maintenance business plan

How To Start A Maintenance Business

If you’re thinking about starting your own maintenance or handyman business, you’re on the right track. Maintenance businesses are always in high demand, and with a little hard work and some planning, you can make your business a success. Here are a few tips to help get you started. First, be sure to target your market carefully. Identify who needs your services and figure out how to reach them. You’ll also need to have a strong branding strategy in place so that potential customers know what sets you apart from the competition. And finally, don’t forget to invest in good marketing materials that highlight your services and attract attention. With these tips in mind, you’re ready to start building your own successful maintenance business!

Learn property maintenance industry

The market for property upkeep is exploding. In 2012, the outsourced services industry was worth $143.1 billion in the United States, according to Statista. The market was predicted to rise to a $176.5 billion market in 2017 and would continue growing until at least 2022, according to forecasts at the time.

The housekeeping industry encompasses a wide range of employment. Residential maintenance work is one of the most significant revenue-generating tasks in the field. The average cost to maintain a home in 2018 was $3,067 per year. Portland, OR, and Fort Lauderdale, FL had the highest and lowest expenditures, respectively.

Non-residential property maintenance services are also in high demand. In 2012, these goods made up 55% of the overall industry income. Residential property maintenance income has most likely exceeded this figure, but nonresidential services continue to propel the market forward.

If you’re starting a business that provides property maintenance services, there are a few things you need to know about the industry. This includes understanding the different types of services that are commonly provided, the equipment and tools that are typically used, and the target market for this type of business.

When it comes to providing property maintenance services, there are two main types of businesses: those that focus on residential properties and those that focus on commercial properties. There are also businesses that provide both types of services.

The most common type of property maintenance service is lawn care. This can involve anything from mowing the lawn to trimming hedges and trees. Other common services include power washing, painting, and repairs.

To provide these services, businesses will need to invest in some basic equipment, such as lawnmowers, trimmers, and power washers. They may also need to purchase insurance to protect themselves from liability.

The target market for a property maintenance business is typically homeowners or businesses. Homeowners are often looking for someone to help them with yard work or minor repairs around the house. Businesses, on the other hand, may need someone to maintain their landscaping or handle any repair needs they have.

Choose the scope of your business

To get started in the maintenance business, you’ll first need to decide on the scope of your services. Will you be providing general maintenance and repairs, or will you specialize in a particular area like HVAC or electrical work? Consider your skill set and experience when making this decision.

Once you’ve decided on the scope of your business, you’ll need to create a business plan. This will help you map out the steps you’ll need to take to get your business up and running. Be sure to include information on your target market, pricing, and how you’ll promote your services.

Create a home maintenance business plan

If you’re thinking of starting your own home maintenance business, then you’ll need to create a solid business plan. This document will outline your business goals, strategies, and how you plan on achieving them. It’s important to have a detailed property maintenance business plan when starting any new business, as it will help keep you on track and ensure that your business is successful.

When creating your home maintenance business plan, there are a few key points to keep in mind:

1. Define your business goals and objectives. What do you want to achieve with your business? What are your long-term and short-term goals? Having a clear understanding of your goals will help you create a more focused and effective business plan.

2. Research your industry and target market. It’s important to have a good understanding of the home maintenance industry and who your target market is. This information will help you create marketing strategies that are more likely to be successful.

3. Create a detailed marketing plan. Once you know who your target market is, you can start creating a marketing plan that will reach them. Be sure to include both online and offline marketing techniques in your plan.

4. Develop a pricing strategy. Knowing how much to charge for your services is crucial to your success. Be sure to research your competition and develop a pricing strategy that will allow you to be competitive while still making a profit.

5. Create a financial plan. In order to make your home maintenance business successful, you’ll need to have a solid financial plan in place. This plan should include your start-up costs, operating expenses, and how you plan on generating revenue.

Calculate the necessary costs for your property maintenance business

In order to calculate the necessary costs for your property maintenance business, you will first need to determine how much money you will need to start and operate your business. To do this, you will need to consider the following factors:

• The cost of your equipment
• The cost of your supplies
• The cost of your labor
• The cost of your overhead

After you have considered all of these factors, you will then be able to determine how much money you will need to start and operate your business. Once you have this information, you can then begin to create a business plan and budget for your new venture.

If you need help getting started, there are many resources available to assist you. The Small Business Administration (SBA) is a great place to start. They offer counseling, training, and financing assistance to small businesses. In addition, your local chamber of commerce or economic development organization can also provide you with information and resources. Finally, don’t forget to speak with your accountant or financial advisor to get their input on how to start and operate your new business. With their help, you will be well on your way to success!

Register process for your maintenance business

First, you will need to decide on the business structure of your company. You can choose to be a sole proprietor, partnership, or corporation. Each type of business has its own advantages and disadvantages. Once you have chosen the business structure, you will need to obtain the necessary licenses and permits from the government. You will also need to open a business bank account and get insurance for your company.

Next, you will need to create a business plan. This document will outline your company’s goals, strategies, and how you plan on achieving them. The business plan should also include a marketing strategy. This is how you will let potential customers know about your company and what services you offer.

Once you have everything in place, you can start marketing your company and looking for customers. You can use various marketing channels such as online advertising, print ads, or even word-of-mouth.

It is important to always provide excellent customer service. This will ensure that your customers are happy and will continue to use your services. If you provide good value for their money, they will also be more likely to refer you to their friends and family.

Building a successful maintenance business takes time and effort. However, if you are organized and have a good business plan, it is definitely achievable. Just make sure to always put your customers first and deliver quality services.

Get the necessary permits and licenses

A property maintenance company requires a business license, as well as any additional permits and licenses that may be required by the state or local municipality. The business owner should check with their state’s Department of Business Regulation to determine what is required. In addition, the company will need insurance coverage for its employees and any vehicles used in the course of business. Finally, the company will need to have a solid business plan in place detailing how it plans to generate revenue and profit. With these key components in place, a property maintenance company can be up and running quickly and efficiently.

Employer identification number

You will need to obtain an Employer Identification Number (EIN) from the IRS in order to hire staff for your company.

You can apply for an EIN online, by mail, or by fax.

Open a business bank account

Opening a business bank account is a key step in starting any business, but it’s especially important for businesses that will be dealing with large amounts of cash, such as maintenance businesses. A business bank account can help you track your expenses and income, which is essential for tax purposes. It can also help you build business credit and establish a relationship with a financial institution that can provide funding for your business in the future. You’ll need to provide your business name, address, contact information, and tax identification number when you open the account. Sole proprietorships and partnerships can use their personal Social Security number as a tax ID.

While choosing a bank account for your own business, you should also decide how you will accept payments. You can use field complete property maintenance software for accepting your payments on site. This will save you time and money as you don’t have to go to the bank to deposit checks.

How to fund your own property maintenance business

You will need some start-up capital to get your property maintenance business off the ground. You can either save up the money yourself or apply for a loan from a bank. The amount of money you will need will depend on the size and scope of your business.

To start a small property maintenance business, you will need around $5,000. This will cover the cost of tools, equipment, and marketing. If you are starting a larger business, you will need more money to cover the costs of hiring staff and renting office space.

Purchasing your first piece of equipment

If you’re starting a maintenance business, there are some key pieces of equipment you’ll need to get started.

First, you’ll need a truck or van to transport your equipment and supplies. You’ll also need ladders, tools, and other equipment necessary for the type of maintenance work you’ll be doing.

Insurance for your property maintenance business

Another important consideration when starting a maintenance business is insurance. You’ll need to make sure you have the right insurance in place to protect your business from any potential risks.

You should speak with an insurance agent to determine the type of coverage you need for your business.

Getting the word out about your property maintenance business

Once you have your equipment and insurance in place, you’ll need to start marketing your business. There are a number of ways to market a property maintenance business, including online and offline methods.

Some offline marketing methods include distributing flyers and door hangers in neighborhoods where you’d like to work. You can also offer discounts or special promotions to attract new customers.

Choose a brand name

Your brand is how your customers will perceive you, so it’s important to choose a name that reflects the image you want to project.

You’ll also need to make sure the name you choose is available as a domain name (for your website) and as a business name with your state’s Secretary of State office.

Make the website

While you can start taking customers without a website, it’s important to have one as soon as possible so you can start building your brand online.

You can create a simple website yourself using a platform like WordPress, or you can hire a web designer to create something more sophisticated.

Hire staff for your property maintenance company

A successful property maintenance business consists of a team of professionals who can provide quality services to customers. When hiring staff , be sure to look for individuals who have experience in the field and who are knowledgeable about the latest trends in maintenance.

It’s also important to find employees who are reliable and trustworthy, as they will be working in people’s homes and businesses.

Perform background checks on all potential employees and make sure to verify references.

It’s also a good idea to have new hires sign a contract that outlines your expectations for their job performance.

Determine how many employees you need

The number of employees you need will depend on the size and scope of your business. A small business may only need two or three employees, while a larger operation may need ten or more.

Be sure to consider how much work you can realistically handle and how much you can afford to pay in wages.

Offer employee benefits

In order to attract and retain good employees, it’s important to offer competitive wages and benefits. Some benefits you may want to offer include health insurance paid vacation, and 401(k) plans.

If you can’t afford to offer all of these benefits, try to at least offer some type of health insurance plan. This will help you attract and retain quality employees.

Develop systems and procedures

In order to run a successful property maintenance business, you’ll need to develop systems and procedures for how things are done. This will help ensure that your employees are providing quality services and that work is being completed in a timely manner.

Some things you’ll need to develop procedures for include scheduling appointments, handling customer inquiries, and performing maintenance tasks.

Get a skilled manager for your projects

A skilled project manager is essential for any size property maintenance business. He or she will be responsible for coordinating the work of the staff, ensuring that projects are completed on time and within budget, and keeping customers updated on the status of their projects. He should also have a strong understanding of how to market the business and generate new leads.

Advertise your vacancies

There are a few key ways to get the word out about your maintenance business and to hire the best staff. Start by advertising your vacancies online and in local newspapers or job boards. You can also post flyers in public places or hand out business cards to people you meet. Make sure to list all of the requirements for the position and what the ideal candidate would be like.

Another great way to find qualified candidates is to ask for referrals from people you know and trust. If someone you know has a background in maintenance or running a business, they may be able to recommend someone who would be perfect for the job. You can also look for candidates through online job postings and websites like Indeed or LinkedIn. Once you’ve found a few candidates, take the time to interview them and see if they’re a good fit for your company.

By taking the time to hire the right staff, you’ll be setting your maintenance business up for success.

Market your business

Starting a maintenance business can be a great way to become your own boss and earn a good income. However, as with any business, there is a lot of work involved in getting started. The first step is to market your business. You will need to create a brand that potential customers can trust and feel confident using. This can be done by creating a strong online presence and developing marketing materials that highlight the benefits of your services.

In addition to marketing, you will also need to develop a business plan. This should include an overview of your business goals, how you intend to achieve them, and what expenses you anticipate incurring along the way. Maintenance businesses require significant start-up costs, so it is important to have a clear understanding of your financial needs before getting started.

Once you have a plan in place, the next step is to find customers. This can be done by networking with other businesses in your industry, or by advertising your services online or in local publications. You may also want to offer discounts or special promotions to attract new customers.

By taking the time to develop a strong business foundation, you will be well on your way to success as a maintenance business owner.

Use local SEO

As a maintenance business, one of the best ways to market your services is through local SEO. This involves optimizing your website and online content for relevant keywords related to your business. For example, if you are a plumbing company in Los Angeles, you would want to optimize your site for keywords such as “plumbing Los Angeles” or “Los Angeles plumbing.” By doing this, you will make it easier for potential customers to find you when they search for these terms online.

In addition to optimizing your website, you should also create profiles on popular directories and review sites. This will give you another platform to promote your business and attract new customers. Be sure to include accurate contact information and customer reviews on these profiles to give potential customers the most accurate picture of your business.

By taking advantage of local SEO, you can significantly increase your chances of success as a maintenance business.

Develop a social media presence

In today’s digital world, it is essential for businesses to have a strong social media presence. This is especially true for maintenance businesses, as potential customers are likely to search for these services online. As such, you should create profiles on popular social media sites and regularly post content that showcases your business. You should also make it easy for customers to contact you by including your contact information on your social media profiles.

In addition to creating a social media presence, you should also consider creating a blog. This can be a great way to share information about your business and attract new customers. Be sure to include keyword-rich content that is relevant to your business, as this will help you attract more visitors from search engines.

By taking advantage of social media and blogging, you can reach a wider audience of potential customers and significantly grow your maintenance business.

Consider using field service management software

There are a number of software programs available that can help you manage your property maintenance business. These programs can be used to schedule appointments, track invoices, and keep track of customer information.

By using field service management software, you can free up your time to focus on other aspects of running your business.

Create a free Field Complete account for on-site estimates, invoicing, dispatching, and payments. Automate your business with GPS-powered scheduling, automatic customer notifications, and online payments.

Get started today and see how Field Complete can help you grow your business!

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Handyman Business Plan

Did you find what you are looking for.

Increasing complex waste management and housekeeping needs make cleaning, maintenance, and repair businesses lucrative for new entrepreneurs.

Whether you plan to start a waste management or commercial cleaning company, you need a clear roadmap to drive your business to success.

This library of cleaning and maintenance business plan examples here can inspire and guide you as you begin to plan your business. So, don’t worry; we got you covered on that part.

Let’s learn more about these repair and cleaning business plan samples, starting with their benefits.

Benefits of using an industry-specific business plan example

Believe it or not, using an industry-specific business plan example is the best and probably the quickest way of writing a business plan.

Doubt it? Hold, this may change your perception; an extended list of the benefits of using an industry-specific business plan template.

• Inspiration : Reading a business-specific template can be incredibly helpful in getting content inspiration. Furthermore, it helps you gain insights into how to present your business idea, products, vision, and mission.
• Risk-free method : You are taking a reference from a real-life, let’s say, auto repair shop business plan—so you know this plan has worked in the past or uses a method subscribed by experts.
• Deep market understanding : Analyzing and reading such examples can provide clarity and develop a deeper market understanding of complex industry trends and issues you may not know but relate directly to the realities of your business landscape.
• Increased credibility : A business plan developed using an example follows a standard business plan format, wisely presents your business, and provides invaluable insights into your business. There’s no question it establishes you as a credible business owner, demonstrating your deep business and market understanding.
• Realistic financial projections : Financial forecasting being a critical aspect of your plan, this real-life example can help you better understand how they project their financials—ultimately helping you set realistic projections for your business.

These were the benefits; let’s briefly discuss choosing a maintenance, repair, and cleaning business plan sample that best suits your business niche.

Choosing a Maintenance or Repair Business Plan

This category itself has 18+ business plan templates for various cleaning and maintenance businesses. With many similar business types and templates, you may not find the most suitable one through manual scrolling.

Here are the steps to consider while choosing the most suitable business plan template.

Identify your business type

Are you going to be a pest control service provider? A carpet cleaning company? Or a laundromat business?

Asking yourself these questions will help you identify your business type, which will help in choosing a niche-specific business plan template.

Once you identify your business type, you can choose between templates for different business segments.

Search for the template

We have an in-built search feature, so you can easily search for a business-specific template using your business type as a key term. Once you have the search results, choose the most suitable one. Simple as that.

Review the example

Look closely at the content of the sample business plan you are considering. Analyze its sections and components to identify relevant as well as unnecessary areas.

Since all the Upmetrics templates are tailored to specific business needs, there won’t be many fundamental customizations. However, a hybrid business model targeting multiple customer segments may require adjustments.

No big deal—you can view and copy sections from other business plan examples or write using AI while customizing a template.

That’s how you find and select the most suitable repair and maintenance services business plan. Still haven’t found the perfect business plan example? Here’s the next step for you.

Explore 400+ business plan examples

Discover Upmetrics’ library of free example business plans to help you write your business plan. Upmetrics is a modern and intuitive business planning app that streamlines business planning with its free templates and AI-powered features. So what are you waiting for? Download your example and draft a perfect business plan.

From simple template to full finished business plan

Maintenance Business Plans

Aquarium services business plan.

EcoAquatics will manage saltwater aquariums for its clients. We will help every step of the way, from setting up the aquarium, to cleaning it, maintaining it, and feeding the fish.

Construction Repair Business Plan

HodgePodge Sealcoating Company repairs, fills, and reseals residential asphalt paved surfaces.

Electronics Repair Business Plan

Abbey Electronic Services offers repair of electric and electronic, commercial and household, appliances and audio/visual equipment, both with or without warranty coverage.

Electronics Repair Shop Business Plan

Tucson Electronics specializes in the repair and service of home entertainment electronic equipment.

Handyman Maintenance Business Plan

HandyMan Stan is a start-up organization offering Duluth, Minnesota residents a complete handyman service.

Hardwood Floor Refinisher Business Plan

Wooderful Floors is a newly formed Pennsylvania-based L.L.C. that offers customers environmentally-sound wood floor refinishing options.

Lawn and Garden Services Business Plan

Fescue & Sons Yard Care is a new residential yard care service targeting rural, middle-class residents with large yards. Red Fescue, one of the owners, is also the primary employee.

Locksmith Business Plan

South Kelleton Keys and Locksmith is a startup business offering retail sales of locks and security devices, onsite lock installation and repair services, and duplicate and replacement key cutting.

Plumbing Business Plan

Water Tubes is a plumbing contractor company focusing on installation of plumbing systems in new residential constructions, both custom homes and tract development projects.

HVAC Business Plan

ClimateTech HVAC Solutions is dedicated to revolutionizing the HVAC industry by providing advanced, energy-efficient heating, ventilation, and air conditioning services to both residential and commercial clients.

Maintain your business as easily as you maintain machinery, home infrastructure, or whatever else you specialize in. Start today by downloading one of our maintenance sample business plans.

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How to Start a Property Maintenance Business

If you're a property maintenance expert looking to take the next leap, you might want to start a business of your own. We've put together this detailed guide to walk you through the process from start to finish.

Start a Property Maintenance Business — Checklist Download

Use our free checklist in PDF format as a guide to starting your property maintenance business.

The property maintenance industry is booming. In 2024, the U.S. property management market is worth an estimated $81.52 billion. Forecasts suggest that the industry will grow by 3.94% per year by 2029 to become a $98.88 billion market. Maintenance and repairs account for a substantial proportion of property management services.

Considering the demand for property maintenance services, you may be wondering how to get your own business up and running within the industry. Read through the steps below to discover how to establish a successful property maintenance business.

Property Maintenance Business Plan — Free Template

Use our free template in Microsoft Word format to generate a property maintenance business plan.

How to Start a Property Maintenance Business:

If you're passionate about property maintenance and looking to turn your trade into a profitable business, you may want to branch out as a solopreneur or even a company with employees. Here's how to do just that.

• Decide whether starting a property maintenance business is for you.

Familiarize yourself with the industry, if needed.

Residential and nonresidential properties need a range of upkeep services to function optimally. These include interior and exterior cleaning, groundskeeping, painting, carpentry, locksmith services, drywall repair, as well as HVAC, electrical, and plumbing work, and much more.

Evaluate your training and experience.

Training requirements depend on the types of services you'll offer and whether you'll conduct these yourself. Cleaning and groundskeeping, for example, do not require the completion of formal training. However, you'll need formal training to render HVAC, electrical, and plumbing services.

Those who lack the requisite educational requirements may need to hold off on starting a property maintenance business until they have received formal preparation. Alternatively, it may be possible to delegate these tasks to suitably qualified individuals.

Consider the risks and challenges.

Property maintenance often requires intense physical labor as well as exposure to potentially harmful environmental conditions . Both of these will render you and/or your employees vulnerable to a host of short-term and sustained bodily injuries, or worse.

In addition, you may need to conduct after-hours work . This is particularly important during the initial stages of establishing a property maintenance business; it gives companies a competitive edge. This may even be necessary if the demand for property maintenance shrinks, as was the case during the recession.

If you're willing to face these challenges, then a property management business could be the right fit for you.

• Define the scope of your business.

Think about your interests and expertise.

By now, you should have a good sense of what you're qualified to do and where your passions lie. Use these insights to inform the type(s) of services you'll be offering.

Consider whether you'd like to work alone or in a team.

Perhaps you don't have the skills or capacity needed to perform the range of property maintenance services you'd like to conduct. If this is the case, consider whether you'd be opening to hiring one or more employees.

• Choose a business name.

Consider your offerings.

Foregrounding your services will help convey information about your business, which could attract clients. Start by jotting down all the ideas that spring to mind when you think about your offerings.

Try using synonyms, where possible — particularly if you don't want your business's name to be too on the nose. Online resources such as thesaurus.com can help with this.

If you get stuck, use NameSnack to find thousands of property maintenance business name ideas.

Discard ill-fitting names.

Among other things, your business's name should be easy to spell and pronounce, and congruent with your desired brand identity. Go ahead and weed out any ideas that don't fit these criteria.

See what your target market thinks of the remaining names.

Potential clients should be able to give you a sense of which names are informative and, brandable. They'll also be able to indicate which options are easy to spell and pronounce.

Create and share an online poll via social media to reach potential clients.

If you intend to offer residential property maintenance services, you should consider targeting home improvement groups.

Check trademark availability.

Once you have a sense of which name is a crowd favorite, you should check for existing trademarks . If there are none, consider filing a trademark application of your own.

Secure a domain name.

Visit the website of an ICANN-accredited provider such as Namecheap to check if your preferred domain name is available. If it is, proceed to register it.

• Form your property maintenance business.

Formulate a business plan.

Your business plan should outline the core objectives of your company, as well as measurable steps you will take to achieve these aims. The document will serve as both a roadmap and a tool to hold you accountable to yourself. It could also help you to articulate your ideas to others and to secure financial backing.

Your business plan should contain the following:

• Executive summary.
• Company overview.
• Market analysis.
• Marketing strategy.
• Financial summary.
• Future goals.

We've created a free property maintenance business plan template to help. You'll find it near the start of this page.

Choose a legal structure.

Property maintenance businesses can be structured in various ways. Key options include sole proprietorships, partnerships, corporations, and limited liability corporations (LLCs).

Given the litigious nature of the industry, it may be worth forming an LLC or a corporation. These options ensure limited to no personal liability. Unsurprisingly, many U.S. property maintenance companies have opted for one of these structures.

Obtain an Employer Identification Number (EIN).

Some businesses are not required to have an Employer Identification Number (EIN). However, if you decide to operate as a corporation or partnership, or if you intend to hire employees, then an EIN is mandatory.

Having an EIN is a sign of legitimacy in the industry. It often makes it easier to open a business bank account and to secure financing. You'll also be able to use your EIN in lieu of your Social Security number when conducting business, which could prevent identity theft.

Open a business bank account.

A business bank account will allow you to easily distinguish between personal and professional finances. It'll also be a sign of professionalism when dealing with clients and vendors.

For some, a business bank account is more than just a nice-to-have. The IRS requires that all incorporated businesses have a dedicated business bank account.

Purchase insurance.

Property maintenance businesses are susceptible to a range of risks. These include theft, accusations of negligence, and even accidental bodily harm to others. Thus, many business owners purchase general liability insurance, professional liability insurance, and commercial property insurance, at the very least. State regulations may require you to have workers' compensation coverage, even if you aren't an employer.

Obtain your licenses and permits.

Licensing requirements are contingent upon a number of factors. Typically, these include the region in which you intend to work, as well as the types of property maintenance activities that you will conduct.

View our list of the most salient, state-specific licensing information .

You'll notice that many states offer a minor work exemption — the ability to render services without a license if you don't exceed a specified dollar amount. Remember to inquire about this.

Note that the table doesn't account for local requirements. You should check in with your county clerk's office to obtain information about these.

For more detailed licensing information at the state level, be sure to contact your state's department of business regulation.

• Outline your funding requirements.

Calculate vehicle and related expenses.

Regardless of whether you're a sole proprietor or aiming to employ others, you'll likely need a vehicle to travel between work sites. This might mean using your own vehicle or leasing one, to begin with. Either way, you must be able to cover all associated costs.

Consider location-related costs.

Smaller businesses may be able to use a spare room, garage, or shed to store their supplies. Alternatively, you may wish to lease a warehouse with adequate storage space. While you don't need to sign any agreements just yet, it's important to have an idea of the applicable costs, if any, before attempting to secure funding for your business.

Determine the cost of supplies.

Regardless of which specific property maintenance services you intend to offer, you'll need a range of tools and equipment. We've rounded up some of the common ones for you.

Consider the nature of your work, as well as the guidelines prescribed by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) , when deciding what you'll need.

• Obtain funding.
• Ask family and friends.

Having formed your business and outlined your finding requirements, you'll need to get some cash. Consider asking loved ones, who might be personally invested in your success and thus, willing to back you financially. Loans from family and friends often present flexible payment terms as well as little to no interest.

