The HACCP (hazard analysis and critical control points) system requires food processing plants to maintain food manufacturing equipment. The most efficient plants opt for a combination of preventative, reactive, proactive, and predictive approaches.

All these approaches are valid, but each has a few pros and cons. This article looks at preventive maintenance which, when done right, is a time and cost saving process. Preventive maintenance can also reduce machine downtime, prevent and minimise damage, and extend the useful life of the equipment.

This article looks at the importance of equipment maintenance and maintenance logs, including a checklist and template to help you plan equipment maintenance.