to maintenance. Machine, building, equipment and other service facilities are subject to deterioration due to wares and tiers resulting from use and environmental condition. Process of deterioration if unchecked, culminates in rendering this facilities unserviceable and bring them to standstill, Industry, therefore of necessity need to attend to them regularly to repair, recondition and maintain them in order to prolong their useful life subject to economic, ergonomics and safety conditions.
Maintenance is therefore an important engineering function responsible for keeping the facilities in its original useful conditions mechanical-engineering.