• Try crowdfunding.

You'll be able to reach many potential investors by harnessing your friends' and family's networks.

Perhaps offer free maintenance services to donors who make sizable contributions to your campaign.

• Search for angel investors.

In addition to financing, they'll be able to offer you guidance on establishing a successful business within the industry. Though this avenue presents an opportunity for flexible terms, you may need to relinquish some control of your business.

Apply for a loan.

Small Business Administration (SBA) loans are federally-backed lending options that include longer repayment periods, capped interest rates, and smaller down payments. However, they can be difficult to qualify for.

Another option is to apply for a conventional bank loan , which should be processed fairly quickly. Note, however, that the repayment terms tend to be shorter and you'll likely need to provide collateral.

• Use a business credit card.

Business credit cards are fairly easy to obtain, and many providers offer a 0% annual percentage rate (APR) plus no annual fees during the first year. However, business credit cards can turn out to be costly in the long haul.

• Select and set up your location.

Find the perfect location.

At this point, you'll have decided whether to establish a base station at home or if you'd prefer to lease a warehouse. If you choose to do the latter, consider enlisting the services of a real estate agent. Ultimately, your chosen space should have ample storage for your equipment and supplies, as well as sufficient parking space (for yourself and your employees, if applicable).

Purchase your equipment and tools.

Having obtained funding, you can go ahead and purchase the supplies you'll need to get started.

You don't have to purchase the most expensive supplies, but be sure to weigh the initial cost of each item against its projected lifespan when deciding what to buy.

Search for bundled deals, particularly for power tools and common supplies (screws, nuts, bolts, etc.).

Be sure to review shipping-related restrictions when shopping online. Items such as hacksaws may not be eligible for delivery.

Clients who require specialized materials may be billed separately for these. However, you should discuss payment-related expectations before commencing each project.

Observe all pertinent storage regulations.

The OSHA has promulgated many regulations that apply to the stowing of certain maintenance and construction-related supplies. These are outlined in 29 CFR Part 1910 and in 29 CFR Part 1926 . Be sure to review them along with local guidelines to ascertain how they may dictate the layout of your space.

Remain guided by safety considerations.

You should always be mindful of safety, even in the absence of industry-specific regulations. For example, even nonhazardous materials should be stored in a manner that prevents toppling, rolling, and the obstruction of spaces where people may walk. If you intend to store your supplies at home, be sure that the garage, shed, or room from which you work remains locked when it isn't in use.

Keep your space well-organized.

Supplies should be stored intuitively from the outset. Consider creating labels and maintaining an updated inventory management system to promote easy access to your gear. Not only will this spare time, but you'll have a good idea of when to replenish your items.

• Hire staff, if needed.

Determine how many employees you need.

Having thought about the services you'd like to offer, you should have a good idea of how many staff members you'll need, and the functions they ought to perform.

Revisit your business plan if you need a refresher, but don't feel pressured to stay bound to your initial intentions. It's completely normal for these to change over time.

Advertise your vacancies.

You'll want to attract as many suitably qualified candidates as possible to ensure that you find the best fit for each position.

Consider posting your advert(s) on free job boards and across all of your social media platforms.

It could be useful to use an applicant tracking system if you end up receiving a large volume of interest.

Review candidates' resumes.

Once applications have closed, you'll need to review candidates' resumes and other supporting documentation to narrow your pool of applicants.

Many applicant tracking systems include a resume parsing tool that can help you do just this. Go ahead and use it if you're dealing with a large group of candidates.

Remember to ensure that shortlisted candidates comply with the requisite state and local licensing requirements.

Schedule interviews.

Having identified the top candidates, you can go ahead and arrange interview times with each of them.

Appoint the best candidate(s).

Once you've worked through each of the applicants' resumes and met with them, you should have sufficient information to extend job offers.

• Market your business.

Create and display your logo strategically.

In most instances, your logo will be the first point of contact between your business and prospective clients. Kick-off your marketing process by creating a visually interesting logo that encapsulates the purpose of your business. It should be displayed on all marketing materials including bumper stickers, uniforms, leaflets, etc.

If you need a hand, consider writing down (and possibly even sketching) your initial ideas and then taking these to a professional.

Create some leaflets.

Be sure to note the range of services that you offer, as well as important contact details. You could also include a few before and after photos of your best work.

Distribute your leaflets.

Be sure to focus on the neighborhood in which you'll be working. With permission, you could also leave these at local hardware and furniture stores.

• Build and maintain an updated website.

At this point, you should create a website that contains detailed information about your offerings. Also include contact information, as well as links to your social media accounts. As work comes in, you'll be able to include a photo gallery of completed projects.

Harness social media.

Both Facebook and Instagram are great platforms for sharing visual content, which you'll want to do. These also offer opportunities for direct engagement with prospective and existing clients.

Remember to include a link to your business's website wherever possible.

Forge strategic partnerships.

Perhaps your neighborhood supermarket or restaurant is in need of maintenance. Consider offering your services in exchange for advertising.

Use local SEO.

Many searches have local intent. That is, searches are often made with the aim of yielding location-specific information. In your case, clients are going to want to know about nearby property maintenance businesses — and you'll want to pop up in their search results.

Start by registering for Google My Business.

Next, create a Yelp Business Page.

Urge clients to post reviews of your work.

Continue to study and implement other techniques.

It might help to enlist the services of an experienced professional.

Take stock of your supplies.

Before you start tackling projects, you'll want to make sure that you've purchased everything you need. Property maintenance software can help you do just this.

If your preferred solution lacks the appropriate features, perhaps opt for dedicated inventory management software. There are free and paid options.

Prepare your schedule.

As maintenance requests roll in, you'll want to keep track of these.

Be sure to do the same for your employees, if applicable.

Try using scheduling software if a standard, online calendar doesn't suffice.

Shop for job-specific supplies.

Highly specific projects might require specialized supplies. Be sure to purchase these in anticipation of upcoming projects once they've been scheduled.

Review directions to worksites ahead of time.

This is something you'll want to do as a matter of course, particularly when you aren't familiar with the area you'll be working in. However, it's especially important when you're starting out and wanting to form a great reputation for your business.

Gather all the pertinent tools before seeing your first clients.

Finally, you'll want to round up all the supplies you'll need for your first week of operations. This should help avoid a last-minute scramble while also ensuring that you don't forget important supplies.

Tips from Property Maintenance Business Owners:

State-Specific Licensing Information:

Note that those who hold a particular license in one state may be eligible for the equivalent license in another state without having to pass an examination. This is called licensure by reciprocity. Be sure to inquire about existing reciprocity agreements if you hold a license that was not awarded by the state in which you intend to work.

As highlighted, the aforementioned table does not present an exhaustive account of state-level licensing requirements. Moreover, it does not account for local regulations. To learn more about all the applicable licensing and permitting requirements, be sure to contact your state's department of business regulation, as well as your county clerk's office. For peace of mind, you may even want to consult an attorney.

Common Supplies for Property Maintenance:

Property Maintenance Logos

What is a property maintenance company?

Property maintenance companies work to preserve and improve the condition of residential and/or nonresidential premises, including buildings and the grounds on which they are situated. Some companies cover all aspects of property maintenance , while others specialize in one or more services.

How do I start my own property maintenance business?

• Get ready to open.

What does property maintenance include?

• Interior and exterior cleaning.
• Groundskeeping.
• Locksmith services.
• Drywall repair.
• Window replacement.
• Roof repair.
• Concrete patching.
• Pest control.
• HVAC services.
• Electrical work.
• Plumbing activities.

How much does it cost to start a property maintenance business?

Startup costs depend on factors like equipment and licensing needs, as well as business formation, banking, and insurance requirements. Some suggest that handymen can start a one-person business for $1,000 or less. However, many will likely pay between $2,000 and $4,000. Those who lease commercial premises and vehicles, and who hire staff, need significantly more funding; likely $15,000 or more.

How much do property maintenance companies make per year?

It depends on the type of business. Self-employed handymen, for example, tend to earn between $16.34 and $58.72 per hour , which roughly equates to between $34,00 and $123,00 per year. Businesses that offer more specialized services, and those who hire employees, likely have a much greater earning potential.

How can I fund my property maintenance business?

• Apply for an SBA loan.
• Apply for a conventional bank loan.

How can I market my property maintenance business?

• Design a logo and display it prominently on promotional materials.
• Create and disseminate leaflets.
• Harness social media platforms like Facebook and Instagram.
• Offer your services to established companies in exchange for free advertising.
• Register for Google My Business and Yelp.
• Ask clients to post reviews of your services once you get started.

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Effective Maintenance Plan: A How-to Guide

Prolong equipment lifecycle and lessen operational downtime with a maintenance plan.

Significance of a Maintenance Plan

It is common knowledge that by conducting regular maintenance, assets are kept in their best condition and prolong their life cycle. However, there are still many who do a poor job at it. Neglecting maintenance will only result in a backlog of repairs leading to equipment failure, and worst-case scenario, accidents. This is more costly and can even lengthen operational downtime, but how can businesses avoid this mistake?

This is where a maintenance plan becomes vital. A maintenance plan refers to the strategy of a company in maintaining machinery, equipment, and other types of assets used for operation. Having a maintenance plan secures long-term success for the company as it enables to improve safety , reliability , and productivity .

Where a Maintenance Plan Comes in Handy

If we are talking about where maintenance can be applied, the answer is: to everything. Maintenance isn’t just concerned with corrective activities like repairs and replacement needs, but also preventive activities such as regular inspections. Maintenance covers a wide array of use cases like in engineering, maintenance have 3 major areas, which are the following:

Civil Maintenance – covers maintenance services for buildings and facilities such as water, gas, steam, compressed air , heating and ventilation, air conditioning , plumbing, carpentry work, and painting. Some other services include landscaping , housekeeping, gardening, drainage, and fire fighting equipment.

Mechanical Maintenance – this refers to maintaining, troubleshooting, and repairing machinery used in factories, medical facilities, construction, laboratory, and transport vehicles such as aircraft and cars .

Electrical Maintenance – this area covers equipment and systems maintenance which supplies electricity to residential, industrial, or commercial buildings. So electrical equipment such as lighting, fans, generators, transformers, telephone systems, electrical installations fall under electrical maintenance.

Pre-requisites of a Maintenance Plan

The following elements should be considered and determined in building an effective maintenance plan:

• Team – The effectiveness of your maintenance plan depends on how reliable your maintenance team is. Have a dedicated team with the appropriate skill set for maintenance tasks. Depending on how big your organization is and the need for maintenance, you can allocate and assign members to different areas.
• Scope – Clearly define the purpose of your maintenance plan and specify the areas it covers. Determine priorities and the sequence of activities and skills required.
• Work instructions – Proper work instructions not only lessen the dependency on other workers, but it also ensures maintenance tasks are performed efficiently and up to standard.
• Schedule – Scheduling plays a major role in the success of executing the maintenance plan. When scheduling, there are a number of factors to consider such as priority level of the task, availability of resources, and operational schedules of both operations and maintenance teams.
• Tools & Materials – Consider the tools, spare parts, and other materials that will be needed for completing maintenance tasks.
• Contractors – In some cases, maintenance tasks will require contractors or external specialists. A good maintenance plan should include specifications of work order, along with contractor information such as the service company name, how much it accounts for, and other necessary information that top management requires.

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Build from scratch or choose from our collection of free, ready-to-download, and customizable templates.

Step-by-Step Guide to an Effective Maintenance Program

Say you now have everything mentioned above, how does it all come together? Here’s a brief 5 step guide on maintenance planning and scheduling:

The 5 Step Maintenance Program | SafetyCulture

Take note that this guide is set in the scenario of a maintenance worker conducting a maintenance check, and he encounters an issue.

Step 1: File a work request

A work request should provide details including what, when, where, likelihood, actions, and risks involved.

Step 2: Review work request and plan the work order

Upon the work request is submitted, it is now subject to review. During the review, the problem indicated in the work request is diagnosed and a work order is prepared. The work order should include what tools and resources are needed, also, identify if there is a need for outsource. Preparation of requirements also fall under this step.

Step 3: Create a draft schedule

Once resources are completed and have been reviewed, a draft schedule is created based on the priority level of work orders. In creating the schedule, it is best to consider grouping works on the same equipment or area to maximize crew efficiency.

Step 4: Communicate and formalize a schedule

Discuss draft schedules with relevant teams, especially those departments or functions of the business that will be affected by the maintenance work. Once teams reach a consensus for the finalized work schedule, they will sign on a written document to formalize the agreement and to notify the rest of the business of the planned work arrangements.

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Step 5: Execute maintenance work

After finalizing the schedule, maintenance work is then sent across the maintenance teams. As the team completes their work, they have to keep a daily record of the time spent on the job and provide detailed technical feedback once the job is completed. The information from that document is used to analyze and improve equipment performance, as well as the maintenance planning and scheduling process.

Maintenance planning and scheduling are at the heart of an effective maintenance management system. Just like in the guide above, it proves that with proper maintenance planning and scheduling, organizations are able to make maintenance a standardized and efficient process for everyone; providing people with the right tools, materials, and work instructions to do the right work at the right time.

With all these steps and details to take note of, records management also becomes an important part of an effective maintenance management system. By organizing and tracking records, businesses can make sure that everyone has the right information to complete their work, effectively and efficiently.

The Power of Inspections in Maintenance

Why safetyculture (iauditor).

One of the main objectives of maintenance is to keep equipment and machine tools in optimum working condition to prevent operational downtime and keep equipment and people safe by preventing the development of safety hazards. This can be achieved through the power of inspections.

You can also train workers on managing and maintaining the equipment, tools, and other assets they use in conducting maintenance work.

Jairus Andales

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Building a Robust Maintenance Plan: The Ultimate Guide

Every manufacturing plant or production facility requires a robust maintenance plan to ensure the systematic execution of maintenance operations. The reason behind this is simple: planned maintenance minimises downtime and improves overall business efficiency and performance.

With a maintenance plan in place, it’s also possible to extend asset lifespans and reliability as well as ensure greater cost effectiveness . However, reaping these benefits requires a concerted effort to ensure that maintenance is planned well in advance and is prioritised for maximum effectiveness.

That’s why this article explores all the facets behind how to create a maintenance plan and addresses the key steps to follow for the greatest possible output. Keep reading to discover more.

What Is a Maintenance Plan?

A maintenance plan, or maintenance programme, is a road map designed for and used at various types of manufacturing plants and production facilities. It can be a digitised or paper-based document that defines the scope of maintenance work that needs to be carried out on various assets and equipment.

The purpose of these maintenance activities is to ensure that facility assets are maintained in a proactive manner using preventive maintenance strategies in order to optimise an asset’s level of performance.

When this plan and schedule strategy is implemented on an ongoing basis , it ensures that equipment in manufacturing plants is accurately and effectively maintained through a thorough equipment maintenance plan.

Benefits of Maintenance Planning

Maintenance planning is an undeniably powerful strategy to ensure that enterprises reap the rewards of well-functioning machinery and equipment at all times. Some of the most important benefits of well-structured and executed maintenance plans are:

• Fast response to equipment failure: When maintenance teams quickly come to the scene and address equipment failures in a timely manner through well-established work orders, this can have significant cost savings for the organisation. That’s because predictive data analytics is used to predict potential failures. Addressing the fault in question quickly and efficiently prevents costly equipment failures and malfunctions that can halt production processes.
• Effective maintenance management protocols: Putting effective maintenance management protocols in place streamlines and eases processes. This, in turn, is often coupled with the incorporation of quality assurance standards that can be enhanced through staff training. When staff are well-trained and comply with such protocols, they’re more capable of handling preventative maintenance tasks with speed and accuracy.
• Higher equipment uptime and dependability: Last but not least, an effective maintenance plan can have a direct positive impact on business key performance indicators (KPIs). When maintenance is synchronised with organisational KPIs, maintenance crews and management can together apply strategies that ensure continuous improvement.

How to Create a Maintenance Plan Step-by-Step

Having mentioned just a few of the benefits of implementing a system maintenance plan, we will now delve into the steps involved in doing so. Although some organisations may already follow their own procedures, the steps outlined below are a great starting point for maintenance managers looking to improve productivity, performance and efficiency.

1. Identification of Problematic Areas

Organisations purchase equipment and machinery at different stages of the business life cycle. Often, when an organisation grows, it needs additional assets to make up for increasing production demand . What is important to note is that some of these assets may be new while others may be used or second-hand.

Each one comes with its own warranty and maintenance instructions . Furthermore, each asset has its own life span, such as the number of rotations, quantity of output, lubrication requirements, etc.

Perhaps more importantly, each team needs to maintain assets via their own individual maintenance schedule . It is set at regular intervals to ensure fewer malfunctions and less downtime. This is where maintenance managers should perform an audit of machines that perform well and those that do not, as well as regular inspections, to build an effective plan for your business.

Once such an audit is done, it is easier to work out what type of maintenance schedule to place each asset on and at what frequency it should be maintained. That’s why identifying problem areas right from the start is so essential.

Doing so will give maintenance managers the right information they need to address maintenance tasks as and when they are needed. This way, the production facility operates like a well-oiled machine with well-functioning moving parts that work in perfect sync with each other.

2. Prioritisation of Critical Tasks

Unfortunately, emergency repairs, as part of reactive maintenance , are a frequent occurrence in production processes because, no matter how well a maintenance schedule is planned, some unexpected problems and equipment breakdowns can arise without prior notice.

Although maintenance managers and crews can spend time planning for these, such events are unforeseeable. However, that doesn’t mean that there should be no maintenance plan or preventive maintenance programme . In fact, it is possible to prioritise different tasks to ensure the smooth operation of the production facility.

For example, one asset may break down and require attention or inspection while another may be undergoing routine maintenance. In such cases, a maintenance manager will need to determine how many and which physical and human resources to allocate to each task and the priority of the machine in the production pipeline.

Once such a determination is made, it’s also essential to do a cost-benefit analysis to see which machine’s faults should be addressed first so that there is optimal utilisation of resources at the plant. This action also ensures that processes are interrupted for as short a time as possible to avoid costly and lengthy downtime.

Want to learn more about maintenance, repair and operations in manufacturing? Read our detailed MRO guide .

3. Creation of a Preventive Maintenance (PM) Schedule

After critical tasks have been prioritised, it’s important to create a preventive maintenance (PM) schedule . A PM schedule is a timetable that gives an instant bird’s eye view of which assets need to be maintained and at what intervals.

Such a schedule answers pressing questions such as:

• How much skilled labour needs to be allocated to the task at hand?
• How long should the expected maintenance task take on average?
• Which spare parts should be used from inventory and storage alongside their associated costs?

Ideally, there should be a fine balance that’s struck between over-maintenance and under-maintenance.

Over-maintenance means allocating too many resources to a maintenance task for too many of the assets under management.

Under-maintenance , on the other hand, deals with not maintaining your piece of equipment sufficiently, meaning fewer human and physical resources are allocated to the maintenance task. Consequently, this can result in significant losses, production defects, quality control issues and costly downtime.

Designing a schedule for your preventive maintenance services should also involve grouping similar assets together , putting similar teams on one task or even ensuring that similar work is done on different machines. This can save teams a lot of time and will also ensure that labour and resources are optimally distributed and utilised, while reducing downtime through regular maintenance.

4. Optimisation of Spare Parts Inventory Management

A great maintenance plan example will also consider optimising the management of spare parts inventory. Inventory is the lifeblood of any production process because it is necessary for the right spare parts to be available and easily accessible at the right time for maintenance crews to use.

However, maintaining track of inventory can be a challenging task. This is where a computerised maintenance management system (CMMS) outperforms any competing offering because it enables spare parts   inventory management processes that are smooth and seamless .

When each new spare part is recorded in a centralised and digital inventory repository system, these spare parts are then accurately organised and accounted for . This ensures they are in excellent working condition, and there’s less room for leaks and wastage.

In addition, it’s possible to carry out efficient maintenance on time every time as a maintenance technician will not need to wait for spare parts to arrive. Thus, time is saved and downtime is minimised.

5. Monitoring and Analysis of Performance Metrics

Finally, your maintenance plan should be backed by figures or maintenance metrics that illustrate the level of your efforts. For example, with CMMS maintenance software at your side, it’s possible to measure, monitor and analyse your performance metrics so that you can make informed decisions about your future maintenance efforts.

Often, with CMMS software at your fingertips, you’re able to establish benchmarks against which to monitor your performance. This can also help you make adjustments, where necessary, to simplify your maintenance efforts even further.

Introducing these kinds of efficiencies into your production processes through data-driven insights is a great way to reduce unnecessary costs and keep the organisation lean without the leakage of valuable resources.

How Can Fabrico Help With Planned Maintenance?

The maintenance planning process is not always straightforward because there are so many variables to consider simultaneously. However, that doesn’t mean that you should be stuck with archaic and inefficient paper-based systems. Instead, you can take advantage of Fabrico’s digitised CMMS and its preventive maintenance and spare parts inventory management features , including measuring and monitoring your metrics and data.

Discover more about this highly powerful platform that can help you take your preventive maintenance efforts to the next level by clicking here .

Effective planning can do wonders for streamlining your maintenance operations. You can take advantage of exceptional operational benefits and introduce efficiencies that can only be gained from a well-developed maintenance plan.

When it comes to making the right decision, it’s important to consider Fabrico’s CMMS as a versatile solution that can help your maintenance teams perform at maximum efficiency and capacity for the broader benefit for the entire organisation.

Try Fabrico’s CMMS features today by registering for free !

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5 Factors to Consider For Successful Maintenance Planning

• August 8, 2023
• Rida Fatima

Did you know that thirty-four percent of unscheduled equipment downtime is a result of aging equipment and nine percent due to lack of maintenance? 

This happens when businesses do not have an accurate maintenance plan to execute maintenance activities efficiently. Without a plan, businesses find it challenging to ensure that maintenance is conducted timely and therefore, experience frequent breakdowns.  

Following pre-defined steps helps make the maintenance approach toward all maintenance activities uniform. This, in turn, helps optimize business processes and allocate the right resources, equipment, and set timeframes to complete the required maintenance tasks. 

This article explores how maintenance planning works and how it can be expedited. 

What is maintenance planning?

Maintenance planning refers to the process of organizing and managing strategies to execute maintenance activities systematically. Identifying and prioritizing operational needs is one of the most important components of effective maintenance planning. 

One of the primary goals of maintenance planning is to increase the equipment lifespan by keeping them in optimal condition. It includes devising maintenance strategies so assets are timely maintained – reducing costs associated with asset breakdowns. 

Types of maintenance planning strategies

There are various types of maintenance planning strategies each tailored to business needs and requirements. Some types of maintenance planning include:

-> Predictive maintenance

Predictive maintenance is dependent upon up-to-date data and statistics to forecast future asset failures and downtime. This involves conducting asset inspections to assess their condition. The aim of collecting this information is to schedule maintenance at the most appropriate time, so asset uptime can be maximized in the most cost-effective manner. 

For example, installing sensors on an industrial pump at a manufacturing plant to identify the pump’s vibration levels and parts misalignment can help identify potential issues in its performance. 

Predictive maintenance heavily relies on thresholds and data so if an asset is deviating from its performance, then managers can be alerted. These alerts serve as an indicator of problems in the assets that might occur in the future. 

-> Preventive maintenance 

Preventive maintenance involves inspecting, maintaining, and servicing assets every now and then to avoid potential breakdowns and prolong the asset lifecycle. Pre-determined maintenance schedules and regular inspections are the best way to maintain assets and avoid downtime. 

Detailed maintenance records can be maintained in the form of asset history to account for all maintenance activities on the asset. For instance, conducting regular checks on an office printer to make sure it works properly. 

-> Reactive maintenance 

Reactive maintenance includes carrying out maintenance or repair after an asset has broken down unexpectedly. This means maintenance occurs as a result of malfunction as compared to foresight. 

With reactive maintenance, it is difficult to predict when a particular repair will be required making it challenging to prepare  spare parts and materials needed. The damage could also be more than anticipated leading to high repair cost. For example, replacing a forklift’s tires after they have completely worn out. 

-> Condition-based maintenance 

Condition-based maintenance involves analyzing and monitoring existing asset conditions through inspections, tests, and sensory devices to determine when maintenance is required. It is a strategy that tracks the actual condition of an asset to decide whether it needs maintenance or not. 

For instance, to ensure that a crane is well-lubricated, the oil levels can be checked every now and then to maintain the right amount of oil.

Difference between maintenance planning and scheduling

Maintenance planning and maintenance scheduling are two interrelated activities – each dependent on the other to effectively execute business operations. They both help streamline daily maintenance processes. The following table explains the difference between the two for better understanding: 

Benefits of maintenance planning

When implemented with the help of a maintenance management platform, a robust maintenance plan helps reduce downtime costs. It also enables administrators to identify and implement the best maintenance strategy for a business based on its maintenance needs.

Leveraging a well-developed plan, you can achieve high operational performance in several ways, such as: 

-> Timely response to equipment failures 

You can quickly identify equipment failures and address them before they lead to costly breakdowns if you cross-check your completed activities with your maintenance plan. This way you can better allocate the appropriate resources and time to prevent failures that lead to longer equipment downtime and decrease equipment efficiency. 

With a plan in hand, you can identify gaps in maintenance beforehand and ensure that you are meeting the goals set. This way, the focus is on planned maintenance which often consumes fewer resources and is less expensive than reactive maintenance – leading to overall cost optimization.

-> Guidelines for streamlined maintenance management

Maintenance planning helps establish standardized procedures and processes through guidelines. These guidelines outline the steps and actions required for various maintenance tasks, ensuring that technicians follow consistent practices. By standardizing maintenance procedures, organizations can reduce the risk of errors, oversights, and inconsistent maintenance, leading to enhanced equipment performance and reliability. 

For example, a detailed inspection guideline provides a comprehensive roadmap to each maintenance manager, allowing them to follow consistent, established protocols that sidestep anomalies and help achieve better results across the entire team. 

-> Improved reliability and equipment availability

A well-designed plan is aligned with your business goals and maintenance needs, and allows your maintenance manager to implement the appropriate maintenance strategy. It helps you better plan operations, ensure timely completion of your maintenance tasks and even detect potential equipment failures.

Combined, these factors make it easier for you to compare the achieved goals with your plan –  using performance metrics and KPIs – to better plan all maintenance activities. In this way, you can ensure healthier and well-functioning assets.

Key considerations for effective maintenance planning

A maintenance plan must be flexible enough to cater to variability in equipment performance and unforeseen circumstances. So, the ability to adjust your plan according to business requirements and needs helps you avoid substantial repair costs. 

Let’s help you understand the maintenance planning process involved in making and adjusting a perfect plan for your business with the help of a maintenance management system !

1. Identify the problem areas

The first step in planning and utilizing a cloud-based platform for maintenance involves identifying and resolving the existing problems with your assets. Audits are a helpful way to recognize potential issues. Conduct a thorough analysis of your assets and identify items that need special attention. Further, audits help ensure that your equipment is up-to-date with safety requirements.

Inspections also play a vital role in identifying problems and developing a plan for remediation. Depending on the nature of the problem – for example, an aged generator, punctured tires, or broken filters – inspections offer the opportunity to analyze what action plan is best suited for the required repair work.

Inspections reduce delays and lost productivity, while also speeding up the identification of inconsistencies and conditions that were overlooked in previous maintenance sessions. 

Leveraging a dedicated maintenance management software solution helps drive more effective inspections, seamlessly plan maintenance sessions, and improve the overall efficiency of your assets.

2. Recognize high-priority tasks

When you are handling the maintenance of multiple assets, it is important to determine the priority level of every asset for repair – for example, marking an asset high-priority when a particular repair is urgently needed. 

For example, two assets require attention: one is currently undergoing inspection, while the other is experiencing a breakdown and requires immediate repair. In this case, it’s important to have a process that allows you to note and communicate the best repair order, fixing the breakdown issue first. A well-designed maintenance plan facilitates quick responses to such emergencies by clearly managing repair prioritization.

Additionally, by considering the impact of maintenance tasks on performance factors, such as productivity and efficiency, maintenance managers can recognize tasks that directly contribute to achieving those objectives. These tasks may involve maintaining critical production equipment or improving the reliability of key assets. 

By identifying these high-priority tasks, organizations can align maintenance efforts with broader business strategies, such as complying with regulatory standards.

3. Develop a preventive maintenance (PM) program

A preventive maintenance program that prescribes regular maintenance tasks should also include identifying potential repairs and prioritizing assets. A PM program saves maintenance costs and greatly reduces the chances of unexpected asset breakdowns that can negatively impact productivity. 

Reportedly, using preventive maintenance saves companies between 12 to 18% in overall costs , and each dollar spent on preventive care is paid back by at least five dollars later.

Below are several reasons why well-planned preventive maintenance plays a crucial role in any maintenance strategy:

• Assessing equipment needs: In the planning phase, equipment needs are evaluated to determine which assets require preventive maintenance. This includes assessing asset criticality, history, current condition, and forecasted use. By analyzing how frequently an asset is used, a maintenance planner can plan and schedule its maintenance accordingly. 
• Documentation and tracking: Using a dedicated process or platform for documenting your preventive maintenance activities makes it easier to track your team’s performance over time. The platform gives you a holistic view of all your PM-related actions, and completed work orders, and enables you to easily schedule tasks for the future.   Generating historical reports can expedite your decision-making by consolidating aggregate data into convenient views. They allow you to compare actual performance metrics with targets or benchmarks, and implement corrective measures to enhance overall maintenance effectiveness.
• Maintenance checklists: Checklists provide a structured approach toward carrying out maintenance tasks by outlining each step that needs to be followed for each task. Providing technicians with a guideline helps ensure consistency in the completed work so that compliance standards are met and quality is maintained. Checklists help technicians validate each step in performed maintenance so that no essential steps are missed. 

4. Streamline inventory management

Procuring essential parts and materials is a critical aspect of a successful maintenance plan. Before initiating the repair process, maintenance managers inspect the asset in detail to quickly identify the spare parts and materials needed to finish the repair on time. 

A maintenance management system makes this process smoother by allowing you to track and manage your inventory effectively, saving time and costs. You can also specify your inventory needs by keeping a centralized record of all your inventory – both purchased and consumed. This level of management can prevent overstocking and understocking while allowing you to maintain just the right amount of inventory along with a comprehensive record of the total associated costs.

Such a system also streamlines the inventory procurement process, enabling smooth communication between maintenance planners and the procurement team, and preventing any delays in supplies. With enhanced communication, team members know where and when certain inventory is needed. 

You can also check if you currently have enough inventory to avoid purchasing new stock – helping you make better procurement decisions and avoiding unnecessary costs.

5. Track metrics

Maintenance managers rely on maintenance metrics to discover actionable insights that will guide decisions about business process improvement. A maintenance management system improves data accessibility for managers, helping them better track these key metrics, including Equipment Uptime and Average Response Time. 

Additionally, maintenance planning is streamlined when you have targeted metrics to compare your performance before and after the maintenance strategies are deployed. With a baseline to compare your results with, you can better plan for the future and make more successful decisions. This data-driven approach to measuring the success of your plan enables evidence-based decision-making and helps maintenance planners prioritize improvement initiatives.

Effective planning is the key to streamlining maintenance management processes. A maintenance plan serves as a centralized guide for maintenance managers to enhance productivity and ensure that no issues go unresolved. 

Following your maintenance plan is easier and more convenient with a maintenance management software solution. Creating a maintenance plan is a time-consuming process, but the operational benefits are well worth the investment for efficiency, productivity, and cost savings.  

A strategic approach to maintenance management is your best path to ensuring targeted levels of uptime, and enhanced productivity! 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) 

What is a maintenance management system.

A maintenance management system is a platform designed to manage, streamline, and optimize maintenance activities and efficiently perform maintenance-related tasks. 

What is the maintenance planning process?

The maintenance planning process aims to improve asset reliability and ensure safety at workplace. The process typically includes steps such as identifying maintenance objectives, creating an asset inventory, assessing asset criticality, budgeting, scheduling maintenance, and reporting. 

What are important factors to consider for optimized maintenance planning? 

Optimized maintenance planning is critical for reliable maintenance operations. Some determining factors that support maintenance planning include maintenance prioritization, condition monitoring, maintenance strategies, spare parts inventory, and maintenance schedules. 

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How to Create an Effective Preventative Maintenance Plan

• Preventive Maintenance

Optimize equipment, minimize downtime, and enhance operations with key steps and best practices for creating an effective preventative maintenance plan.

ServiceChannel

Preventive maintenance (PM) plays a crucial role in the operation of any industrial facility. A preventive maintenance program is essential for optimizing overall equipment effectiveness and extending the lifecycle of assets. Proactive routine maintenance prevents unplanned downtime and keeps operations running smoothly.

A preventative maintenance plan helps to reduce costs, minimize downtime, and increase productivity. Effective maintenance planning also makes it easier for maintenance technicians to plan their daily tasks and gives maintenance teams a detailed course of action for the near term and in the long run. 

What is Preventive Maintenance (PM)?

Preventive maintenance is the planned maintenance of equipment and critical assets to reduce the chances of breakdowns and prevent unplanned equipment failure. Regular upkeep of machinery and internal systems before an issue arises helps minimize the likelihood of problems. ServiceChannel offers further reading on what preventive maintenance is and why it matters .

Components of a Preventive Maintenance Plan

There are four primary components to any effective preventative maintenance plan. Different industries will often employ different types of preventive maintenance . These elements are essential in any industry for maintaining an organization’s most critical assets and preventing unplanned downtime during production. 

• Equipment inventory : Knowing each piece of equipment and critical assets that will benefit from routine maintenance is essential.
• Procedures : Each critical asset and piece of equipment likely has unique needs and maintenance task requirements for proper upkeep.
• Schedules : It’s vital to outline how often each piece of equipment will require maintenance, whether you take a time-based approach or base maintenance frequency on operational hours.
• Maintenance staff : For each piece of equipment and critical asset, determine the skill level needed for regular maintenance. Specialty equipment may require an experienced maintenance technician, while any employee may be sufficient for less complex maintenance tasks.
• Maintenance resources : Each task will require specific tools, materials, and safety equipment to perform maintenance tasks for each asset.
• Checklists and documentation : Checklists give maintenance teams a step-by-step process through each maintenance task. Documentation is necessary for logging completed tasks and saving for the official maintenance history record.

Steps in Creating a Preventative Maintenance Plan

An effective preventive maintenance program contributes greatly to the overall stability of an operation. These procedures can help maintenance planners prepare a practical system for performing routine maintenance.

1. List Equipment and Systems

Compile a detailed inventory of all critical assets, equipment, and systems that will need regular maintenance. Note any special requirements and relevant characteristics for each.

2. Prioritize Critical Tasks and Maintenance Frequencies

Develop your preventive maintenance schedules to prioritize your tasks to address your most critical assets first and work down the list in descending order of importance. 

Establish the right maintenance interval for performing planned preventive maintenance tasks on each piece of equipment. For assets that don’t see frequent use, you may want to schedule preventive maintenance according to time intervals, such as weekly, monthly, or even annually. You will likely want to create a preventive maintenance schedule based on a usage basis for frequently used equipment, such as after 100, 500, or 1,000 hours of operation, depending on the stress levels on equipment when running. 

Other preventive maintenance scheduling factors include equipment condition. Even if scheduled maintenance is weeks away, inspecting any assets that aren’t behaving correctly or showing visible signs of damage or deterioration is a good idea. 

3. Determine Maintenance Checklists

Determine specific regular maintenance tasks that are essential for the reliable operation of each asset. Develop checklists that outline required materials and step-by-step maintenance procedures for each. Checklists ensure thoroughness and establish consistency across the maintenance team.

4. Create a Maintenance Schedule

Create a preventive maintenance schedule by breaking down critical assets and equipment schedules by time intervals or by usage, as appropriate. The most critical assets and equipment that see heavy usage will benefit best from regular upkeep after so many hours of operation. Additionally, setting a monthly, quarterly, and annual schedule of preventive maintenance for these assets and equipment you operate less often is helpful. 

5. Assign Tasks and Allocate Resources

When you create a successful preventive maintenance schedule, identify which personnel, tools, and materials a maintenance task requires. Make sure you keep the necessary resources on hand and assign them appropriately. 

• Personnel : Assign tasks to technicians who are best suited for the task.
• Tools : These include hand and power tools, as well as necessary instruments such as a multimeter for electronics.
• Materials : Items such as lubricants, replacement parts, and personal protective equipment (PPE) are some materials to consider for preventive maintenance tasks.

6. Monitor, Review, and Improve the Plan

Continuously track the effectiveness of your maintenance program. Monitor whether teams promptly meet the preventative maintenance schedule and the effectiveness of the fixed preventive maintenance scheduling tasks. Measure against established benchmarks and adjust fixed schedule maintenance processes, frequency, or personnel as appropriate. 

Best Practices for Preventive Maintenance

When your organization implements these best practices, you can develop a plan and preventive maintenance schedule that significantly contributes to your company’s overall operational efficiency.

1. Prioritize Equipment Based on Importance

Critically analyze all assets and equipment. Determine the impact each has on operations and facility safety. Prioritize preventive maintenance for those assets, which could significantly reduce production if there’s a breakdown.

2. Develop Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs)

Create clear, detailed, and easily understandable SOPs for performing each preventive maintenance task. As you refine your processes, regularly update SOPs to reflect any changes.

3. Train Maintenance Personnel

Develop a training program to provide the maintenance team with the knowledge and understanding to properly execute your organization’s maintenance plan. Train them on the software and tools involved and communicate expectations regarding preventive maintenance task execution, recording requirements, and documentation specifications.

4. Implement a Tracking System

Establish a system for monitoring equipment performance, tracking preventive maintenance activities, and collecting critical data for analysis. A robust maintenance management software solution such as ServiceChannel is a powerful tool for creating an effective preventive maintenance schedule, monitoring activities, assessing the condition of assets, and gathering valuable data.

Utilizing Technology in Preventative Maintenance

Implement information technology (IT) systems and software that facilitate the proper execution of preventative maintenance duties and documentation of tasks. These technologies are growing in ever-increasing popularity among industries everywhere.

Computerized Maintenance Management Systems (CMMS)

CMMS is powerful software that centralizes maintenance information. It can track the availability of maintenance material inventory, help implement preventive maintenance scheduling, enable facility-wide communication regarding maintenance and preventive maintenance planning, and help coordinate tasks among the maintenance team. 

Internet of Things (IoT)

An IoT system gives equipment access across a facility’s network to communicate with the central maintenance management software and each other. An IoT asset tracking system enables equipment to update the central data center with real-time data and inform maintenance teams of any situations or conditions you must address.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Predictive Maintenance

An effective AI integration lets the system learn the behaviors of assets — usually connected through IoT. By tracking and analyzing breakdowns and root causes, AI can create models to predict certain occurrences effectively. Through these models, AI can help maintenance teams dial in their preventive maintenance schedules, get ahead of situations, and optimize overall operational productivity. 

Getting Started with ServiceChannel

Your organization can get ahead of breakdowns and unplanned downtime by employing powerful preventive maintenance management software like ServiceChannel. Plan preventative maintenance, track valuable data, and perform your operations at peak performance with the right technological tools. Explore what ServiceChannel can do and start on your path to more efficient maintenance today.

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Creating an Effective Maintenance Plan: What should you include?

Egle Segzdaite

TABLE OF CONTENTS

• Key Takeaways

What is a maintenance plan?

What makes a maintenance plan effective, exactly what do we need to plan, steps to creating an effective maintenance plan, what happens if we remove one/many topics from the plan, make the most of preventive maintenance.

Effective maintenance planning is essential to the overall maintenance environment. The maintenance plan's contents, which include the actual work, instructions, schedule, workers, spare parts, and contractors, guide all the maintenance work activities. Read on to learn what you need to include in the plan and how to make it efficient.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

• Maintenance planning ensures sustaining the proper working condition of the equipment.
• Essential contents of any effective program are exhaustive inventory of assets , identification of the specific maintenance tasks , their alignment to specific assets , reasonable maintenance schedule , indication of the appropriate skill set for each maintenance task, prediction regarding spare parts consumption and specification of the work that contractors will do .
• Omitting any of above mentioned essential contents is likely to result in a weakened plan.

(Plant Engineering, 2020)

A maintenance plan is a document that defines work done to maintain assets in a facility proactively. The contents of the document help you facilitate the continued use of an asset at optimum performance. Your facility can avoid significant breakdowns or unforeseen renewal if you stick to the guidelines provided here.

The idea behind maintenance planning is to ensure that you can sustain the proper working condition of your equipment. While an ordinary plan will get the job done, any facility requires an effective program to enjoy the full benefits of your maintenance policy.

An effective plan needs to cover all the features of your facility's maintenance policy. The program should contain an exhaustive inventory of assets that you need to maintain. The list which includes numerous items like boilers, pumps, and roofs, ensures that you don't leave out any vital asset.

You'll also need to identify the specific maintenance tasks you intend to perform. Where possible, align these tasks to individual assets. A reasonable maintenance schedule should also suffice in guiding the whole maintenance program.

For the efficient maintenance of your assets, you need to demonstrate the skills-set required for each maintenance task. You don't want to hire an inadequately skilled individual to handle the maintenance. The different levels of maintenance could help you as you prepare this section.

The work itself

As you create your maintenance plan, you have to be clear on what exactly you need to do. Decide the priority areas as well as the sequence of activities once the maintenance work begins.

Instructions

Proper instructions limit the dependency on specific workers. The maintenance work also needs to meet particular quality standards. You'll only be able to achieve such standards if you include explicit instructions in the plan. While at it, consider including job observations that you can perform to guarantee the efficiency of the maintenance tasks.

The purpose of the schedule is to do the work as often as needed – not over-maintaining by doing the work too often – not under-maintaining so that you experience downtime and breakdowns. While weekend maintenance hardly stands in the way of your operations, there is a chance that you may fail to find suppliers.

It is always wise to set aside the maintenance window when you begin your year. Ensure that production is well aware of this window. You'll need this team's utmost cooperation during this period. As the year wears on, make necessary changes to the plan to increase its efficiency.

The plan has to indicate the appropriate skill set for each maintenance task. This information will inform your choice of the best contractors for the work. Depending on your organizational arrangements, assign each member of the maintenance team to specific areas.

While at it, indicate the tasks that you will reserve for outside contractors. Ensure that the plan also limits access to areas that pose high risks to the facility's employees.

Spare parts

In this phase, you can predict your spare part consumption. Once you indicate the parts that you'll need, the worker knows exactly what to pick from the store – before he goes to do the actual maintenance work. With this section, the maintenance manager gets insight into parts used in the previous period as well as future part consumption. They'll have an easier time preparing a budget for the next twelve months.

Contractors

Some maintenance tasks may require outside contractors. They include external specialists who come on-site to do specialist work. Most of them bring special equipment like mobile cranes and metering equipment tools to service assets.

The effective maintenance plan specifies the work that you'll request contractors to do. With this section, you won't have to count on one specific contractor for all your maintenance tasks. You could use these specifications to request quotes and tenders from different contractors to do a particular type of work.

• Detail the work that you'll need to do on each asset. While at it, write a procedure that workers will understand.
• Schedule the work – Use a dating frequency, running hours, or measures that will provide insight into the condition of an asset. The schedule allows you to do predictive maintenance.
• Add workers or contractors – including the estimated working hours.
• Add spare parts. You can add stock quantities now, or later as you do the work and get insight into how many pieces you need for the job.
• Work permit: Highlight if the contractors and workers will need a specific work permit.

All the contents mentioned above join together to create an efficient maintenance plan. Any omission is likely to result in a weakened plan. If you leave out the work, there is a chance that you may do more than is necessary and spend unwarranted resources.

Once in a while, you may have to work with less-experienced personnel. Failing to include instructions in your plan will give them a hard time. Maintenance plans without a schedule often place facilities in 'firefighting' mode. You won't be in a position to maximize the performance of your assets throughout the year.

Without a section indicating the spare parts needed for maintenance tasks, you will have a hard time budgeting for your maintenance program. The absence of sections touching on workers and contractors from your plan predisposes your assets to shoddy maintenance.

Any organization looking to maximize its returns on investment should have a maintenance plan. As you create one, ensure that you don't leave out any of the essential contents of an effective program – you run the risk of weakening the plan.

The idea of having a maintenance plan is to make the most of preventive maintenance while reducing downtime. You don't always have to be on firefighting mode.

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Maintenance plan template: Maximum effectiveness and time savings in one document

Let us help you to make the maintenance process more efficient and less stressful. In our article, you will learn why it is so important to have a maintenance plan template and checklists and how you can benefit from them.

Keep the overview: Download your free maintenance plans, logs and checklists now! Get access to an extensive selection of Excel and Word templates to cover all important maintenance topics.

Maintenance plan template: Origin and definition

Unfortunately, company managers, facility managers and owners often find that neglected building maintenance leads to the deterioration of their property over time.

Machinery, building infrastructure and technical equipment represent long-term investments that are often associated with considerable acquisition costs.

Regular preventive maintenance and timely repairs protect your employees, your investment and create safe and welcoming buildings.

The maintenance plan helps you to coordinate the regular maintenance and servicing of technical systems, devices or buildings.

A maintenance plan shows in a document which work orders the maintenance team should complete in a certain time. This describes who takes on which tasks and when.

The maintenance plan template is used by companies and professionals in the field of technology and  facility management .

The plan serves as a work order, schedule and checklist for the main maintenance players, such as electrical engineers, facility management teams, building technicians or janitors.

Maintenance and service plans are important tools for timely and efficient maintenance. They are usually provided in the form of a calendar, PDF or Excel spreadsheet. Take a look at our diverse selection of maintenance plan templates for Word and Excel at the end of the article!

In addition, digital solutions such as facility management software or asset management software are particularly attractive.

• Facility Management Software: Optimum control of buildings and facilities
• CMMS: Manage maintenance requirements efficiently
• CAFM: Sustainable building management through intelligent planning

9 Advantages of a maintenance plan template

Templates for maintenance plans offer a number of advantages. We have listed the 9 most important ones for you.

1. Time saving

By using a ready-made maintenance plan template, you can save valuable time by not having to create a new plan from scratch on every occasion. You can simply use the existing template and customize it.

2. Structured organization

A maintenance plan template helps you to organize all important information in a structured way. You can clearly display relevant data such as defect status, responsibilities, maintenance lists and deadlines.

3. Consistency and standardization

A template ensures that maintenance plans are uniform and standardized. This ensures that all maintenance is carried out to the same high standards.

4. Overview and tracking

With a maintenance plan template, you can keep track of all upcoming maintenance work. You can track which tasks have already been completed and which are still outstanding.

5. Compliance with regulations and laws

By using a maintenance plan template, you can ensure that you comply with all legal and official regulations with regard to regular maintenance. You can analyze important aspects such as compliance and operator responsibility into the template.

6. Effective use of resources

By having a detailed maintenance plan in advance, you can use resources such as manpower, materials and equipment more efficiently. This increases productivity and minimizes unnecessary downtime.

7. Extended service life of systems

Maintenance plans are part of the operational maintenance and servicing strategy. Maintenance and preventive maintenance allow potential problems to be identified and rectified in good time.

8. Cost savings

Timely maintenance and servicing can prevent expensive repairs and downtime. A maintenance plan template helps you to keep track of costs and save money in the long term.

9. Safety in the workplace

Regular inspections and maintenance measures minimize the risk of accidents or damage and thus create a safer working environment for everyone involved.

The key components of an effective maintenance plan

A professional maintenance plan contains precise information about upcoming maintenance tasks. This information includes:

• Identification of the systems, objects or machines to be checked.
• Names of the specialists responsible for maintenance.
• Date of maintenance and time interval for recurring maintenance .
• Type and purpose of the measures, such as inspections, monthly maintenance or replacement of defective parts.
• List of required spare parts, materials and tools.
• Determination of the priority level, whether it is a preventive measure, an urgent repair or a critical condition.

To ensure that your maintenance plan contains all the important information, we offer you three free maintenance plan templates.

Our basic maintenance plan template is available for a compact calendar view of all measures:

➡️Click here to get the free Maintenance plan Excel template! 🔗 

For a detailed insight into the maintenance plans for each device, we recommend our template with separate calendars per system and maintenance report:

➡️Click here to get a free Maintenance plan Excel per Asset! 🔗

➡️Click here to get a free Maintenance report Excel template! 🔗 

Read on to get our maintenance checklists and maintenance logs!

Our free checklists and maintenance logs

Our comprehensive checklists and detailed maintenance logs guide technicians through every step of the process. They ensure comprehensive control of all types of buildings and their specific devices.

Download our free maintenance logs and checklists now.

➡️Click here to download Inspection checklist in PDF now!🔗

Use of digital tools for optimal organization of the maintenance plan

As a rule, the complexity of maintenance management increases with the size of the company. In such cases, a digital maintenance planner offers considerable advantages compared to a maintenance planner for Excel.

Software enables the customization of templates, the marking of attachments and the automatic planning of tasks. A maintenance planner in Excel can become confusing over time.

With Wowflow, you can add multiple data sheets, checklists and images without compromising clarity.

Even if you have good checklists and templates, you still have to fill out the documents, carry them, bring them to the office and then scan them.

This process may be acceptable for a few inspections per year, but it becomes increasingly complex as responsibility increases.

Wowflow digitizes your inspection forms: Eliminate the hassle of paperwork in just three simple steps.

Follow these three simple steps to optimize your maintenance management:

1. Create a maintenance checklist

a. Customize as desired.

b. Define different checklists for different measures.

2. Create a maintenance task with a predefined checklist:

a. Your maintenance team has all the information in the mobile app.

b. Your team uses the checklist to carry out the maintenance task.

c. And best of all: any additional images or comments are automatically saved in the maintenance task.

3. Generate automated maintenance reports in PDF format:

a. Once the task is complete, you can create professional PDF reports at the touch of a button.

b. Do you need a signature as official proof? We take care of it.

c. Save your reports in Wowflow with advanced filters or upload them to your ERP / CAFM tool.

No more mountains of files. Structure your workflows with Wowflow.

Try Wowflow now for free!

Conclusion: Maximum effectiveness and time savings with a well-structured, customizable maintenance plan template

Maintenance plan templates can be used to standardize and optimize the entire maintenance process, from planning to documentation.

All details relevant to maintenance, such as device data, persons responsible, intervals and checklists, can be recorded in the template.

At the same time, companies can adapt the template to their specific requirements. Different machine parks or building types can be mapped with their own checklists and protocols.

The templates thus ensure transparency and process stability in day-to-day maintenance. However, creating and updating them manually can be time-consuming. This is where digital tools such as the Wowflow maintenance plan software offer great added value.

How do I create a maintenance plan?

To create a maintenance plan, you must first identify the objects/machines to be maintained, define the maintenance intervals and assign responsible persons.

You can fill in our professional templates, create your own maintenance plans or use a digital solution such as Wowflow.

What does a maintenance plan include?

A maintenance plan includes important information about machines in the company, such as name, location, time of purchase and use. Also included are details of the last and next maintenance, time intervals and contact details of the responsible service person.

Detailed information on the planned maintenance work and inspection points resulting from the design and functions of the appliances is particularly important.

What is a maintenance log template?

A maintenance log template is a document that documents the maintenance work that has actually been carried out. It contains the data of completed maintenance work and is used for complete documentation of past maintenance work.

Wowflow ensures a high level of transparency. Your information can be retrieved at any time for control purposes. Discover all the benefits with our free demo!

What is the difference between a maintenance plan and a maintenance log?

The maintenance plan defines the content and timing of future maintenance work. The maintenance log documents in detail the maintenance measures that have already been carried out.

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• • Technisches Facility Management
• • Instandhaltung
• • Gebäudemanagement
• • Auftragsmanagement
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How To Organize A Maintenance Department & Define Smart Goals

Behind every business success story, there is a maintenance team working behind the scenes to ensure all business operations and activities flow smoothly.

Like any other business function, the maintenance department has many moving parts. Getting all of them to work in sync is a daily grind – even more so if the department is underfunded and under-resourced. Be that as it may, to organize an efficient maintenance department you need to know the purpose of maintenance at your organization, how to define smart goals, and how to set up your maintenance team for success. 

What is the main purpose of a maintenance department?

At face value, every maintenance department’s main purpose is simple: ensure optimal asset reliability and performance .

Improved asset reliability means that an asset is more likely to work without failure for a certain period of time, under set conditions. A reliable asset is like a reliable friend – it will rarely fail you.

But we can do better. A more nuanced definition could say that the main goal of a maintenance department is to ensure asset reliability in a way that aligns with the company’s needs and business goals .

Why is that a better definition?

Well, simply stating that you want to keep assets in peak operating condition forgets about all of the limiting factors like budget, staffing issues, and time constraints.

If your business needs to produce 10 000 canned bottles a day and 60 000 bottles a week, you cannot schedule maintenance for any machine whenever you feel like it. You have to plan downtime for the maintenance of critical assets around the production goals. In other words, your maintenance goals should not prevent you from achieving your production goals , and ultimately your business goals.

Of course, production and business goals can be unrealistic and unreachable with the available resources,  but that is a whole other discussion we will leave for another day.

While the overarching goals stay the same, the secondary focus of the maintenance department can change depending on the nature of the business in question. For example, while an industrial maintenance team might be focused on reducing downtime, a building maintenance team might place extra focus on energy efficiency.

In a broader sense, the responsibilities of a maintenance department include:

• Prevent unexpected machine breakdowns
• Maximize the availability and reliability of all operating systems
• Keep equipment and operating systems healthy to eliminate potential safety issues and ensure high operational standards
• Work with production teams to reach production goals
• Support the efforts of other departments
• Provide quality maintenance services while keeping costs under control
• Providing timely and quality maintenance and repair services while keeping costs under control

Setting up a qualified maintenance team

The exact composition of any maintenance team will differ depending on the size of the organization and the amount of maintenance work that needs to be performed. A standard composition for a medium-sized maintenance department looks something like this:

If the number of technicians is in single digits, there is often no need for a middle-man, so the maintenance manager will also take on the responsibilities of a maintenance supervisor.

You can take the list of responsibilities from the picture above with a grain of salt as the exact division of work and duties varies from organization to organization. That becomes obvious as soon as you google job posts for different maintenance roles and compare the list of stated responsibilities.

Enterprise-level organizations, especially those in the manufacturing sector, will have to fill out additional maintenance positions to keep things moving smoothly. Below is an extensive list of different maintenance roles with links to respective guides, using a top-down approach:

• Maintenance director
• Maintenance manager
• Maintenance planner
• Maintenance supervisor
• Maintenance engineer
• Maintenance coordinator
• Maintenance technician
• Maintenance mechanic
• General maintenance worker  

To help you visualize the difference between the roles and their relative position in the organization, take a look at the graphic below.

Again, keep in mind that the exact day-to-day responsibilities are not set in stone. There is always going to be some crossover of duties and responsibilities, depending on the exact structure of the maintenance team and the available talent.

While everybody’s opinion doesn’t hold the same value when it comes to decision-making, each and every position is an important part of the maintenance team that keeps the gears turning.

Checklist for Creating a Preventive Maintenance Plan

Following a consistent preventive maintenance plan can make life easier. use this checklist to create your own.

Characteristics of a modern maintenance department

With job structure out of the way, let’s take a look at the characteristics of a modern maintenance department :

• Runs a proactive maintenance program
• Uses modern maintenance techniques (i.e. condition monitoring equipment )
• Supports maintenance efforts with modern software solutions ( mobile CMMS , energy management system , predictive analytics, inventory management software…)
• Has a properly trained maintenance team
• Recognizes and adopts industry best practices
• Has a clear line of communication with other departments
• Strives to establish lean maintenance practices
• Sets smart goals to work towards   

Many maintenance departments do not have the budget to implement modern tools and techniques. However, one thing every maintenance team should strive for is to be proactive and do more preventive work than reactive work.

How to set smart goals for your maintenance department

You have probably heard about the acronym S.M.A.R.T. It refers to the way in which you should structure your goals.

Let’s look at how this framework applies to defining goals for maintenance:

• Specific: Maintenance goals should be well-defined and clear. Everyone knows the who, what, where, when, and why of the goal.
• Measurable: Each goal should come with specific criteria to measure progress towards accomplishing the goal. Ideally, you should be able to assign one or more maintenance metrics (which you can track) to every maintenance goal you define.
• Achievable: The goal is attainable. It is challenging enough to keep you motivated, but not impossible to achieve.
• Realistic: It can be realized within the allocated time and with the available budget and staff.
• Timely: Has a clearly defined timeline to create a sense of urgency. This is non-negotiable for success as having goals with no due dates is just a wishlist .

For a more detailed breakdown of the relationship between maintenance goals and maintenance metrics, I highly recommend you read our guide for defining maintenance KPIs .

The Essential Guide to CMMS

Download this helpful guide to everything a cmms has to offer..

How to organize a maintenance department to maximize productivity

There are a few things you can do that will go a long way in helping you establish an efficient maintenance department. We will discuss five of them that stand out the most.

#1) Hire smartly

As the aging workforce retires, there are many indications that the maintenance space will have a serious labor shortage. This was one of the four key questions raised at MRO Europe 2018 , it is predicted by Oliver Wyman’s MRO survey from 2017 you can see below, and it was confirmed by our 2021. maintenance report .

While the supply and demand predictions need to be corrected to account for the changes in the market caused by COVID-19, the fact is that young people entering the job market are increasingly less interested in blue-collar jobs than previous generations .

For organizations that plan to increase their maintenance departments’ size, this is an important fact to keep in mind. Failure to hire qualified people results in increased overtime and outsourcing, both of which increase operational costs.

When an organization does eventually decide to hire new maintenance professionals, new hires’ character should not be overlooked.

In a few conversations I had with maintenance technicians over the years, it was obvious that there are two types of colleagues they dislike working with the most: the lazy ones and the ones that refuse to learn .

In most cases, you will have two or more technicians working together in a shift. Being a maintenance technician is a physical job, and if someone likes to rest more than they like to work, that slack will have to be picked up either by other workers in their shift or by someone from the following shift.

Similarly, there are stubborn workers that like to do things in their own way, which can be far from optimal. Additionally, they often do not like to put much effort into learning specific machines because they know their range of responsibilities will grow, increasing the workload for other technicians.

So, if you have that luxury, it pays to evaluate the character of potential new hires and provide them a clear path to improve and climb the organizational ladder.

If you’re looking for a place to start, you can try to use the general job posting sites or industry-specific job boards .

Larger organizations should consider partnering with local universities and look for other ways to organize internships and mentorships programs to attract new talent.

#2) Set a clear hierarchy and communication lines

It is hard to have a productive environment if people do not know to whom they can turn to for specific issues, who is in charge, and what is expected of them.

If these things are loosely defined, you will have cases where a new technician has to interrupt three people to solve a certain problem, gets two different answers, and follows the wrong advice.

Establishing a clear hierarchy and ensuring that everyone knows their responsibilities will help to keep things organized.

The importance of clear communication lines can be looked at from two different angles. One would be the importance of smooth information flow through the entire maintenance department that keeps high operational efficiency . The other one is having an open-door policy where the employees can freely share their ideas for improvements or submit complaints.

#3) Standardize important procedures and repetitive tasks

Every organization has its own unique workflow that is defined by how work requests (tickets) are submitted, which maintenance strategy is used, which tools and equipment are available, are they using a CMMS software or not, which communication channels are used, and so on.

Even when an experienced technician comes into the firm, they will need some time to adjust to the new workflow and standard practices.

One way to make this transition smoother is through proper onboarding and training , as well as by:

• Setting up O&M manuals
• Developing standard maintenance operating procedures
• Outlining EHS guidelines
• Writing preventive maintenance checklists

#4) Manage work and inventory with a CMMS

You can’t have a modern maintenance department without a modern CMMS. There are simply too many things that it automates and improves .

In short, a computerized maintenance management system allows you to:

• Plan and oversee all maintenance tasks
• Quickly create and (re)assign any work order based on priority and available resources  
• Optimize the work around different maintenance strategies
• Create balanced and efficient maintenance schedules
• Track the usage of spare parts and automatically forecast its demand
• Quickly access detailed asset information from wherever there is internet access
• And many more

CMMS solutions are not particularly expensive, are easier to implement now than they have ever been, and provide a quick ROI . In other words, there are very few valid arguments against implementing it. Here is just one of our many customer testimonials that show these are not empty words:

After about a month of using Limble, we could start to see our maintenance trends on the graphs. Additional P.M.’s were created to counter the trends, and we actually witnessed a drop in our downtime. After using Limble for over a year, I can say that it is paying for itself and worth every implementation area. – Ben Jackson, Maintenance Manager, Little Giant Ladder Systems

To read more about CMMS check out our What is a CMMS System and How Does it Work guide.

#5) Keep the maintenance team motivated and engaged

Did you ever wonder what is the cost of disengaged workers? Here’s an excerpt from a Forbes article that shows why you need to start thinking about it:

According to Gallup, disengaged employees have 37% higher absenteeism, 18% lower productivity, and 15% lower profitability. When that translates into dollars, you’re looking at the cost of 34% of a disengaged employee’s annual salary, or $3,400 for every $10,000 they make.

A few tips to motivate and engage your maintenance team members:

• provide adequate compensation
• add bonuses and other perks for workers that stand out
• provide an enabling and safe work environment 
• offer training and ensure a path for growth
• whenever possible, involve the team in the decision-making process
• try to create an organized and proactive department to minimize frustration due to lack of tools and parts and excessive overtime work
• show gratitude for well-performed work; say thanks when everything is running well

Lastly, make sure the managers in charge of schedules, training, and similar tasks are competent and fair. Workers often leave managers, not organizations.  

#6) Commit to continuous improvement

While maintenance is not the most dynamic field out there, this doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t be on the lookout for new technologies, tools, maintenance strategies, best practices, and other ways you can use to improve your maintenance department.

If the budget is tight, that should be another incentive to use a CMMS. Limble, for instance, saves our customers about $20 for every $1 they spend on licensing fees . It does that by helping them spot operational inefficiencies, improve informational flow, control inventory spending, and gather relevant data on productivity and costs of different maintenance actions. They use all of that data to generate helpful reports and gain deeper insights into the causes of different problems.

The easiest way to commit to continuous improvement is to work on spotting and eliminating those problems.

Dream big, start small

Leading a maintenance department is not easy. The good news is that a maintenance department grows alongside the organization it supports, which means that the department head can first build a good foundation and then deal with incoming complexities as the business grows.

With the available software solutions on the market, having a well-organized maintenance department is achievable for almost every organization.

If you have any questions about Limble and how it can support your business, feel free to leave a comment below or get in touch with us via email or phone .

Really a useful post. I work as maintenance engineer of a leading manufacturing company. I always make sure that the maintenance goals do not affect production. Thanks for the tips on setting smart maintenance goals.

Awsome. I own a maintenance company and this article covers pretty much everything. Also a Big fan os Limble cmms

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November 17, 2022

| 7 min read

How to plan and schedule work orders like the best maintenance teams

• By: Marc Cousineau
• Reviewed by: Tanya Goncalves
• Fact-checked by: Jason Afara
• Blog , Work order academy

Back to blog

Read the full work order academy series, including toolkits for better work orders, defeating backlog, using work order data, and more

What is maintenance planning?

Maintenance planning is a process of determining which assets or facilities need to be maintained, when they need to be maintained, and how often. The process also involves identifying the resources required for the maintenance—for example, what spare parts and materials are needed. Maintenance planning makes sure that your assets are in good working condition and can help your organization be prepared for minor asset issues to major equipment failure .

Failing to plan, is planning to fail. We talk about this a lot in maintenance. We need to think about what the best way is to interact with the machine rather than number of times we are interacting with it. Doing a weekly PM may not be the right answer in all cases, and it may hurt the culture of the team as well. Finding the balance takes patience, and some trial and error. – Jason Afara , Manager, Solutions Engineer

What is the maintenance planning process?

In other words, how do you create a maintenance plan? There are critical tasks you’ll need to do in order to set up a successful maintenance plan for your business—and it’s not as scary or as difficult as it sounds.

Here are the five steps:

• Identify the critical assets that need to be maintained
• Determine how often these assets should be maintained or checked on (based on their importance)
• Create a maintenance plan based on those two steps
• Schedule out when each asset will be worked on according to its scheduled maintenance interval (SMIs)
• Execute your plan

What happens when maintenance planning goes wrong?

The maintenance team at Century Aluminum was fighting an uphill battle from day one.

“The philosophy has been, ‘It’s what goes out the door that counts,” said millwright Linda Sibley in this interview with Reliable Plant , “not how well the machinery is running.”

Pumping out products and equipment health being forgotten, was obviously not a sustainable model. It fueled a culture of reactive thinking, leading to lots of breakdowns, data shortages, low morale, and much more.

“When you are in such a reactive mode, it’s next to impossible to do much planning. It’s all about putting out fires,” said maintenance planner Todd Harrison.

Needless to say, there was a hunger for change. But despite the maintenance department’s best efforts, the preventive maintenance program struggled to get off the ground. The reason progress stalled could be linked back to one thing: Poor maintenance planning and scheduling.

Probably one-third of the PMs are no good,” said maintenance manager Jim Doeffinger. “We waste time doing irrelevant PMs.”

No one wants to constantly take two steps forward and one step back. That’s why this post will go in-depth on best practices and simple frameworks for strong maintenance planning and work order scheduling.

How to get really good at maintenance planning

There are two ingredients you need to be really good at maintenance planning:

• Clear goals for maintenance that align with the goals of the organization
• A way to prioritize maintenance activities based on your goals

All your work processes, schedules, training, and SOPs flow from your goals and priorities.

“You really need to go back to the fundamentals of the organization and find out what their objectives are for maintenance,” says Charles Rogers, a Senior Implementation Consultant at Fiix with over 33 years of experience in maintenance and reliability.

Four steps for aligning maintenance goals with business goals

A handy four-step process will help you align the organization’s goals with your maintenance planning:

• Confirm the goals of your organization . Your business may be looking to accomplish something really specific, like decreasing the cost-per-item. Or the goal might be a little less tangible, like entering new markets.
• Link maintenance KPIs to business goals . If reducing the cost-per-item is the big goal, maintenance could focus on reducing downtime and maintenance costs . If entering new markets is the target, you might want to standardize maintenance processes so they can be repeated at other sites.
• Choose your maintenance metrics . Set up metrics and benchmarks so you can track progress and measure success. For example, if you want to prevent unplanned downtime, you might track faults found and fixed through PMs on critical equipment.
• Plan maintenance activities to hit your targets . Let’s say your aim is to find problems with critical equipment before they cause failure. In this scenario, you have to figure out what your critical equipment is , how often it should be inspected, and what needs to be included in work orders for those assets.

Learn how to create world-class, standardized work orders

Start connecting maintenance to business impact with this free goal-setting template

What is maintenance scheduling?

Maintenance scheduling is the process of planning, organizing, and coordinating all activities that need to be done by a maintenance department to keep machines in good working condition. Together maintenance planning and scheduling ensure that machines are kept in top condition at all times, which improves the quality of production. It also helps to avoid costly breakdowns and repairs by preventing problems before they occur.

Maintenance scheduling also gives maintenance personnel, like a scheduler or production supervisor more control over the finances of a maintenance team. For example, when your planned maintenance is scheduled ahead of time you reduce waste caused by unexpected costs due to equipment failure. This kind of planning is often referred to as preventative maintenance .

How to get really good at maintenance scheduling

“Some people think a lot of scheduled maintenance is good and more is better,” says Charles.

“Those people are wrong. Doing PMs to fill a quota is costly and often increases the chance of breakdowns.”

The number of failed inspections per PM is the true mark of scheduled maintenance success, says Charles. Every problem you catch during a PM is an asset failure avoided.

And that’s the secret to really good maintenance scheduling : The constant tweaking of PM frequencies to find the right balance between too often and not often enough.

How to optimize preventive maintenance frequencies

The PDCA model (Plan, Do, Check, Act) is a framework for finding the right PM schedule over time:

• Plan : Create a baseline for PM frequencies by looking at recommended guidelines, repair history, criticality, and usage patterns for an asset. The maintenance planner, supervisor, manager or team lead will generally take this step on.
• Do : Follow your plan consistently for accurate results. The maintenance technician will be responsible for this step.
• Check : Look at failure metrics for each asset to determine if your plan is working. The maintenance technician, team lead, supervisor or manager will be responsible for this step.
• Act : Fine-tune your PM frequencies based on your findings. Increase the frequency if an asset is breaking down between PMs. Reduce the frequency if your PMs don’t find failures or if the number of breakdowns between PMs is low. In this last step, the entire team will be responsible. It is a team effort and shouldn’t occur in a silo. Over communicating the changes and explaining why it’s occurring helps the team be open to change.

Warning: This process is not quick. It takes a while to go around this cycle and implement improvements. But you will see improvements, including longer MTBF intervals , fewer labor hours, and fewer costs for spare parts and supplies.

Start building an awesome preventive maintenance schedule with this scheduling template

How to convince people that maintenance needs to be done

“We would fight operations just to get a little bit of maintenance on a machine,” says Jason Afara, a Solutions Engineer at Fiix, remembering his time as a maintenance manager.

Although the tension between maintenance and operations isn’t going anywhere, a maintenance plan and schedule can’t reach their full potential without buy-in from production.

“This is where maintenance departments usually fail because they don’t have data to back up their asks,” says Charles.

“You have to be able to prove your case and show evidence that if you don’t do maintenance on schedule, there will be much worse consequences at some point—probably sooner than later.”

Creating a culture that chooses preventive maintenance over reactive maintenance doesn’t happen in a day. It can take years and a lot of conversations with everyone from CEOs to operators for it to stick. Here are a few resources to get you off on the right foot when it comes to change management and to use data to change minds:

• How to measure and tell the story of your maintenance team’s success
• How maintenance and operations joined forces to lead change
• How maintenance leaders can drive change in their organization

Scheduling around seasonality and sudden production changes

In a perfect world, plans would never change, and your maintenance schedule would run like clockwork. But we don’t live in a perfect world. The holiday season can lead to a huge spike in orders. And a global recession could completely dry up demand.

When things shift at your company, your maintenance must shift too. One way to stay flexible is with your maintenance schedule. This doesn’t mean abandoning all the plans you’ve put in place. Actually, it’s the opposite, says Charles.

“This is when it’s super critical to understand your asset criticality and asset priorities,” says Charles.

Knowing the needs of each critical asset is what helps you create schedules and justify maintenance windows required to ensure healthy equipment.

Prioritize your tasks

Keep track of your backlog

Build emergency kits for critical assets

Boosting maintenance efficiency when production rises

Do frequent inventory cycle counts

Create a dashboard of important metrics

Improve response procedures

“It also becomes very critical to understand how assets need to be shut down and started back up so that they function as best they can in those situations,” explains Charles.

Plan work orders that cover all the nuances of each piece of equipment and each task. Build airtight SOPs with this information so delays don’t make stopping and starting equipment even harder.

Best practices for managing a facility shutdown

• Making a contingency plan for a shutdown
• Focus on yourself

Everything you just read in three sentences

• Having crystal clear goals for your work orders will give you a clear direction for all your decisions around maintenance planning and scheduling.
• Never set your maintenance schedules in stone and always keep looking for ways to optimize each work order so you’re doing it at the correct frequencies.
• Your work order plans and schedule won’t always be popular with everyone, but having proof that they work will help you justify your strategy and allow you to follow through with it.

See Part IV: A toolkit for improving health and safety with work orders

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HVAC Business Plan Template

Written by Dave Lavinsky

HVAC Business Plan

You’ve come to the right place to create your HVAC business plan.

We have helped over 1,000 entrepreneurs and business owners create business plans and many have used them to start or grow their HVAC companies.

Below is a template to help you create each section of your HVAC business plan.

Executive Summary

Business overview.

Anderson’s Heating Ventilation & Air Conditioning Company (HVAC) is a startup HVAC company located in Boise, Idaho. The company is founded by Arnie Anderson, a HVAC technician for over 20 years who has now determined the time is right to start his own company. Arnie has worked in every operational position in his former employer’s company and has a strong depth of experience and capability in every aspect of HVAC installation and repair.

The job requires a history of knowledge and thorough expertise of many systems within HVAC; Arnie has learned them all via trial and error or on-site. His customers for the past 20 years have learned to trust Arnie with all replacements or repairs for their HVAC systems, because of both his expertise and his encouraging and calm demeanor when dealing with difficult, sometimes emergency, situations.

Product Offering

The following are the services that Anderson’s Heating Ventilation & Air Conditioning Company will provide:

• Provide high-quality service in HVAC installation and repair for residential customers
• Use a “set-window” time frame for HVAC commercial customers in need of repair
• Utilize digital platforms as technical assistance tools for diagnostics and repairs
• Service industrial clients with infrastructure over 100,000 square feet
• Provide distinctive service to high-demand contractors, real estate agencies, and property management companies who require HVAC replacements or repairs
• Provide the most up-to-date and innovative HVAC systems and repair service

Customer Focus

Anderson’s Heating Ventilation & Air Conditioning Company will target residential customers in the greater Boise area. They will also target commercial customers. They will search for and service industrial clients with large-space infrastructures. They will target contractors, real estate agencies and property management companies.

Management Team

Anderson’s Heating Ventilation & Air Conditioning Company will be owned and operated by Arnie Anderson. He has recruited two of his former assistants in his prior employment, Tex Rowan and Matt Rogers, to take on positions as Senior Technicians for Anderson’s HVAC. Tex and Matt together have over thirty years of experience as HVAC technicians and can instruct new employees, as well as diagnose, repair or rebuild HVAC systems.

Success Factors

Anderson’s Heating Ventilation & Air Conditioning Company will be able to achieve success by offering the following competitive advantages:

• Friendly, knowledgeable, and highly-qualified team at Anderson’s Heating Ventilation & Air Conditioning Company
• Provide a unique “set-window” urgent-response time frame for HVAC commercial customers
• Anderson’s Heating Ventilation & Air Conditioning Company will offer the best pricing in town. Their pricing structure will be the most cost effective compared to the competition.

Financial Highlights

Anderson’s Heating Ventilation & Air Conditioning Company is seeking $200,000 in debt financing to launch its Anderson’s Heating Ventilation & Air Conditioning Company. The funding will be dedicated toward securing the office space and purchasing office equipment and supplies. Funding will also be dedicated towards three months of overhead costs to include payroll of the staff, rent, and marketing costs for the print ads and marketing costs. The breakout of the funding is below:

• Office space build-out: $20,000
• Office equipment, supplies, and materials: $10,000
• Three months of overhead expenses (payroll, rent, utilities): $150,000
• Marketing costs: $10,000
• Working capital: $10,000

The following graph outlines the financial projections for Anderson’s Heating Ventilation & Air Conditioning Company.

Company Overview

Who is anderson’s heating ventilation & air conditioning company.

Anderson’s Heating Ventilation & Air Conditioning Company is a newly established full-service HVAC company in Boise, Idaho. Anderson’s Heating Ventilation & Air Conditioning Company will be the most reliable, cost-effective, and efficient choice for residents, commercial customers, and industrial clients within Boise and the surrounding communities. Anderson’s Heating Ventilation & Air Conditioning Company will provide a comprehensive menu of diagnostic and repair services for any client to utilize. Their full-service approach includes a unique service that provides “set time” responses for commercial clients with urgent HVAC needs.

  Anderson’s Heating Ventilation & Air Conditioning Company will be able to provide distinctive, high-quality replacements and repairs to all residents and commercial establishments. The team of professionals are highly qualified and experienced in HVAC processes and can provide either replacements, when necessary, or repair within a short window of time. Anderson’s Heating Ventilation & Air Conditioning Company removes all headaches and issues of the problems that can occur with HVAC systems, particularly in extremely cold winter weather. The unique response time system of Anderson’s HVAC ensures all issues are taken care of expeditiously while delivering the best customer service.

Anderson’s Heating Ventilation & Air Conditioning Company History

Since incorporation, Anderson’s Heating Ventilation & Air Conditioning Company has achieved the following milestones:

• Registered Anderson’s Heating Ventilation & Air Conditioning Company, LLC to transact business in the state of Idaho.
• Has a contract in place at one of the office buildings in midtown Boise.
• Will set up its 10,000 square foot office space
• Reached out to numerous contacts and former clients to consider services from Andersons HVAC.
• Began recruiting a staff of ten and office personnel to work at Anderson’s HVAC company.

Anderson’s Heating Ventilation & Air Conditioning Company Services

The following will be the services Anderson’s Heating Ventilation & Air Conditioning Company will provide:

Industry Analysis

The heating, ventilation, and air conditioning service industry is expected to grow over the next five years to over $309 billion. The growth will be driven by the population increases which continue to create a need for HVAC replacement and repairs. The growth will be driven by the innovative new HVAC systems and products, such as the tankless water heater, that will be requested by customers who desire a more sustainable environment for their homes. The growth will be driven by innovation not-yet-known, as older materials and processes give way to newer high-tensile products that can replace steel wraps, tanks and ducts. Costs will likely be reduced as the worldwide economy continues to remain at a healthy level and commerce is not detained by political forces.

Customer Analysis

Demographic profile of target market.

Anderson’s Heating Ventilation & Air Conditioning Company will target residential and commercial clients in Boise, Idaho. They will search for and service industrial clients with large-space infrastructures. They will target contractors, real estate agencies and property management companies.

Customer Segmentation

Anderson’s Heating Ventilation & Air Conditioning Company will primarily target the following customer profiles:

• Residents of Boise region
• Commercial clients of greater Boise area
• Industrial clients (100,000 square foot facilities) in the greater Boise region
• Real estate agencies, contractors and property management companies in Boise

Competitive Analysis

Direct and indirect competitors.

Anderson’s Heating Ventilation & Air Conditioning Company will face competition from other companies with similar business profiles. A description of each competitor company is below.

Middleton HVAC Company

The Middleton HVAC Company is headquartered approximately 30 miles from Boise, Idaho. The company has been in business for five years, providing installations of new water heaters for the fast-growing bedroom communities of Boise. The owner, Mitch Carter, has extensive experience in water heater installation, having formerly worked for a company that manufactures and installs water heaters. He, along with two employees, work on new home construction, assembling and installing water heaters on a large volume basis.

The Middleton HVAC Company does not specialize in installation, repair or replacement of heating, ventilation or air conditioning units; however, the water heaters are heavily prominent in the business and some HVAC work is also completed for select clients. This company is focused on new home starts; as such, the next Middleton community is on their radar for sales and installation purposes. The company installs basic water heaters, without offering tankless water heaters, and includes typical instructions and safety warnings with those heaters. Repairs are often secondary to installation, which has led to some first-time homeowner complaints.

COC Company

The COC Company is an abbreviation of the full company name: Cooling Or Cold Company, which describes the installation, replacement or repairs offered by this company. Because of heat during the summer, cooling systems are required. The extreme cold during the winters in Idaho create the need for operational heating systems. These two weather patterns drive the systems comprising the scope of installation and servicing of the COC Company.

The COC Company is owned and operated by Tabor Nugent, who started the business in 2010. Since that time, he has hired one additional service repair representative and two administrative office staff. Tabor has found a niche in hot and cold weather systems, which he believes are the solutions for the weather patterns of the Boise region.

Thomas & Marsh HVAC Company

Thomas & Marsh HVAC Company was established in 1995 and has been a part of the Boise, Idaho community in several interactive ways throughout the years. The company has built and maintained an active community within area company owners and has started various associations to support local businesses. Terry Thomas is the owner and president of the company, and handles most of the client relations. Matt Marsh is the vice president of the company, overseeing the scheduling and other operations duties. Both Terry and Matt are active in the community organizations, encouraging camaraderie among all businesses.

In 2010, Thomas & March HVAC placed all services into a “mobile repair” mode, which resulted in increased customer calls for urgent repairs in cold weather or other electrically-challenged situations. This created a following of clients who continue to use the mobile repair service rather than calling a competitor, as the impression given to clients is that the repairs will be available within minutes instead of within hours.

Competitive Advantage

Anderson’s Heating Ventilation & Air Conditioning Company will be able to offer the following advantages over their competition:

Marketing Plan

Brand & value proposition.

Anderson’s Heating Ventilation & Air Conditioning Company will offer the unique value proposition to its clientele:

• Highly-qualified team of skilled employees who are able to provide the most up-to-date and innovative HVAC systems and repair service.
• Provide a unique “set-window” urgent-response time frame for HVAC customers
• Unbeatable pricing for clients; creating the best pricing options available

Promotions Strategy

The promotions strategy for Anderson’s Heating Ventilation & Air Conditioning Company is as follows:

Word of Mouth/Referrals

Anderson’s Heating Ventilation & Air Conditioning Company is owned by Arnie Anderson, who has built up a stellar reputation as an installation, replacement, and repair expert in the HVAC industry. His long and extensive list of clients over the years has been bolstered by recent publicity after Arnie saved a family from extreme danger when searching for a systemic leak. By providing exceptional service and expertise to his clients, Arnie can now ask former clients to spread the word about Anderson’s Heating Ventilation & Air Conditioning to help build his company rapidly.

Professional Associations and Networking

Boise, Idaho is a medium-sized city and, as such, is a community-focused one, as well. Neighbors are friends, as are repair personnel, installation teams, construction groups and others. Arnie Anderson intends to solicit new customers and network among several groups for the first time since starting his company, as he knows referrals and word-of-mouth comments will lead to the success of his company.

Print Advertising

Two weeks before the launch of the company, a direct mail item will be sent to every resident in Boise, inviting all to take part in special “launch prices” during the first two weeks of the grand opening of the company. Customers are invited to visit and get a discount voucher for installation, replacement or repair of HVAC systems.

Website/SEO Marketing

Anderson’s Heating Ventilation & Air Conditioning Company will utilize their website, which will be well-organized, informative, and provide a list of services that Anderson’s Heating Ventilation & Air Conditioning Company is able to offer. The website will also list their contact information and list their available times if customers want to schedule a visit. The website will use SEO marketing tactics so that anytime someone types in the Google or Bing search engine “HVAC company” or “HVAC repair near me”, Anderson’s Heating Ventilation & Air Conditioning Company will be listed at the top of the search results.

The pricing of Anderson’s Heating Ventilation & Air Conditioning Company will be moderate and on par with competitors so customers feel they receive excellent value when purchasing their services.

Operations Plan

The following will be the operations plan for Anderson’s Heating Ventilation & Air Conditioning Company. Operation Functions:

• Arnie Anderson will be the Owner and President of the company. He will oversee all staff and manage client relations. Arnie has spent the past year recruiting the following staff:
• Tex Rowan, a former associate of Arnie’s in his former position, will be a Senior Technician who will train new technicians and install, repair and replace HVAC equipment.
• Matt Rogers, a former associate of Arnie’s in his former position, will also be a Senior Technician who will oversee scheduling and operations of the team as a whole.
• Carrie Swanson will be the Office Manager, handling service calls, daily administration duties and assisting the technicians as needed.

Milestones:

Anderson’s Heating Ventilation & Air Conditioning Company will have the following milestones completed in the next six months.

• 5/1/202X – Finalize contract to lease office space
• 5/15/202X – Finalize personnel and staff employment contracts for the Anderson’s Heating Ventilation & Air Conditioning Company
• 6/1/202X – Finalize long-term contracts for Anderson’s HVAC Company clients
• 6/15/202X – Begin networking at industry events
• 6/22/202X – Begin moving into Anderson’s Heating Ventilation & Air Conditioning Company office
• 7/1/202X – Anderson’s Heating Ventilation & Air Conditioning Company opens its office for business

Arnie Anderson has recruited two of his former assistants in his prior employment, Tex Rowan and Matt Rogers, to take on positions as Senior Technicians for Anderson’s HVAC. Tex and Matt together have over thirty years of experience as HVAC technicians and can instruct new employees, as well as diagnose, repair or rebuild HVAC systems.

Financial Plan

Key revenue & costs.

The revenue drivers for Anderson’s Heating Ventilation & Air Conditioning Company are the fees they will charge to their customers for their products and services.

The cost drivers will be the overhead costs required in order to staff Anderson’s Heating Ventilation & Air Conditioning Company. The expenses will be the payroll cost, rent, utilities, office supplies, and marketing materials.

Funding Requirements and Use of Funds

Anderson’s Heating Ventilation & Air Conditioning Company is seeking $200,000 in debt financing to launch its HVAC company. The funding will be dedicated toward securing the office space and purchasing office equipment and supplies. Funding will also be dedicated toward three months of overhead costs to include payroll of the staff, rent, and marketing costs for the print ads and association memberships. The breakout of the funding is below:

Key Assumptions

The following outlines the key assumptions required in order to achieve the revenue and cost numbers in the financials and in order to pay off the startup business loan.

• Number of customers Per Month: 165
• Average fees for products and services per Month: $44,500
• Office Lease per Year: $100,000

Financial Projections

Income statement.

Balance Sheet

Cash Flow Statement

HVAC Business Plan FAQs

What is an hvac business plan.

An HVAC business plan is a plan to start and/or grow your HVAC business. Among other things, it outlines your business concept, identifies your target customers, presents your marketing plan and details your financial projections.

You can easily complete your HVAC business plan using our HVAC Business Plan Template here .

What are the Main Types of HVAC Businesses? 

There are a number of different kinds of HVAC businesses , some examples include: Residential HVAC company, Commercial HVAC company, and Industrial Company.

How Do You Get Funding for Your HVAC Business Plan?

HVAC businesses are often funded through small business loans. Personal savings, credit card financing and angel investors are also popular forms of funding.

What are the Steps To Start an HVAC Business?

Starting an HVAC business can be an exciting endeavor. Having a clear roadmap of the steps to start a business will help you stay focused on your goals and get started faster.

1. Develop an HVAC Business Plan - The first step in starting a business is to create a detailed HVAC business plan that outlines all aspects of the venture. This should include potential market size and target customers, the services or products you will offer, pricing strategies and a detailed financial forecast. 

2. Choose Your Legal Structure - It's important to select an appropriate legal entity for your HVAC business. This could be a limited liability company (LLC), corporation, partnership, or sole proprietorship. Each type has its own benefits and drawbacks so it’s important to do research and choose wisely so that your HVAC business is in compliance with local laws.

3. Register Your HVAC Business - Once you have chosen a legal structure, the next step is to register your HVAC business with the government or state where you’re operating from. This includes obtaining licenses and permits as required by federal, state, and local laws.

4. Identify Financing Options - It’s likely that you’ll need some capital to start your HVAC business, so take some time to identify what financing options are available such as bank loans, investor funding, grants, or crowdfunding platforms.

5. Choose a Location - Whether you plan on operating out of a physical location or not, you should always have an idea of where you’ll be based should it become necessary in the future as well as what kind of space would be suitable for your operations.

6. Hire Employees - There are several ways to find qualified employees including job boards like LinkedIn or Indeed as well as hiring agencies if needed – depending on what type of employees you need it might also be more effective to reach out directly through networking events.

7. Acquire Necessary HVAC Equipment & Supplies - In order to start your HVAC business, you'll need to purchase all of the necessary equipment and supplies to run a successful operation.

8. Market & Promote Your Business - Once you have all the necessary pieces in place, it’s time to start promoting and marketing your HVAC business. This includes creating a website, utilizing social media platforms like Facebook or Twitter, and having an effective Search Engine Optimization (SEO) strategy. You should also consider traditional marketing techniques such as radio or print advertising. 

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Equipment Maintenance Plan (Everything You Should Know)

August 2, 2021 Paul Tyrrell

No matter what type of equipment you use, eventually you will get wear and tear. The most effective maintenance strategy for equipment is always to be preventive. When you use a well planned preventive maintenance schedule, you will find you have fewer emergency breakdowns and your equipment life is extended. 

However, the hard part of any maintenance program is finding the right plan and sticking to it. A maintenance strategy is only good if you act on it. When you plan your preventive maintenance, you essentially need to schedule service appointments at regular intervals. 

Do you know how often your equipment should be serviced? For great job management in your business, there are a few steps you first need to consider. 

Table of Contents

What is an equipment maintenance plan?

An equipment maintenance plan is the proactive servicing of assets according to scheduled maintenance requirements. By using a planned maintenance policy in your business, you can ensure that your equipment routine inspections are carried out correctly. Planning your maintenance ahead of time also allows you to schedule equipment availability ahead of time and reduces the chance of routine inspections interfering with jobs.  

The importance of an effective equipment maintenance plan

The key to making your maintenance plan effective is doing your homework. Not every equipment will require the same amount of maintenance and this will be determined by your equipment manufacturer or supplier. 

Your maintenance policy  will help to define your set of rules for your preventive maintenance tasks.to ensure that your maintenance strategy remains effective you need to keep your team up to date with relevant training and procedures.  

5 Types of equipment maintenance (And how to determine which one to use)

Before you begin your equipment maintenance program, you will need to determine what type of maintenance your piece of equipment requires. 

1. Preventive maintenance program (PM plan)

Preventive maintenance programs are some of the most effective for reducing critical equipment downtime and asset failure. Preventive regular inspections are also some of the cheapest options for maintaining your equipment. 

Preventive maintenance work orders can be scheduled based on either a fixed or flexible schedule, depending on your own workflow. You can base your preventive maintenance planning around a time based approach or a usage based schedule. 

A usage based schedule will be determined based on how often you use your equipment. For equipment that is used heavily like with many types of construction equipment , you may find you need to service your assets more frequently for a usage based PM plan. A time based schedule however, will be based purely off a calendar and include regular inspections based on a monthly, quarterly or annually period. 

When you have  preventative maintenance work in your business, you focus on maintaining the equipment before the performance is lowered or breakdowns. This is useful in keeping repair costs to a minimum. 

2. Condition based maintenance

Unlike a PM program, condition based maintenance focuses on the performance of the equipment to determine the schedule. As a part of condition based maintenance, you will need to install sensors for your equipment. These sensors will help you determine the due date for your maintenance based on the meter reading. Operational condition maintenance data can save money and time by only scheduling due dates for maintenance when the performance has been lowered. However this type of maintenance program involves sometimes expensive meter reading equipment and will not be suited to all types of assets. 

3. Predictive maintenance 

Predictive maintenance is similar to condition based planning where you use tools and sensors to collect maintenance data to inform you when you need to replace parts. This is designed to make your life easier and save time, reducing the need for regular maintenance appointments. 

With an effective maintenance plan using predictive methods, you fully implement your maintenance schedule with data to predict when you need to service your equipment. However as mentioned earlier, analysis equipment can become an expensive purchase and will not suit all types of businesses. 

4. Reactive maintenance

This type of maintenance can also be called breakdown or corrective maintenance, and it involves little to no maintenance planning.  Breakdown maintenance as its name suggests, is the type of maintenance where there are no preventive measures in place and you wait until your equipment has stopped working before you fix it. This “If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it” type of approach, means that when your equipment fails, you jump straight in to fix it. This can have both pros and cons however. You might find that your reactive approach to maintenance can interrupt your scheduled jobs as your equipment could break down at any time. This can result in a loss of productivity and large repair fees.

Emergency breakdowns are reduced significantly by having a thorough maintenance plan , but sometimes things just don’t go your way. You should have an operating procedure for asset failure and have a checklist that refers back to the manufacturers manual for exactly what you need to do. 

5. Total productive maintenance

Total productive maintenance work involves tasks that include the whole team participating in maintenance strategies. Your maintenance personnel for this can include anyone from your maintenance department, maintenance manager or facility managers. 

When you have all the work inhouse for your specific maintenance tasks, you have the ability to train all maintenance team members with the correct procedures and this can be of great value to your business.  With this type of maintenance program, the benefits mean that maintenance becomes a part of your everyday tasks

Building an effective equipment maintenance plan

Once you know what type of maintenance will most benefit your business, you need to construct your efficient maintenance plan. Here are the 6 steps you need to know to prepare your ultimate preventative maintenance program: 

1. Determine the priority areas 

For your future reference, you will need to determine the priority areas for your piece of equipment and maintenance requirements. For an effective maintenance program you need to determine your critical assets and what equipment needs to be prioritized over others to best reduce downtime . 

2. Set instructions and checklists 

With work orders and checklists, you can ensure that nothing is missed in your maintenance jobs. Once you have determined the maintenance requirements, you can formula checklists for your preventive maintenance program. A maintenance checklist will detail everything you need to know for that particular price of equipment in steps, so all your maintenance team needs to do is check the boxes. When you have checklists in your maintenance tasks, you reduce the chance of human error and mistakes being made in the field. 

For examples of a maintenance checklist in the field, see the below checklists: 

• Inverter Preventive Maintenance Checklist 
• Heat Exchanger Preventive Maintenance Checklist 
• Commercial Plumbing Preventive Checklist 
• HVAC Preventive Maintenance Checklist
• Air Compressor Maintenance Checklist 
• Preventive Checklist For Hydraulic Systems 

3. Create a schedule for your maintenance tasks

Scheduling preventive maintenance tasks ahead of time will ensure that you never miss a maintenance job. Your PM plan will need to be scheduled according to the frequencies recommended by your manufacturer. 

Your preventive maintenance schedule should detail clear dates for upcoming maintenance appointments and allow you flexibility for priority jobs.  

4. Get your workers on the same page 

Part of implementing preventive maintenance programs into your business will require training for your maintenance team. You should ensure that your team is briefed on your checklists and know the requirements that need to be met. 

To complete this part of your preventive maintenance work you might need to run training sessions with your technicians to ensure that everyone is on the same page. 

5. Consider outlying factors 

Some other considerations you will need to include for your planned maintenance might include: 

• Spare parts 
• Inventory management 
• Asset history 

Ensuring that your team has all the information they need is vital. You will need to consider how your inventory will affect your PM plan, what PPE will be required to keep your team safe and how your technicians will record their data (will they be using pen and paper or will you use an automated software?). 

6. Adjust and repeat!

Your planned maintenance program might not work the first time, undoubtedly you will need some room for adjustment and error. Your maintenance strategies might need to be updated to suit your workflow or you might find you need some extra training in your team. The key to success when creating an effective maintenance program is finding your perfect fit. Your preventive maintenance model will look different compared to other business models and this can sometimes take time to find your perfect maintenance plan. 

Do you need help implementing preventive maintenance plans into your business? 

The most effective way to carry out your preventive maintenance program is with great job management and maintenance software. When you have a great preventative maintenance software in your business you can easily schedule PM jobs, update SWMS in the field, customise checklists and store your asset data at the touch of your fingertips. 

With FieldInsight you gain access to an all-in-one system to ensure that your equipment maintenance program ticks all the right boxes. Get started by booking a demo today and start planning your preventive maintenance schedule. 

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Maintenance Strategy Plan

Maintenance is an important aspect in a business’s pursuit for optimal performance. This is most applicable to the materials and equipment that are absolutely indispensable to a company. Irregardless of how big and successful your business is, buying new equipment to take the place of those that are broken is never a good investment. Which means that if you want to avoid making this a habit for your business, maintenance should be one of your basic priorities.You may also see strategic planning checklists .

• 14+ Maintenance Agreement Examples 
• 10+ Maintenance Proposal Examples 

Maintenance Strategy Plan Diagram

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Reliability-Centered Maintenance

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Maintenance will also help you make sure that your equipment are still safe to be operated. Time and usage can decrease a machine’s performance and you don’t want to learn this fact by having one of your employees be the victim of an equipment-related mishap. There might be small leaks and malfunctions in your machine that only maintenance can discover.Maintenance can also help you prolong the life of your equipment. By keeping it clear of the normal wear and tear that machines are forever subjected to, you can be assured that it will give a more efficient performance and relatively longer life span that will save you a considerable amount of money.You may also see  HR strategy plan

Maintenance Strategy Example Definition

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Most importantly, maintenance will save you time and money in the long run, and this is something that a business must always strive for. Although regular equipment checkups may cause a slight inconvenience to your production, that is nothing in comparison to having to stop production altogether simply because your machinery broke down in the most unexpected, disadvantageous time.

Save yourself such inconvenience by conducting regular preventive maintenance. This will help you check the hydraulic, pneumatic, electrical, and mechanical parts of your apparatus which will help you make sure that your machine is in perfect working condition.You may also see networking strategy plan

Failures for Maintenance Strategy Planning

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What Is a Maintenance Strategy Plan?

Maintenance does not only mean tweaking the machine. Before conducting one, especially for the first time, you must plan it all ahead, with details and specifications clearly arranged. Otherwise, your equipment may be damaged because of careless, haphazard maintenance. A maintenance strategy plan will help you arrange and transcribe all of this.You may also see communication strategy plan

A maintenance strategy’s main goal is to make sure that an equipment will run exactly when you need it to. In the old, uncivilized days, we used to wait for a machine to break down and burst into flames before we fix it. Now, we keep it from happening by conducting a thorough maintenance and checkup so that our machine will keep running because we need it that way.You may also see recruitment strategy plans .

Maintenance Tasks

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A maintenance strategy plan will help you control failure that is brought about by machines who have given up on working. For companies and businesses who rely mostly on their equipment to do the job for them, a mishap such as this will cost the company a lot. Which means that having this at the very start of your business is just as important as all the other initial preparations you should conduct. This will help you maximize your production and minimize your waste.

Maintenance Plan Evaluation

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The Structure of a Maintenance Strategy Plan

1. strategy header..

Your header should include the title or name you are giving to your strategy plan (which will help with documentation) and a short text preferably explaining or providing a general view of your strategy plan .

2. Scheduling Parameters.

  Your scheduling parameters will include a detailed scheduling data of the respective maintenance strategy you want to conduct. Of course, you can’t simply decide to have one on a day when you feel like having it because, as aforementioned, there are certain preparations involved. Your scheduling parameters will keep everyone knowledgeable of when one should be conducted so they can help with the preparations.You may also see training plans .

Preventive Maintenance Plan Sample

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3. Scheduling Indicators.

This will help you prepare a definite cycle set with which every maintenance will be conducted. It can be any of the following:

• Time-based. (Every 30 days.)
• Time-based by key date. (For example, every 30 days every 30th day of the month.)
• Time-based by factory calendar. (Every 30 working days.)
• Performance-based. (For example, every 168 operating hours.)

Constructing an Effective Maintenance Plan

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Common Maintenance Strategy Examples

Developing and creating a maintenance strategy plan will depend largely on the assets of the company and the operation of the equipment. Listed below are some of the maintenance strategy types that you may adapt for your business, with their pros and cons and the situations they will be most effective in.You may also see business plan .

1. Run-to-failure or the Breakdown Maintenance.

This type of maintenance strategy is only effective for a machinery that serves a small role in the business, or those that are not very important and necessary, and which are not very costly. A run-to-failure strategy designates a machinery to be fixed only when it breaks down. Its parts may be restored or replaced until it can no longer function and a new one would be needed.You may also see marketing plans .

This is because a non-critical piece of machinery does not have to cause you an added amount of inconvenience and money. This type of equipment can run for a long time even without regular maintenance, so save yourself the cash and the hassle by waiting until it stops working before you do something about it. Machines who should be under the breakdown maintenance should be those that have no direct impact on a company’s production.

2. Preventive Scheduled Maintenance.

This is the most common type of maintenance strategy that big and mid-sized companies make the most use of. A preventive scheduled maintenance works by taking the assets offline and inspected at designated intervals, and repaired if necessary. This strategy is quite simple but it can help a company save a substantial amount in the long run, which is why most companies prefer to use it more than the other types of   marketing strategies .

The only tricky part about this maintenance strategy is the schedule by which it should be conducted. Say you conduct a preventive maintenance every 3 months. For the first few times, this may bring about positive results for everyone. However, this schedule may not always be effective every time. An annual review of the scheduled maintenance should be done to make sure that the equipment is still wholly effective and that the schedule is just as much.

In accordance to this, the schedule may be changed, lengthened, shortened, or swapped in accordance to what will work best for the machine. A serious attention should be given to this part of the strategy-making.You may also see company plans .

Basic Maintenance Management Process

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3. Predictive Maintenance.

  A predictive maintenance is a little more complex than the two other strategies that have been discussed. It will involve monitoring the equipment to generate work orders based on the data and meter reading conducted by a machine monitoring device.

However, there is also a simpler method that would only need a visual inspection by the operators. The simple act of studying a machine’s performance based on its quality and speed can tell you a lot about its present state. If it is not working as efficiently as it normally should, conduct a predictive maintenance to answer whatever issues your machine may be having.You may also see risk plans .

An advantage of predictive maintenance is that it can save you money and manpower that is usually spent on maintenance. Since you are studying your machine first before you conduct a maintenance procedure, you will know if your machine actually needs one. If it doesn’t, and, based on your accurate observation, it is in a sound present state, you can skip your maintenance and have one administered at a later time.You may also see sales plans .

Predictive maintenance will also help you gather more insight on your machine’s performance and potential issues that may arise if not prevented.

4. Reliability-Centered Maintenance

  This strategy is more in-depth than the rest. It revolves around the idea that analyzing all the possible aspects where an equipment can be damaged in the future and creating a customized maintenance strategy plan for each one of these issues and individual machines is the most effective approach to maintenance.You may also see management plans.

Although this strategy  is  effective, it is too sophisticated especially for small businesses. In terms of practicality, this strategy is also not the first thing that will come to mind. However, there are certain elite organizations that have perfected this technique. If you think that this strategy will work best for your business, then it is time that you start adapting it.You may also see mass marketing .

Standardized Maintenance Work Management

Why does an equipment fail.

Maintenance strategy would not be needed if machines are always in perfect working order. However, they are not. Which is why we are talking about maintenance strategies and their importance. But let us get a better grasp on the reason why our machines are failing us. Here are a couple of reasons why:

1. Over-stressed components.

Machines are designed to be overworked and to be subjected to extreme workloads. However, things like overheating or overloading them may just cause them to break down. Imposing a machine to environmental stress can cause its endurance to decline considerably. This can damage your equipment.You may also see event plans .

2. Physical attack.

Physical attacks are not under our control but we can conduct measures to eradicate or at least manage them. These physical attacks may include rust, wear, erosion, or chemical corrosion.

3. Errors or mistakes.

This is a damaging factor that is caused by careless and ignorant operators. Machines, as big and bulky as they are, actually have very sensitive parts and the slightest misuse of it may result in considerable damages. These mistakes may include not putting oil into the gearbox before starting the machine or subjecting it to chemicals that may be harmful to it. It is best to brief your machine operators on how to properly handle a machine in any situation to avoid this.You may also see service plans .

4. Poor design choices or poor factory quality.

This is a mistake performed by the manufacturer of the machine. However, if you don’t notice it in time with the warranty insurance, you may be forced to pay for damages caused by inaccuracy done by the manufacturer. This may include poor welding or incorrectly placed holes or undersized equipment.You may also see treatment plans .

5. Lack of maintenance and care.

This is a blunder we want to avoid by conducting regular maintenance with the help of a carefully designed maintenance strategy plan. This will keep problems and issues from accumulating to the point where the machine is beyond repairable. This includes even the slightest irresponsibility such as not changing the machinery oil and not cleaning the equipment after use.You may also see development plans .

4 Approaches to Maintenance Strategy

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Maintenance is an act that is not only necessary to machines and equipment. A lot of aspects of a business should be regularly checked to make sure that you are not held at a disadvantage by your own carelessness. Irregardless of the cause of the failure of your apparatus, it is important to conduct a thorough checkup at intervals to make sure you get the most out of what you pay for. A maintenance strategy plan will make this easier and more organized.You may also see evaluation plans .

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How to Create a Preventive Maintenance Program in 8 Steps

Are equipment failures driving up maintenance costs and unplanned downtime? 

Let's face it: when your equipment fails, it's not just an inconvenience—it's a hit to your bottom line. Imagine a world where you could predict and prevent these disruptions and breakdowns. That's the power of a preventive maintenance program.

In this comprehensive guide, we'll explain the eight essential steps to building a robust PM plan that will save you money and transform your approach to proactive maintenance. We'll dive into the nitty-gritty of asset inventory, prioritization, scheduling, and the pivotal role of CMMS software in building a preventive maintenance plan. 

Whether you're a seasoned maintenance pro or just dipping your toes into proactive strategies, this guide is your roadmap to a smoother, more efficient, and ultimately more profitable operation.

What is a Preventive Maintenance Plan?

A Preventive Maintenance Plan is a systematic approach to proactively maintaining and servicing equipment, machinery, or assets to prevent breakdowns, reduce downtime, and extend their operational lifespan. This type of maintenance is performed on a scheduled basis, often according to the manufacturer's recommendations or industry best practices.

Essential Elements of Effective Preventive Maintenance Plans

Preventive maintenance plans look different for everyone, but here are some essential elements that form the foundation of effective ones. Let's explore these building blocks that make your PM program a true powerhouse for efficiency and cost savings.

1. Asset inventory

Preventive maintenance is an excellent maintenance strategy for keeping critical assets in good working condition. However, the real cost savings in PM come from fine-tuning your organization’s preventive maintenance schedule over time. 

Workplace environments, machine usage patterns, and other factors can uniquely impact equipment behavior over time. Translation: Manufacturer’s recommendations won’t always provide foolproof guidelines for maintaining asset reliability. 

Beyond the importance of maintaining detailed asset inventories for accounting records, consistent record-keeping can reveal opportunities to optimize spending patterns. 

Each asset entry should include:  

• Make, model, and serial number
• Specifications/Capabilities
• Unit number

As you perform routine maintenance, keep track of service dates, labor costs, spare parts used, and current conditions. Also, note the asset’s criticality to production and safety.

2. Asset prioritization

It’s impossible to include all essential assets in initial PM programs. To stay realistic, create an asset hierarchy and identify your organization’s most critical assets.

An asset hierarchy is a logical index of every critical machine and component that illustrates how the action of one machine affects another. Maintenance team members can use the tool to track machines more easily, schedule maintenance efficiently, and identify the root cause of failures.

Prioritize assets that significantly impact production, have high maintenance costs, require regular maintenance, or pose safety hazards. Once you start to see the increased value and return on investment (ROI) from the maintained assets, you can gradually add more assets to the PM program. 

Some organizations may choose to perform a criticality analysis during the preventive maintenance planning stage to help them determine precisely how specific asset failures impact production and the bottom line. 

3. PM schedule

A PM schedule dictates when maintenance activities should be performed on a given piece of equipment. When developing your PM schedule, select a day and time for maintenance that doesn’t disrupt production. Base PM schedules on one of two metrics:

• Time: You can base your PM schedule on time and perform maintenance after a set period. For example, your fleet of vehicles can undergo maintenance every three months.
• Usage: Track usage metrics such as operating hours and production cycles for usage-based PM schedules. Maintenance activities are then performed when certain milestones are met. For example, schedule your fleet of vehicles for maintenance every 1,000 miles instead of every three months.

PM schedules usually depend on a work order system. A work order is a document that provides details about a maintenance task and outlines the preventive maintenance process for completing it.

It details the scope of the work, what’s expected, the expected timeline for completing the job, who authorized the work orders, and an assigned maintenance technician . Work orders help you organize, assign, prioritize, track, and complete maintenance tasks besides capturing asset maintenance history.

4. CMMS software

Most effective PM programs have one thing in common: a computerized maintenance management system (CMMS) that the entire team feels comfortable using. Maintenance planners can create, implement, and track recurring work orders via user-friendly dashboards. 

Additionally, a CMMS helps to simplify, automate, organize, and optimize your operations. According to Plant Engineering, 58 percent of facilities rely on CMMS to manage their maintenance operations. 

However, up to 80 percent of CMMS implementations fail. Reasons for CMMS failure include:

• Users excluded from the selection process
• Complex CMMS software
• Resistance to technology adoption
• Poor implementation of CMMS

Using modern, cloud-based CMMS like MaintainX can help overcome these implementation challenges. Unlike traditional on-premise systems, cloud CMMS is available over the Internet and, therefore, is easier to set up, access from anywhere, and manage the database. A modern CMMS also offers regular updates and better database security.

5. Team communication 

Clear and fast communication is essential for an effective PM program. Your team should always be able to communicate with each other efficiently and effectively. Poor communication can lead to:

• Delayed maintenance timelines 
• Overlapping work orders and activities
• Inappropriate prioritization  of maintenance tasks
• Under- or over-maintenance
• Poor maintenance inventory management
• Prolonged downtimes

Approximately 96 percent of office executives claim poor communication is to blame for workplace failures. Maintenance departments are no exception to everyday communication woes.  

According to McKinsey Global Institute , a connected workforce is more likely to perform better. Using a mobile CMMS with team chat will prevent important project details from falling through the cracks. MaintainX reduces time spent clarifying details, improves access to maintenance records, and speeds up troubleshooting between technicians and managers. 

6. Goals and KPIs

Next, set SMART goals and key performance indicators (KPIs) to measure progress. SMART is an acronym for Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time Bound. 

This means your maintenance goals should clearly outline what you’re looking to accomplish, when you’re looking to achieve them, and the metrics you’ll use to measure success. Your goals should be relevant to your company’s broader business goals. 

Common KPIs for measuring preventive maintenance plan effectiveness include:

• Planned maintenance percentage (PMP): This metric measures the time you spend on planned maintenance compared to unplanned maintenance within a given period.
• Preventive maintenance compliance (PMC): This metric tracks how many scheduled PM tasks you complete within a specific timeframe.
• Scheduled maintenance critical percentage (SMCP): This KPI measures the impact of delayed planned maintenance activities. ‍
• Mean time to repair (MTTR): This measure looks at the average time it takes to repair and restore an asset to full functionality.

7. Upper-management support

Finally, you’ll need the support of your company’s upper management to implement a PM plan successfully. Convincing leadership to get on board and increase budgets can be daunting. Here are some tips to help you to make the case for implementing a PM plan:

• Estimate return on investment : You must prove to the team that the PM program will improve the company’s bottom line. Select a few critical assets and demonstrate how shifting from corrective to preventive maintenance will reduce maintenance costs and improve profits. For example, if you experience three unplanned downtimes a year and the cost of restoring full functionality each time is $500, a PM program could reduce the downtimes from three to one and save $1000 in maintenance costs.
• Lay out maintenance goals: You can also make a presentation on your long-term maintenance goals and how they align with the overall organizational goals. Remember to cover the challenges faced with the current (reactive) system and how a PM program would overcome them.

How to start a preventive maintenance program in 8 steps

Ready to roll up your sleeves and put your preventive maintenance strategy into action? Let's break down the process into eight actionable steps, making it easy for you to create and implement a program that delivers real results.

1. Establish clear goals

Are you looking to reduce downtime? Cut spending on rush orders for parts? Increase equipment availability? Step one is to define what you aim to get out of the overall preventive maintenance program. Work with relevant stakeholders—from frontline workers to senior management—to develop a clear sense of where you want to go with a structured PM approach.

2. Inventory your assets

Before creating a preventive maintenance plan, you need comprehensive data about your assets. Carry out an audit of your equipment, taking note of relevant information like the age of each asset, its usage, and maintenance history. Also, consider the asset's current condition and priority level in relation to productivity and workplace safety.

3. Conduct a criticality analysis

Limited resources often mean that teams cannot pay the same amount of attention to all assets. As such, you need to establish priorities regarding your equipment. Conduct a criticality analysis to determine which assets are most crucial for production and safety. A criticality analysis refers to rating the importance of assets based on their potential risks. In this instance, we define risk as any possible ways failure can occur and how such failures might impact organizational productivity, expenses, and safety.

Tasks critical to production/safety AND have high repair/replacement costs fall into the high-priority category. Alternatively, you should give less priority to maintenance work on equipment that is not critical to production/safety AND has low repair/replacement costs. Non-critical, inexpensive, and worn-out assets are often better candidates for reactive maintenance.

4. Choose your preventive maintenance program KPIs

To ensure you can adequately track the progress of your PM plan, transform your goals into concrete targets in the form of KPIs. Common KPIs include Mean Time to Repair ( MTTR ), Mean Time Between Failure ( MTBF ), and Overall Equipment Effectiveness ( OEE ), among others. With KPIs, you have numbers against which to benchmark your progress, ensuring you can measure your performance and fine-tune your plan. The right CMMS can make all the difference here. MaintainX, for example, contains a robust reporting module that analyses your data to generate actionable insights.

5. Determine ideal PM ratios

How frequently should you carry out maintenance work on assets? The correct answer will depend on a combination of factors, including your resources, equipment manufacturer guidelines, regulatory requirements, staff capacity, historical equipment performance, and inventory. You also need to strike the right balance, ensuring you don’t leave assets undermaintained but do not waste resources by over-maintaining assets.

6. Schedule your PMs

At this stage, you’re finally ready to schedule your preventive maintenance activities. Word to the wise: don’t try to tackle everything at once. We recommend creating a long-term (yearly) maintenance schedule before breaking high-priority tasks down into a short-term schedule (quarterly, monthly, weekly, and daily). 

A user-friendly computerized maintenance management system (CMMS) like MaintainX will make assigning, overseeing, and adjusting your PM program infinitely easier. AI-powered work scheduling based on labor insights and smart estimates.

MaintainX allows maintenance managers to create, assign, and monitor recurring work orders. MaintainX also optimizes work management through AI-powered work scheduling based on labor insights and smart estimates.

7. Train your team

Proper adoption is essential to get the best out of a preventive maintenance. As a result, you need to be proactive with your change management. Ensure you carry your staff along, providing any support and guidance for them to properly understand the software. Better yet, seek out solutions that are intuitive, user-friendly, and require little training. MaintainX, for example, is rated the most usable CMMS according to third-party reviews, for its intuitive processes that encourage easy adoption.

8. Monitor preventive maintenance program success

Monitor your chosen KPIs, ask for team member feedback, and make small adjustments accordingly. Focus on progress by determining how many PMs have been performed on critical equipment and how many times those assets have failed since the program began. You should be able to determine whether you should reduce or increase your PM activities based on this data. If your team isn’t meeting its goals, conduct a root cause analysis to identify where inefficiencies are occurring and correct course. Reporting tools like MaintainX’s asset health insights will also help you to double down on what works and eliminate initiatives that don’t.

Why preventive maintenance plans sometimes fail

While preventive maintenance provides several benefits, successful execution is not without its challenges. Here are a few to take note of.

Lack of data

Properly executing a preventive maintenance plan requires accurate data about your equipment to enable you to track your progress. Without this data, you’ll have no idea what kind of maintenance work your assets actually need, how well your maintenance efforts are actually performing, and what changes you might need to make as you proceed. Manual data management systems worsen this problem, limiting your ability to analyze your data and extract relevant insights for taking action.

Poor inventory management

Speed is crucial to effective preventive maintenance work, and technicians finding themselves without the necessary parts only serves to increase downtime. Without accurate and reliable inventory management, it’s impossible to ensure your team members have the parts they need when they need them. As a result, maintenance work will suffer delays, and you might end up having to pay more for rush orders.

Limited resources

While preventive maintenance helps teams save money, it can also be cost-intensive at the start. Without enough resources, teams face the challenge of finding the right balance when allocating staff and funds to preventive maintenance work, especially when those resources could be useful elsewhere.

Simplify preventive maintenance planning with Maintainx

Preventive maintenance helps organizations reduce unplanned equipment downtimes, increase asset reliability, minimize maintenance costs, and improve operations. While initially launching a preventive maintenance program may seem complicated, it’s simple if you effectively plan for it. 

Focus on scheduling PM for your most critical assets to keep your new maintenance program affordable, manageable, and effective. The easiest way to get organized is with the support of a user-friendly CMMS like MaintainX . Here are some key ways MaintainX can support your preventive maintenance planning.

Work order management

MaintainX allows you to manage your work order process by organizing everything in one place. Instead of dealing with pen and paper work requests and instructions, MaintainX allows you to simplify the process by creating, assigning, and monitoring work orders in one place. You can send and track real-time updates, see when a technician starts a task, how far along they are, and provide any necessary instructions. In addition, MaintainX helps optimize your work management with AI-powered work scheduling based on labor insights and smart estimates.

Asset Management

Track downtime, standardize maintenance procedures, and use data-driven insights to improve reliability across sites and regions with MaintainX. With MaintainX, you can instantly see asset and work history, including what work was performed, who did the work, and which parts were used. You can make smarter decisions about your assets with accurate and current data. 

Parts inventory management

MaintainX CMMS offers a robust parts management module that helps ensure you always have the necessary parts on hand for maintenance work. Global parts management allows you to standardize and enhance inventory management across all your facilities. Enabling leaner inventory levels will increase parts availability, avoid long lead times on parts orders, and decrease inventory costs.

Reporting and analytics

Built-in reports and dashboards allow you to assess the health of your operations at a glance. Get insights on key KPIs like PM compliance and MTBF so you can reduce downtime, optimize staffing, and ensure the effectiveness of your PM program. Ready access to data gives you the power to identify key areas of improvement and optimize your maintenance program for maximum impact.

Robust integrations

Connect your entire maintenance and asset ecosystem. MaintainX provides out-of-the-box and customizable integrations so you can work with existing infrastructure and workflows. There are three ways to integrate with MaintainX: 

• MaintainX integrates with 4,000+ applications via Zapier — a low-code platform that allows you to configure integrations with ease.
• MaintainX can configure your integrations and set you up for success. 
• Expert systems integrators can help you achieve your goals, including: Faye, Rovisys, Industry Corps, MachineMetrics, and MAJiK Systems.

Get started with MaintainX today

Anyone with a smartphone can download the MaintainX and get started with our basic plan, which includes unlimited work orders, right away. Want to learn more? Check out case studies to read about how MaintainX helps customers transform their operations, or book a tour today to see for yourself.

The benefits of Preventive Maintenance include:

• Reduced unplanned downtime and associated costs.
• Extended equipment lifecycle, reducing the need for premature replacement.
• Improved safety for employees and reduced risk of accidents.
• Increased operational efficiency and productivity.
• Better compliance with industry regulations and standards.
• Reduced need for costly repairs.

Predictive Maintenance is a data-driven asset management approach that uses sensors, monitoring equipment, and advanced analytics to predict when maintenance is actually needed. It relies on real-time data and condition monitoring to identify signs of impending failure. Reactive Maintenance involves repairing equipment after it has failed or broken down. Preventive Maintenance, on the other hand, involves scheduled maintenance tasks performed proactively to prevent breakdowns and extend the life of equipment.

Yes, Preventive Maintenance software helps businesses automate and streamline the management of preventive maintenance workflows. It can schedule, track, and document maintenance activities, send alerts for upcoming tasks, and generate real-time reports for analysis of asset performance.

Caroline Eisner

Caroline Eisner is a writer and editor with experience across the profit and nonprofit sectors, government, education, and financial organizations. She has held leadership positions in K16 institutions and has led large-scale digital projects, interactive websites, and a business writing consultancy.

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Successful Lawn Care Business Plan: A Comprehensive Guide.

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Successful Lawn Care Business Plan: A Comprehensive Guide

Welcome to my comprehensive guide on creating a successful  lawn care business plan . As a professional in the industry, I’ve seen firsthand how critical it is to have a thoughtful and well-crafted plan in place before starting your business. In this guide, I’ll be sharing my expertise and providing you with all the necessary tools and advice to help you create an effective  lawn care business plan .

Whether you’re a seasoned business owner or a novice entrepreneur, this guide will provide you with the guidance and direction you need to succeed in the lawn care industry. We’ll cover everything from  market research  to financial projections, so you’ll be fully equipped to create a strong and sustainable business plan.

Key Takeaways:

• Having a well-crafted  lawn care business plan  is crucial for success in the industry.
• This comprehensive guide will provide all the necessary guidance and tools to create an effective plan.
• We’ll be covering  market research , financial projections, and everything in between.

Starting a Lawn Care Business

If you’re considering starting a lawn care business , you’re in the right place. As someone who has been building and selling lawn care businesses for over thirty years, I know firsthand the challenges and rewards of this industry. Here are some important steps to consider as you begin your journey:

If you would prefer a template, check out the course below .

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Do Your Market Research

Before you start your business, you need to know your market.

Who are your potential customers? What landscaping needs do they have? What are their pain points? By conducting thorough  market research , you’ll be able to identify your target audience and tailor your services to meet their needs.

You should also research your competition. Who are they? What services do they offer? What are their strengths and weaknesses? Understanding your competition will help you differentiate yourself and develop a competitive advantage.

Remember that it is going to be a lot harder if you want to start a lawn care business in areas with a lower population. Whenever I work with lawn care businesses myself, I always prefer to target areas with a population of over ten thousand. I’m not saying that you cannot build a successful business in a low-population area. It just takes longer. 

Create a Unique Selling Proposition

Your unique selling proposition (USP) is what sets you apart from the other lawn care companies. It’s the reason why customers should choose your  lawn care service  over others. Your USP should address a specific customer need or pain point and highlight the benefits of working with your company.

Understand Legal Requirements

Starting a lawn care business requires various legal and licensing requirements, depending on your state and local laws. This may include obtaining a business license, registering for taxes, and obtaining insurance. It’s essential to ensure you have the proper legal documentation in place to avoid any legal issues down the road.

You can find out more about business structures here .

Starting a lawn care business can be a fulfilling and profitable venture, but it requires careful planning and execution. By conducting thorough market research, creating a unique selling proposition, and understanding legal requirements, you’ll be on your way to success. Stay tuned for the next sections of this comprehensive guide on writing a lawn mowing business plan, where we’ll explore additional steps to help you build a successful lawn care business.

Video A Lawn Mowing Business Partnership – Is It A Good Idea?

Developing Your Business Model

Before starting a  lawn mowing business , it’s essential to determine the right  business model  for your goals and resources . There are various business models to choose from, each with its pros and cons.

Here are some common business models used in the lawn care industry:

Ultimately, the right  business model  for your lawn care business will depend on your unique circumstances, goals, and resources.

Key components of a business model

When developing your business model, there are several key components to consider:

• Your target customers: Who are they, and what are their needs and preferences?
• Your value proposition: What sets your lawn care business apart from the competition?
• Your pricing strategy: How will you price your services to remain competitive while maintaining profitability?
• Your marketing strategy: How will you reach and attract your target customers?
• Your operations strategy: How will you manage the day-to-day operations of your business, including equipment and supply management, scheduling, and quality control?

Answering these questions will help you create a solid foundation for your lawn care business model. It’s essential to regularly review and adjust your business model as your business grows and the market evolves.

Creating a Lawn Care Business Plan

If you want to start a successful lawn care business, having a well-crafted business plan is crucial. A comprehensive business plan will help you define your goals, outline your strategies, and anticipate potential challenges. Here’s a step-by-step guide to creating a winning business plan for your lawn care business.

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Executive Summary

The executive summary is a brief overview of your lawn care business plan. It should give readers a clear understanding of what your business is about, what sets it apart from competitors, and what your goals are. This section should include your mission statement, company description, products and services, target market, and financial projections. Keep it concise and compelling.

Company Summary

The company summary section should provide more detailed information about your lawn care business. This includes your business structure, legal status, management team, and any partners or investors. You should also outline your business location and equipment needs.

Market Analysis

Your market analysis should showcase your understanding of the lawn care industry and your target market. This includes a description of your ideal customers, their needs and preferences, and how you plan to reach them. You should also analyze your competitors and identify what sets your business apart from theirs.

Services and Pricing

In this section, you should provide a detailed description of your lawn care services and how you plan to price them. You should also outline your pricing strategy and how it compares to competitors. Make sure to include any seasonal pricing changes or discounts you plan to offer.

Marketing Plan

Your  marketing plan  should define how you plan to promote your lawn care business to your target market . This includes your marketing channels, such as social media, email marketing, and advertising. You should also describe your branding strategy and how you plan to differentiate your business from others in the industry.

Financial Projections

Your financial projections should include your revenue and expense estimates, as well as your cash flow statement, balance sheet, and income statement. You should also include your break-even analysis and any funding requirements you may have.

Creating a comprehensive business plan can seem daunting, but taking the time to plan now can save you time and money in the long run. Use this guide as a starting point for creating a successful lawn care business plan.

Conducting Effective Market Research

For an aspiring  landscaping business  owner, I know that conducting thorough market research is a crucial step in creating a successful lawn care business plan. Market research helps you identify target markets, understand customer needs and preferences, and analyze your competitors.

To start, I recommend defining your target market. Consider factors such as demographics, geographic location, and income level. Additionally, think about what your potential customers value and what motivates them to hire a landscaping service. This information can help you develop a marketing strategy that resonates with your target audience.

Next, gather data on your competitors. Analyze their pricing strategies, service offerings, and target markets. This information can help you identify gaps in the market and develop a unique selling proposition that sets your  landscaping business  apart from others.

You can gather market data through surveys, focus groups, and online research. I suggest using a combination of these methods to obtain a well-rounded understanding of your target market and competitors.

Once you have collected data, analyze it and use it to inform your business decisions. Determine what services to offer, how to price them, and how to market them effectively. Remember to regularly revisit and update your market research as your business evolves and the market changes.

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Crafting an Effective Marketing Strategy

In order to attract and retain customers for your  lawn care service , it is essential to create a well-crafted  marketing plan . Your  marketing plan  should outline your unique value proposition and differentiate your business from competitors. Here are some key steps to consider when creating your marketing plan:

Identify Your Target Customers

First, you need to identify your target customers. This includes understanding their demographics, needs and preferences, and purchasing behaviour. Knowing your target customers will help you tailor your marketing messages and channels to reach them effectively.

Develop Your Branding Strategy

Next, you need to develop your branding strategy. This includes creating a unique brand identity, such as your business name, logo, and color scheme. Your branding should reflect your business values and convey a professional image to attract and retain customers.

Diversify Your Marketing Channels

When it comes to marketing your  lawn care service , it’s important to use a mix of online and offline channels. This may include social media advertising, Google Ads, local print publications, and direct mail. Experiment with different channels to determine which ones work best for your business.

Dont forget to have a section of the business plan that talks about how you will utilise your free Google Maps listing. It is pure gold when it comes to lawn care marketing. 

Emphasize Customer Service

Excellent customer service is essential for building a loyal customer base. Emphasize your commitment to providing exceptional service and communicate this message in all of your marketing materials. Consider offering referral or loyalty programs to incentivize your customers to refer new business to you.

Good old-fashioned service can be an excellent term to use in your business description. People love to work with small business owners who believe in good service. That is something that the lawn care industry seems to be missing these days and it’s a great selling point for your lawn company. 

Monitor Your Results

Finally, it’s important to track and analyze the results of your marketing efforts. Use tools such as Google Analytics to monitor website traffic and conversion rates. Ask new customers how they heard about your business to determine which marketing channels are most effective. Use this information to refine your marketing strategy and optimize your return on investment. If you don’t know what is working, then you don’t know where to spend your money. 

Managing Your Finances

One of the most crucial aspects of starting a  lawn care startup  is managing your finances effectively. Without a solid  financial plan  in place, you risk quickly burning through your available resources and failing to turn your business into a profitable enterprise. Remember, when your business is a sole proprietorship then the buck stops with you. 

Creating a  financial plan  is a critical first step in ensuring the financial stability and growth of your lawn care business. It involves estimating startup costs, projecting future revenue, and outlining a budget that will help keep your expenses in check.

When developing your  financial plan , consider all possible costs associated with your business, such as equipment purchases, marketing expenses, employee salaries, and maintenance costs. By accurately estimating your expenses, you can create a realistic budget, make a profit and avoid overspending.

It’s also essential to continuously track your finances and ensure you’re hitting your revenue and profitability targets. Tracking key financial metrics, such as your operating costs and cash flow, can help you make informed decisions and identify areas for improvement.

Remember, a well-executed financial plan is critical to the success of your lawn care business. Take the time to create a thorough plan and continually monitor your progress to ensure you’re on track to meet your goals.

Building a Strong Team

When starting a lawn care business, building a strong team is crucial for success. With a well-crafted  personnel plan , you can ensure that you have the right people in place to help your business thrive.

It’s important to hire individuals who are passionate about the  lawn service  industry and are willing to work hard to achieve common goals. Look for individuals with relevant experience, a strong work ethic, and a positive attitude.

When building your team, make sure to also prioritize creating a positive work culture. A supportive work environment can lead to increased productivity, employee satisfaction, and even customer loyalty. Empower your team to share ideas, provide feedback, and collaborate on projects.

Overall, building a strong team is an essential component of creating a successful lawn care business. With a solid  personnel plan  in place, you can attract and retain top talent that will help take your business to the next level.

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Ensuring Efficient Operations

One of the key aspects of running a successful lawn care business is maintaining efficient operations. This involves managing equipment and supplies, scheduling and routing jobs, and ensuring quality control in every aspect of the business.

A  maintenance business plan  is crucial to achieving efficient operations. This plan should include detailed procedures for equipment maintenance, including regular servicing and cleaning. It should also outline a system for inventory management, with clear guidelines for ordering and restocking supplies.

Another important element of efficient operations is developing a scheduling and routing system that takes into account factors such as location, job requirements, and seasonality. This can help ensure that every job is completed on time and within budget.

To maintain the quality of services offered, a  lawn maintenance  plan should be implemented. This plan should outline quality control procedures, such as regular inspections and ongoing training for employees. It should also include customer feedback mechanisms to ensure that customer satisfaction is maintained.

Streamlining processes is another way to ensure efficient operations. This can include creating checklists for daily tasks, automating certain processes, and using technology such as GPS tracking to optimize routing and scheduling.

Overall, implementing efficient operations is key to the success of a lawn care business. By following a  maintenance business plan , developing effective scheduling and routing systems, and prioritizing quality control, entrepreneurs in the industry can build a strong reputation and ensure satisfied customers.

Financial Projections and Performance Evaluation

Creating financial projections for a  new lawn care business  is an essential step in creating a comprehensive business plan. These projections help you identify your expected revenue and expenses for the coming years, so you can develop a realistic budget and make informed decisions about your business. In this section, I will guide you through the key components of financial projections and performance evaluation for your lawn care business.

Business Plan Content

When creating financial projections for your business plan, it’s essential to include the following components:

Additionally, it’s crucial to include detailed explanations of your revenue streams, cost of goods sold, operating expenses, and capital expenditures. These details help you analyze your revenue and expenses and make informed decisions about your business.

Creating a Business Plan For Dummies

Everything you need to know to design a profitable business plan

Whether you’re starting a new business or you’ve been trading for a while,  Creating a Business Plan For Dummies  covers everything you need to know.

New Lawn Care Business

When evaluating your lawn care business’s financial performance, it’s essential to consider key financial ratios, such as profitability, liquidity, and solvency ratios. Here are some of the most critical ratios to track:

• Gross profit margin: This ratio shows the percentage of revenue that is left over after deducting the cost of goods sold. It helps you assess your business’s profitability.
• Current ratio: This ratio shows your company’s ability to pay off short-term debts with short-term assets. It helps you evaluate your business’s liquidity.
• Debt-to-equity ratio: This ratio shows the proportion of debt to equity in your company. It helps you assess your business’s solvency and level of financial risk.

By regularly assessing your business’s financial performance, you can make informed decisions about pricing strategy, investment in equipment and personnel, and other aspects of your business that impact your bottom line. Don’t be afraid to make adjustments as needed to ensure your business’s long-term success.

I have found that as a ballpark figure, our own running costs sit at around 40% of turnover so you may want to consider that when writing your business plan cashflow projection. 

Adapting to Market Trends and Innovations

As a  lawn and garden services business  owner, it’s essential to stay up-to-date with market trends and innovations to remain competitive.  Creating a lawn  care business plan can help to allow for flexibility and adaptation to changing industry demands is crucial for success.

One way to adapt to market trends and innovation is by embracing emerging technologies. From robotic mowers to irrigation sensors, new technology is transforming the lawn care industry. Investing in these tools can help boost efficiency, reduce costs, and improve service quality.

I have always said that if someone invented a no-grow lawn, I would be out installing it tomorrow. Dont get stuck in your ways and refuse to move with the times. 

Another trend to keep an eye on is the growing demand for sustainable lawn care practices. As more customers become environmentally conscious, offering sustainable solutions such as organic fertilizers, native plants, and water-saving strategies can differentiate your business from competitors. You could be known as the green lawn care company. 

Expanding your service offerings is also a way to stay relevant in the industry. Adding hardscaping, tree care, or outdoor lighting services to your business can attract new customers and increase revenue streams.

Continuous learning and adapting to changing customer demands are also critical. Attending industry conferences, workshops, and networking events can provide insights into emerging trends, best practices, and new opportunities for growth.

Creating a lawn  care business plan that takes into account industry trends and innovations can position your business for long-term success. By staying ahead of the curve, you can provide exceptional service, attract new customers, and maintain a competitive edge in the market.

In  conclusion , creating a successful lawn care business plan is crucial for anyone starting a lawn care business. It sets the foundation for a well-thought-out and profitable business that can thrive in a competitive industry. By following the comprehensive guide outlined in this article, you’ll be able to navigate the initial steps of starting a lawn care business, developing a business model, creating a business plan, conducting effective market research, crafting an effective marketing strategy, managing your finances, building a strong team, ensuring efficient operations, making financial projections, and adapting to market trends and innovations.

As you embark on your journey to start and grow your lawn care business, remember that it takes hard work, patience, and dedication to succeed. There will be challenges along the way, but with a solid business plan, a strong team, and a commitment to providing exceptional service to your customers, you can achieve your goals and realize your dreams.

So go ahead, create that lawn care business plan, and watch your business bloom!

Thank you for reading this comprehensive guide on creating a successful lawn care business plan.

We hope you found it helpful and informative.

Good luck on your entrepreneurial journey!

Q: What is the importance of having a lawn care business plan?

A: Having a well-thought-out lawn care business plan is crucial for success in the industry. It helps you outline your goals, strategies, and financial projections, providing a roadmap to guide your business decisions.

Q: What initial steps should I take when starting a lawn care business?

A: To  start a lawn care  business, you should begin by conducting market research to understand your target customers and competition. You should also create a unique selling proposition to differentiate yourself in the market. Additionally, make sure to meet all the legal requirements and obtain any necessary licenses for operating your business.

Q: What business models are available for a lawn care business?

A: There are different business models you can consider for a lawn care business, such as a solo operator, partnership, or franchise. Each model has its pros and cons, so it’s important to choose one that aligns with your goals and resources. You should also consider pricing strategies and conduct a competitive analysis to position your business effectively.

Q: How do I create a comprehensive lawn care business plan?

A:  Creating a lawn  care business plan involves several key steps. You should include sections such as an executive summary, company summary, and management plan. Additionally, a marketing plan and financial projections are crucial components of a comprehensive business plan.

Q: Why is market research important for a lawn care business?

A: Market research helps you understand your target markets, customer needs, and preferences. It also allows you to analyze your competitors and identify opportunities for growth and differentiation. By gathering market data, you can make informed business decisions and tailor your services to meet the demands of your customers.

Q: How can I develop an effective marketing strategy for my lawn care business?

A: Crafting an effective marketing strategy involves identifying your target audience, choosing the right marketing channels, and creating a strong brand. You should also focus on customer acquisition strategies and customer retention techniques to build a loyal customer base for your lawn care services.

Q: How should I manage the finances of my lawn care business?

A: Managing your finances involves creating a financial plan, budgeting, estimating startup costs, and forecasting revenue. It’s important to track key financial metrics and conduct profitability analysis to ensure the financial health of your business. You should also seek professional advice when needed and make strategic adjustments to achieve your financial goals.

Q: What is the importance of building a strong team for a lawn care business?

A: Building a skilled and dedicated team is essential for the success of a lawn care business. It allows you to provide quality services and maintain customer satisfaction. Recruiting, hiring, and training employees should be a focus, as well as fostering a positive work culture and providing opportunities for growth and development.

Q: How can I ensure efficient operations for my lawn care business?

A: Efficient operations are crucial for maximizing productivity and customer satisfaction. This involves proper equipment and supply management, effective scheduling and routing, and maintaining quality control. Streamlining processes and providing exceptional customer service are also important factors to consider for efficient operations.

Q: How do I create financial projections and evaluate the performance of my lawn care business?

A: Creating financial projections entails estimating revenue, expenses, and profits over a specific timeframe. It helps you assess the financial viability of your business and make informed decisions. Evaluating performance involves tracking key financial ratios and making adjustments as needed to achieve your business goals.

Q: Why is it important to adapt to market trends and innovations in the lawn care industry?

A: Staying up-to-date with market trends and embracing innovations is essential for the long-term success of a lawn care business. It allows you to offer new services, incorporate emerging technologies, and adopt sustainable practices. Continuous learning and adapting to changing customer demands help you stay ahead of the competition and grow your business .

Get tips & tricks on how to grow a profitable lawn care business delivered to you inbox every week. 

About the author

Stuart Clifford is founder of Lawnmowing101 He has been building and selling lawn care businesses for over thirty years. These days he works with other independent lawn care business owners and helps them maximise returns and grow their businesses though his lawnmowing101 membership. https://www.skool.com/lawnmowing101

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How to Start a Profitable Garden Maintenance Business [11 Steps]

By Nick Cotter Updated Feb 02, 2024

Business Steps:

1. perform market analysis., 2. draft a garden maintenance business plan., 3. develop a garden maintenance brand., 4. formalize your business registration., 5. acquire necessary licenses and permits for garden maintenance., 6. open a business bank account and secure funding as needed., 7. set pricing for garden maintenance services., 8. acquire garden maintenance equipment and supplies., 9. obtain business insurance for garden maintenance, if required., 10. begin marketing your garden maintenance services., 11. expand your garden maintenance business..

Starting a garden maintenance business requires a thorough understanding of the market to ensure your services meet the needs of potential customers. A comprehensive market analysis will help you identify your target audience, understand the competition, and tailor your services accordingly. Here are key points to consider:

• Research the demographics of your potential customer base, including age, income level, and property types in the area you plan to serve.
• Analyze local competition by looking into the services they offer, their pricing structures, and customer reviews to identify gaps in the market you can fill.
• Investigate the most common types of gardens and plants in your area to determine the expertise and tools you will need to provide top-notch service.
• Understand seasonal trends and how they affect garden maintenance needs to plan your services and marketing efforts accordingly.
• Collect data on potential clients' preferred methods of finding and booking garden maintenance services to optimize your advertising and booking process.

Are Garden Maintenance businesses profitable?

Yes, garden maintenance businesses can be highly profitable when managed properly. With the right strategy and a focus on customer service, garden maintenance businesses can generate steady revenues from regular clients and one-time jobs. Additionally, offering additional services such as landscape design, lawn care, and tree removal can help to increase profits.

Embarking on a garden maintenance business requires careful planning and a clear strategy. A well-crafted business plan is essential for setting goals, securing financing, and guiding your business towards success. Consider these key elements when drafting your garden maintenance business plan:

• Executive Summary: Briefly describe your business, the services you'll offer, and your unique selling points.
• Market Analysis: Research your local market, identify your target customers, and analyze your competition.
• Services Offered: List the services you plan to provide, such as lawn care, garden design, or tree trimming.
• Marketing Plan: Outline how you will attract and retain customers, including advertising strategies and promotional tactics.
• Operational Plan: Detail the day-to-day operations, including equipment needed, suppliers, and staffing requirements.
• Financial Plan: Project your startup costs, pricing strategy, revenue projections, and profitability timelines.
• Risk Management: Identify potential risks and how you will mitigate them to protect your business.

How does a Garden Maintenance business make money?

A garden maintenance business makes money by charging clients for services such as lawn mowing, fertilization, pruning, weed control, and other services related to the upkeep of gardens and outdoor areas. The business also profits from the sale of supplies and materials related to garden care.

Launching a successful garden maintenance brand requires careful planning and a strong identity that resonates with your target audience. It's about creating a trustworthy image that reflects the quality of service and expertise you offer. Follow these steps to cultivate your brand:

• Define Your Unique Value Proposition: Determine what sets your garden maintenance service apart from the competition. This could be your eco-friendly approach, specialized services, or exceptional customer care.
• Choose a Memorable Name and Logo: Select a name that is catchy, easy to remember, and reflects your brand's ethos. Design a logo that is visually appealing and representative of your brand's personality.
• Create a Consistent Visual Theme: Use a consistent color scheme and typography across all your marketing materials to establish a recognizable brand aesthetic.
• Build an Online Presence: Develop a professional website and engage with customers on social media platforms where your target audience is most active.
• Focus on Customer Experience: Ensure every interaction with your brand is positive by providing exceptional service and asking for feedback to continually improve.

How to come up with a name for your Garden Maintenance business?

Brainstorming is the best way to come up with a name for your Garden Maintenance business. Think of words that are relevant to your business, such as garden, lawn, care, and maintenance. Consider the area you are based in, the nature of your services, and the tone you wish to set. Play around with words until you come up with a unique name that reflects your business and its purpose.

Formalizing your business registration is a crucial step in legitimizing your garden maintenance business. It ensures that your operations are legal and that you're able to take advantage of business services, protections, and tax benefits. Here's how to navigate the registration process:

• Choose a business structure that best suits your needs, such as a sole proprietorship, partnership, limited liability company (LLC), or corporation, and file the necessary paperwork with your state's Secretary of State office or business agency.
• Obtain an Employer Identification Number (EIN) from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) if your business structure requires it. This will be necessary for tax purposes and when opening a business bank account.
• Register your business name through a 'Doing Business As' (DBA) registration if your trade name is different from your registered business name.
• Apply for any required local business licenses or permits, which may vary depending on your location and the services you offer.
• Contact your county or city to inquire about specific garden maintenance business regulations, including any environmental or waste disposal rules you must follow.
• Consider professional and general liability insurance to protect your business from potential legal claims and accidents.

Resources to help get you started:

Explore critical resources designed specifically for garden maintenance entrepreneurs, featuring market insights, operational best practices, and strategies for business expansion:

• Garden & Landscape Design Association Newsletters: Offers updates and trends within the gardening industry. http://www.glda.ie
• Horticulture Week: Provides comprehensive coverage on the horticulture industry, including garden maintenance. https://www.hortweek.com
• Landscape Management Magazine: A resource for landscaping professionals seeking to enhance operations and market growth. http://www.landscapemanagement.net
• Green Industry Pros: Delivers strategic advice, trend analysis, and tools for business growth in the landscaping sector. https://www.greenindustrypros.com
• National Association of Landscape Professionals (NALP): Offers professional development, certifications, and industry reports. https://www.landscapeprofessionals.org

Before you can put your green thumb to work professionally, it's vital to ensure that your garden maintenance business is fully compliant with local laws and regulations. This includes acquiring the necessary licenses and permits which may vary depending on your location and the services you offer. Below is a list of steps to guide you through this process:

• Research Local Requirements: Contact your city or county government office to learn about specific licenses and permits required for garden maintenance businesses in your area.
• Business License: Apply for a general business license, which is the primary permit that allows you to operate your business legally.
• Specialized Permits: Depending on the services you offer, you may need specialized permits, such as those for applying pesticides or handling fertilizers.
• Zoning and Land Use Permits: Ensure that your business complies with local zoning laws, especially if you store equipment or operate a nursery.
• Insurance: Obtain liability insurance to protect your business and check if your state requires you to have workers’ compensation insurance.
• Keep Records: Maintain a file with copies of all your licenses and permits, and keep track of renewal dates to remain compliant.

What licenses and permits are needed to run a garden maintenance business?

Licensing and permitting requirements for a garden maintenance business will vary depending on the location. In the United States, businesses must typically register with the local government or obtain a business license. Depending on the type of services offered, other licenses or permits may also be necessary, such as pesticide applicator certification or an irrigation certification. Businesses may also need to obtain any applicable licenses or permits from the state in which they operate.

Starting a garden maintenance business requires financial organization and the ability to manage expenses and income effectively. Opening a business bank account and securing funding are crucial steps that will help you track your business transactions and maintain a professional image. Here's how to approach these tasks:

• Research Banks: Look for a bank that offers business accounts with low fees, online banking capabilities, and good customer service. Compare different banks to find the best fit for your business needs.
• Business Account Documentation: Gather necessary documents such as your business license, EIN (Employer Identification Number), and personal identification to open a business bank account.
• Separate Finances: Keep your personal and business finances separate to simplify tax filing and improve financial clarity.
• Understand Funding Options: Determine how much startup capital you need and consider options like personal savings, small business loans, grants, or investors.
• Prepare a Business Plan: A solid business plan can increase your chances of securing funding by demonstrating the viability and financial projections of your garden maintenance business.
• Apply for Funding: Once you've identified the right funding sources, prepare and submit your applications with all the required documentation and information.

Setting the right prices for your garden maintenance services is crucial for attracting customers while ensuring your business remains profitable. It's important to consider the cost of your time, materials, and overhead to determine a fair and competitive rate. Here are some guidelines to help you establish your pricing:

• Analyze the competition: Research what local garden maintenance businesses are charging to understand the going rates in your area.
• Cost-plus pricing: Calculate your total costs (labor, materials, transportation, etc.) and add a markup percentage to ensure a profit.
• Value-based pricing: Price services based on the value perceived by the customer, which may allow for higher rates for specialized or premium services.
• Hourly versus project rates: Determine whether you will charge by the hour or by the project, considering the pros and cons of each approach.
• Seasonal pricing: Consider adjusting prices for peak and off-peak seasons to manage demand and maximize earnings.
• Discounts and packages: Offer service packages or discounts for regular customers to encourage repeat business and client loyalty.
• Clear communication: Ensure your pricing structure is transparent and communicated clearly to avoid misunderstandings with clients.

What does it cost to start a Garden Maintenance business?

Initiating a garden maintenance business can involve substantial financial commitment, the scale of which is significantly influenced by factors such as geographical location, market dynamics, and operational expenses, among others. Nonetheless, our extensive research and hands-on experience have revealed an estimated starting cost of approximately $46500 for launching such an business. Please note, not all of these costs may be necessary to start up your garden maintenance business.

Starting a garden maintenance business requires not just skill but also the right set of tools and supplies. Here is a list of essential equipment and supplies you'll need to ensure that you can provide a wide range of services and maintain gardens effectively:

• Lawnmower: Choose a reliable model that suits the size of lawns you'll be working on.
• String Trimmer: Ideal for edging and trimming hard-to-reach areas.
• Hedge Trimmer: Necessary for shaping and maintaining hedges and bushes.
• Pruners and Shears: For precision work on plants and small branches.
• Leaf Blower: Saves time on clearing leaves and debris from garden areas.
• Rakes and Shovels: Basic tools for soil preparation and debris removal.
• Gloves and Safety Gear: Protect yourself with gloves, goggles, and ear protection.
• Fertilizers and Pesticides: Choose eco-friendly options to promote healthy plant growth.
• Garden Hose with Attachments: A must-have for watering and cleaning tasks.
• Wheelbarrow: For transporting soil, mulch, and other heavy materials.
• Vehicle or Trailer: To transport your equipment and supplies to client sites.

List of Software, Tools and Supplies Needed to Start a Garden Maintenance Business:

• Gardening tools (spade, shears, rakes, etc.)
• Irrigation system
• Soil testing kits
• Pesticides and fertilizers
• Gardening gloves
• Protective clothing
• A truck or trailer for transporting tools and supplies
• Computer and software for generating invoices and estimates
• Business cards and website

When starting a garden maintenance business, it's crucial to protect your operations, employees, and clients by obtaining the right insurance. Insurance can provide peace of mind and financial security in case of accidents, damage to property, or legal issues. Here are the steps you should take to ensure you're adequately covered:

• Research the types of insurance typically required for garden maintenance businesses, such as general liability insurance, commercial auto insurance, and workers' compensation.
• Contact multiple insurance agents or brokers to compare quotes and coverage options. Be transparent about the nature of your business and the risks involved.
• Consider specialized coverages that might be relevant to your business, like equipment insurance for your tools or professional liability insurance if you provide design services.
• Review the insurance requirements in your area, as some localities might have specific mandates for businesses operating in the garden maintenance industry.
• Once you choose a policy, keep your documents accessible and review your coverage annually or whenever there are significant changes to your business operations.
• Maintain open communication with your insurance provider to promptly update your policy based on the growth or diversification of your services.

Successfully launching your garden maintenance business hinges on effective marketing to attract clients and grow your customer base. Here's a strategy to get your name out there and start building your reputation as a reliable, high-quality service provider.

• Develop a Brand Identity: Create a memorable logo and consistent branding for your business cards, flyers, and online presence to establish professionalism and brand recognition.
• Build a Website: In today's digital age, a user-friendly website showcasing your services, before and after photos, and customer testimonials is essential for credibility and attracting clients.
• Utilize Social Media: Platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter can be powerful tools for connecting with your community, sharing your work, and offering seasonal promotions.
• Network Locally: Join local business groups, attend community events, and consider partnerships with related businesses like nurseries or hardware stores to expand your reach.
• Offer Promotions: Encourage word-of-mouth referrals by offering discounts or additional services to clients who refer new customers to your business.
• Leverage Local Advertising: Invest in local ads, whether it's in community newsletters, local radio, or targeted online ads to increase visibility in your service area.

Once your garden maintenance business is established, it's time to think about expansion. Growing your client base and services can help secure your company's future and increase profitability. Here are a few key steps to consider as you aim to expand your garden maintenance business:

• Increase marketing efforts by utilizing social media, local advertising, and partnerships with related businesses to reach new potential clients.
• Introduce additional services such as landscaping design, hardscaping, or specialized organic gardening to cater to a broader audience.
• Invest in your team by hiring additional skilled workers and providing training to ensure high-quality service as your business grows.
• Upgrade equipment and technology to improve efficiency and the ability to take on larger or more complex projects.
• Seek feedback from existing clients to understand their needs and introduce a referral program to encourage them to spread the word.
• Consider geographical expansion into neighboring areas where demand for garden maintenance services is high but underserved.
• Develop a scalable business model with standard operating procedures to ensure quality remains consistent as your business grows.

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What is Plant Maintenance? A Guide to Optimizing Operations

• August 5, 2024

For years, I’ve seen companies struggle to understand this basic thing we call “plant maintenance.” What is plant maintenance? Why is it important? I’ve found it often gets boiled down to simply reacting when something breaks, which is a recipe for disaster. Trust me, I’ve been there – watching production grind to a halt because we didn’t invest in the systems that keep things running. Let’s break down this critical concept.

What is Plant Maintenance? More Than Just Fixing Stuff.

Many think “maintenance” equals reactive repairs. While that’s part of it, real plant maintenance is much more proactive. It’s a whole mindset, aiming to minimize breakdowns before they happen and extend the life of your valuable equipment. This involves a combination of regular inspections, routine maintenance , strategic repairs, and the implementation of a comprehensive maintenance plan.

Types of Plant Maintenance

This is where things get interesting. There are several distinct approaches, each with its own strengths:

1. Reactive Maintenance: Okay, we have to talk about the “fix it when it breaks” approach, but I’ll be brief. Reactive maintenance means waiting until something fails completely. Yeah, it’s usually the cheapest in the short term (no spending until something breaks). However, in the long run, unplanned downtime, emergency repairs, and potential safety issues make this the most expensive approach overall. Use this only as a last resort.

2. Preventive Maintenance: Now we’re talking. Preventive maintenance (PM) is like getting your car’s regular oil change. You perform scheduled inspections and maintenance tasks based on time (every X months) or usage (every Y operating hours). This reduces the likelihood of unexpected breakdowns. By adhering to a preventive maintenance schedule, you can address minor issues before they escalate into major problems, minimizing downtime and ensuring smooth plant operations.

3. Predictive Maintenance: Think of this as next-level PM. With predictive maintenance , we’re not just going by a fixed schedule. Instead, we use sensors and data analysis to predict when equipment might fail, often utilizing predictive analytics and condition monitoring. This allows for incredibly precise interventions, maximizing uptime and optimizing maintenance activities.

4. Condition-Based Maintenance: This approach goes hand-in-hand with predictive maintenance. We monitor equipment conditions in real time and act ONLY when specific parameters (vibration, temperature, etc.) start trending toward failure. Imagine your car notifying you that your brakes need changing before they become dangerous. Condition-based maintenance allows you to address potential equipment failures before they lead to costly downtime.

5. Corrective Maintenance

Imagine a machine or system suddenly stops working or doesn’t perform as it should. In this situation, instead of following a regular maintenance schedule, you need to fix the problem as soon as it occurs.

The process starts with diagnosing the issue—figuring out what’s broken or malfunctioning. Once the problem is identified, you repair or replace the faulty parts. After making the necessary fixes, you test the equipment to ensure it’s functioning properly again.

The aim is to get everything back to normal quickly, reducing downtime and preventing further issues. This approach focuses on responding to problems after they happen rather than preventing them with scheduled maintenance .

Why is Plant Maintenance So Important?

Look, I wouldn’t dedicate my career to something if it wasn’t vital to success. Here’s why this isn’t just a department, it’s a competitive edge:

1. Increased Uptime and Production: This is HUGE. A well-maintained facility with a solid maintenance strategy experiences far fewer production stops, resulting in reduced equipment downtime. Think about it – less downtime directly translates to more output and, ultimately, higher revenue. Who doesn’t want that?

2. Cost Savings (Long-Term Vision Required): Yes, effective plant maintenance requires an upfront investment in areas such as spare parts inventory and maintenance software. But believe me, proactively addressing issues is way cheaper than dealing with major breakdowns and emergency repairs down the line. Minimizing maintenance costs while extending the lifespan of your assets is a key benefit of a well-executed maintenance program.

3. Enhanced Safety: Never, ever underestimate the importance of a safe work environment. Regular inspections and proactive maintenance , often driven by work orders generated from a computerized maintenance management system (CMMS) , prevent equipment-related accidents, keeping your workforce safe and productive. A safe workplace is a happy and productive one.

4. Improved Equipment Lifespan: Your equipment represents a serious capital investment. By taking good care of it through regular maintenance, you’re not only preventing failures, you’re actively extending its lifespan. This reduces the need for premature replacements, leading to substantial cost savings over the long term.

5. Enhanced Quality:  A poorly maintained machine simply cannot consistently produce high-quality goods or services. When your equipment operates smoothly, so too does your production process. That means less waste, fewer defects, and a consistently high standard of output. Maintaining optimal equipment performance is crucial for meeting quality standards and customer expectations.

So, we’ve answered the core question: what is plant maintenance? It’s the lifeblood of any manufacturing facility, processing plant, or industrial setting. It involves a comprehensive maintenance process that focuses on maximizing efficiency, safety, and, ultimately, your bottom line.

Effective plant maintenance strategies are crucial for keeping everything running smoothly. This includes preventive plant maintenance, which involves regular, scheduled upkeep to avoid unexpected failures. Predictive plant maintenance takes things a step further by using data and analytics to predict potential issues before they occur.

On the other hand, corrective maintenance comes into play when something breaks down or malfunctions, requiring immediate action to restore normal operation. Emergency maintenance is reserved for urgent issues that need rapid attention to prevent severe disruptions.

Overall, integrating these maintenance strategies helps minimize costs and maximize equipment performance, ensuring your entire operation remains efficient and effective.

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The Full Guide to Maintenance Scheduling

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Let's show you how WorkTrek can help you optimize your maintenance operation.

Do you feel like you’re constantly putting out fires, with one machine breakdown after another?

You’re not alone.

Many maintenance managers are stuck in reactive mode, dealing with unexpected maintenance issues that can destroy the day’s plans.

But what if you could get ahead of the chaos and prevent costly breakdowns before they happen?

You can—when you start scheduling your maintenance.

Instead of waiting for something to break, you set a timetable for regular check-ups, repairs, and maintenance.

Today, we will show you why this is your best defense against downtime, how to make it work, and which tools make your maintenance schedule organized and effective.

Let’s jump in.

Table of Contents

Maintenance Scheduling Explained

While  maintenance planning  involves deciding what needs to be done, scheduling ensures those tasks get done.

It’s about implementing a maintenance plan and ensuring the right people do your equipment inspections,  preventive maintenance , and corrective repairs on time.

As such, maintenance scheduling answers two key questions:

• Who  will perform the tasks?
• When  will they do it?

Getting these answers right keeps your machines in top condition, prevents unexpected breakdowns, and extends your equipment’s life.

A good schedule also maximizes the use of your resources—especially labor.

It reduces the chances of workers waiting around for tasks or being double-booked, leading to wasted time and reduced productivity.

Now—who should handle maintenance scheduling?

Big plants and facilities with more complex needs often have a dedicated scheduler.

This person’s job is to ensure that maintenance tasks are scheduled efficiently, considering the availability of resources, their effect on operations, and the importance of each task.

In smaller operations, this role might be handled by a maintenance supervisor or the maintenance planner (although that’s not ideal as planners should focus on planning future tasks).

Source:  WorkTrek

Regardless of who’s responsible, they must have hands-on experience with maintenance work.

They need to know how to prioritize tasks, estimate how long each job will take, and understand what skills are needed.

This is the only way to ensure the schedule is realistic and that the right people are assigned to the right tasks.

To keep everything running smoothly, it’s also important for the scheduler to work closely with the technicians.

They do the work, and their insights can help fine-tune the schedule.

Why Should You Schedule Maintenance

You might think that scheduling maintenance is just about putting some tasks on a calendar.

But in reality, maintenance scheduling is one of the most crucial things you can do to keep your plant or facility running smoothly.

Let’s break down why it’s so important.

Less Downtime

Have you ever been in the middle of a production run, and suddenly, a key piece of equipment broke down?

It’s unexpected, inconvenient, and expensive.

This is what happens when maintenance isn’t properly  planned and scheduled .

But regular maintenance scheduling helps keep your equipment in top shape.

The healthier your equipment is, the fewer surprise breakdowns you have to deal with, which means less unplanned downtime.

Let’s look at what happens when you don’t schedule maintenance.

One Reddit user  sums it up  perfectly:

“If you do not schedule maintenance on your machine, your machine will schedule it for you… Penny wise, pound foolish is a great expression.”

In other words, if you’re not proactive about scheduling maintenance, your equipment will eventually force your hand—usually at the worst possible time.

When that happens, the costs can skyrocket.

Research by Senseye and Siemens  shows that for large manufacturers across many industrial sectors, the cost of unplanned downtime can easily exceed $100,000 per hour and reach millions.

Illustration:  WorkTrek  / Data:  Siemens

Alexander Hill, Global Head of Business Development at  Senseye ,  puts this into perspective:

“Unplanned downtime is the curse of the industrial sector. When expensive production lines and machinery fall silent, organizations stop earning, and those investments start costing rather than making money.”

Unplanned downtime is not just an immediate financial hit, and it puts your entire production schedule at risk.

In 2022,  a survey by Plant Services and Augury  found that 36% of corporate respondents and 44% of frontline workers rank unexpected machine downtime as the biggest risk to meeting production targets.

Illustration:  WorkTrek  / Data:  Plant Services

When equipment fails unexpectedly, it can mean the difference between hitting your production goals or falling short.

So schedule regular maintenance to keep equipment in good condition and prevent this.

When you think about safety in your facility, what comes to mind?

Probably things like protective gear, safety protocols, and training programs.

Have you considered how much a well-planned maintenance schedule contributes to safety?

When equipment is regularly maintained, it’s less likely to malfunction and put your workers at risk.

On the flip side, if you don’t plan and schedule maintenance, you’re forced into  a reactive mode .

And that’s where things get dangerous.

Chris Allmond, Head of Engineering Consultancy Services at  RS Integrated Supply , and an asset management expert,  agrees:

“Reactive maintenance is the lowest level. (…) It is also very unsafe because people are often working under pressure from operations managers to get things up and running again, so they don’t step back and evaluate the inherent risks in conducting the activity. They just dive in, and that’s when people can get hurt.”

And when accidents happen, they’re often serious.

The headlines are filled with reports from OSHA about injuries and fatalities in plants and facilities, many of which are due to poorly maintained equipment that breaks down or technicians rushing under pressure to get machines back to work.

Source:  Google

This widespread issue affects all sectors, from manufacturing to aviation.

One of the most tragic examples of this happened in 1979 with  the crash of American Airlines Flight 191. 

The disaster, which claimed the lives of all 271 passengers and crew on board, as well as two people on the ground, was directly linked to a maintenance decision made in haste.

In an attempt to save time, American Airlines’ maintenance engineers removed the engine and pylon from the wing of a McDonnell Douglas DC-10 as a single unit, contradicting the manufacturer’s guidance that each component should be removed separately.

This shortcut led to catastrophic consequences.

The lesson here is clear: skipping or rushing maintenance is risky—even deadly.

However, when you schedule regular maintenance, you protect your equipment and everyone in your facility.

Scheduling maintenance is really just taking proactive steps to prevent accidents before they happen, rather than reacting to them after the fact.

Saved Money

Safety can also protect your bottom line.

When you prevent accidents, you also avoid hefty safety fines.

This is just one way how scheduling maintenance can save you money, but the savings don’t stop here.

Unplanned downtime and emergency repairs are some of the biggest hidden costs in any operation.

These emergency fixes typically cost much more than regular, planned maintenance.

Frank Briganti, Director of Program Execution at  CACI ,  has seen this firsthand:

“The cost of emergency repairs is usually 2-3 times larger than the cost of properly maintaining equipment. Equipment never seems to fail at the beginning of the month; it waits until you are behind schedule or have a big financial commitment to deal with.”

By scheduling maintenance, you can plan your labor resources more effectively and address minor issues before they become big problems.

This reduces the need for emergency repairs and the associated overtime costs, keeping your budget under control.

You also save money on energy.

Properly calibrated and lubricated machinery operates more efficiently, consuming less energy and resources.

This means lower operational costs, improved energy efficiency, and even a smaller environmental footprint.

All these translate into significant cost savings over time.

But if that’s not the case, the story is completely different.

What to Be Aware of When Scheduling Maintenance

Scheduling maintenance is more than just picking a date on the calendar.

Several potential pitfalls can throw your plans off course, and many companies struggle with these issues.

In fact,  a 2021 report by Plan Engineering  found that 20% of companies cite poor scheduling—rarely followed through—as a key challenge in improving facility maintenance.

Illustration:  WorkTrek  / Data:  Plant Engineering

This happens because of  maintenance, repair, and operations (MRO) inventory.

Managing that is one of the biggest challenges in maintenance scheduling.

It includes everything from machine oil and lubricants to spare parts like motors and gears, and safety equipment such as masks, earplugs, and hard hats.

If you’re not closely monitoring your inventory, you might schedule maintenance only to discover that you’re missing a critical part, material, or a piece of protective equipment.

For instance, if you schedule maintenance for a production line but realize the needed robotic arm isn’t in stock, you’re looking at costly downtime.

As one industrial maintenance technician on Reddit  put it:

“Part is $2000 and takes 8 weeks. That downtime would cost like a half million dollars.”

Stockpiling MRO inventory might seem like a solution, but it comes with its risks.

Buying and storing excess inventory ties up capital that could be better used elsewhere in your business.

Additionally, some items may become obsolete if they sit on the shelf for too long.

So, it’s all about finding that balance—ensuring you have what you need without overstocking.

Poor coordination and communication can also be a problem in scheduling maintenance.

If maintenance isn’t properly communicated and coordinated, you could end up with situations where a technician is assigned multiple tasks simultaneously or in different locations, with no realistic way to complete them all.

This can lead to:

• Rushed jobs,
• Missed deadlines,
• Poor maintenance outcomes.

Communication between the maintenance team and other departments, like  production  and procurement, can be challenging.

But doing it right is crucial for maintenance scheduling, as it ensures you have the necessary parts and can align maintenance schedules with production needs.

One way to align different departments with maintenance is through regular meetings.

That’s what they do at  Simmons Foods , as Tim Newman, their Maintenance Manager,  explains:

Illustration:  WorkTrek  / Quote:  Reliable Plant

Finally, it’s essential to have accurate records of all maintenance activities.

Without them, you risk scheduling maintenance too late or missing it which can, again, cause equipment failures and unplanned downtime.

Good record-keeping helps track past repairs, forecast future needs, and comply with regulations.

However, manually managing all this information can be overwhelming, which brings us to the benefits of using digital tools for scheduling maintenance.

Improving Maintenance Scheduling with CMMS

When it comes to boosting your maintenance scheduling process, a computerized maintenance management system  (CMMS)  can really make a difference.

This type of software takes a lot of the manual work off your plate.

It automates scheduling, keeps track of what’s been done, and provides fresh data to help you stay on top of maintenance tasks.

Take our  WorkTrek , for example.

Its work order management features make it easy to assign and monitor maintenance tasks, ensuring they’re completed on time.

WorkTrek’s easy-to-use calendar interface lets you view and schedule activities by specific dates, days of the week, or set time intervals.

This makes organizing even the most complex maintenance schedules straightforward.

Our CMMS also lets you prioritize tasks based on factors like equipment criticality, safety concerns, or operational impact.

This way, your technicians always work on what’s most important, which helps reduce the risk of unexpected breakdowns or safety issues.

Handling recurring maintenance tasks—like inspections, lubrication, or filter replacements—is a breeze with WorkTrek, too.

With just a few clicks, you can set up recurring schedules so these routine tasks never get overlooked.

Plus, having access to all previous maintenance data makes it easier to determine when specific equipment needs checking again and what personal protective equipment (PPE) or procedures are required.

This historical data is crucial for accurate scheduling.

By reviewing past work orders, you can see how long similar tasks took and use that information to create more realistic schedules.

Your technicians can also add notes if something didn’t go as planned or if a task took longer than expected.

This feedback lets you adjust future schedules to be even more accurate.

Overall, this level of visibility and control over maintenance is why people like Damir Fabijanković, Service Manager at METUS,  choose WorkTrek:

“WorkTrek application helped us greatly in better visibility, control, and organization of work. With the WorkTrek mobile application, our technicians have a clearer division of work tasks, which improves their efficiency.”

In short, a good CMMS will automate maintenance scheduling and make it more precise and reliable.

After planning, maintenance scheduling is the next logical step.

When done right, it helps you avoid downtime, save money, and keep your facility safe.

To get the most out of your scheduling, make sure your maintenance scheduler stays on top of inventory, communicates with technicians and other departments, and uses past maintenance data to create accurate schedules.

And don’t forget—providing your scheduler with the right tool will make the whole process smoother and more efficient.

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Trump Media stock is plummeting. These shareholders don't care

Shares have fallen more than 40% over the past month.

Trump Media & Technology Group's stock dropped more than 11% this week, suffering from sour sentiment after a weak earnings report and the return of former President Donald Trump to rival social media platform X.

The company’s woes stretch back to the middle of last month. Since then, the stock for the Truth Social parent company has plummeted by about 43%. Yet as the stock continues to slide, some of its investors remain unfazed, telling ABC News they are optimistic about the company's financial outlook, or intend to stand by it as an expression of their support for Trump.

Todd Schlanger, an interior designer from West Palm Beach, told ABC News that he purchased shares in Trump Media because he supports Trump's politics and believes in his businesses.

"I'm a Republican, so I supported him. When I found out about the stock, I got involved because I support the company and believe in free speech," said Schlanger, who said he owns approximately a thousand shares of the company.

MORE: Harris unveils economic plans on inflation, housing. Here's what economists think

A frequent user of the social media platform, Schlanger boasted about the user interface – "It's like a combination of X and Facebook" – and said he looked forward to the expansion of the company's streaming services.

"I think it's going to be as strong as Facebook or Twitter," said Schlanger.

Other investors said they primarily saw Truth Social as a way to support the former president.

"I did it more as a statement to President Trump and to show support at the time. I wasn't really looking to make a lot of money," said Teri Lynn Roberson, who bought five shares of the company as the company neared its peak stock price after going public in March.

Roberson said she was unconcerned about the stock's poor performance or the impact of Trump's potential return to rival X, the latter of which she said could benefit Trump's presidential campaign by expanding his audience of supporters beyond the "echo chamber" of Truth Social.

"I'm way at a loss, but I am OK with that. I am just watching it for fun," Roberson said.

Truth Social's stock performance holds significant financial implications for the former president, who owns a 65% stake in the company. Truth Social shares make up a large portion of Trump's overall net worth, according to Fortune .

Truth Social did not immediately respond to ABC News' request for comment.

Truth Social's recent losses

An earnings report released last Friday showed, Truth Social had lost more than $16 million over a three-month period ending in June. The company brought in revenue of about $836,000, down 30% from $1.2 million a year earlier, the earnings report showed.

In a statement released following the earnings report, Truth Social CEO Devin Nunes applauded the company's balance sheet, including $344 million in cash and no debt.

"From the beginning, it was our intention to make Truth Social an impenetrable beachhead of free speech, and by taking extraordinary steps to minimize our reliance on Big Tech, that is exactly what we are doing," Nunes said.

Investors, however, reacted poorly to the quarterly report when trading opened on Monday, and the stock price continued to drop when Trump then posted on rival X for the first time in roughly a year. It marked just his second post on the platform since January 2021, when the company suspended Trump in the aftermath of the Jan. 6 attack on the Capitol "due to the risk of further incitement to violence."

After tech billionaire Elon Musk purchased what was then known as Twitter in Oct. 2022, he lifted the ban the following month. On Monday, Musk spoke with Trump in an interview that was broadcast on the platform.

While the former president is bound by an exclusivity agreement with Trump Media & Technology Group to post personal content first to Truth Social, Trump can make "politically-related" posts on other social media sites, according to the agreement. Other than a series of political posts on Monday, Trump has refrained from using social media sites beyond Truth Social.

Michael Rogers, who owns a masonry company in Asheville, North Carolina, said he first bought shares of Truth Social in 2022, before the company went public. Since then, Rogers has acquired more than 10,000 shares, he said.

Rogers, who said he plans to vote for Trump in November, bought the shares as both an expression of political support and as a sign of confidence in the company's financial outlook, he said. "It's a 50-50 balance of the reasons I started investing in Truth Social," Rogers told ABC News.

Trump's return to X this week did not bother Rogers, since the platform allows Trump to reach a larger audience, Rogers said. The weak earnings report last Friday did concern him, however.

"The revenue just isn't there," Rogers said. "That's something the company has to work on."

Despite the stock's recent struggles, Rogers said he retains confidence in the business.

"I'm in it for the long haul," Rogers said.

Analyst outlook

Analysts described the performance of Truth Social as the characteristic fluctuation of a so-called "meme stock." The term – made famous by pandemic-era examples such as GameStop and AMC – indicates a company that largely appeals to investors on the basis of ideology, rather than financial outlook.

Truth Social's value climbed about 30% in the immediate aftermath of an assassination attempt against Trump in July, reaching a price of $40 a share. That figure marked the highest level for the stock in more than a month, but shares still stood well below a peak of about $66.

The share price now stands at about $23, amounting to a drop of nearly two-thirds from its peak.

Tyler Richey, an analyst at Sevens Report Research, said the decline of the stock price in recent weeks has coincided with the emergence of Vice President Kamala Harris as the Democratic presidential nominee. A surge for Harris in voter surveys has damaged perception of Trump's election prospects, Richey told ABC News.

"The stock has ebbed and flowed with sentiment toward former president Trump," Richey said. "It doesn't help that Trump was pretty much exclusively using Truth Social and decided to join Elon Musk with X."

Jay Ritter, a professor of finance at the University of Florida, said Truth Social's poor financial performance leaves it vulnerable to negative news and darkens its long-term outlook.

"For a long time, I've been saying that the stock will be volatile but that the long-run trend will be down," Ritter said.

"What's lacking for the true believer in the company story is, 'OK, where is the business strategy that will be generating revenue?'" Ritter added, noting by contrast that it makes sense for die-hard Trump supporters to back the stock.

"I don't think it's irrational for people to do that," Ritter said. "On the other hand, I generally don't go out of my way to further line the pockets of billionaires."

MORE: Trump draws fire for remarks about Medal of Honor recipients

Trump supporters rushing to purchase shares in Truth Social provided other investors an opportunity to cash in on the company's tumultuous stock price. With anticipation building ahead of Trump Media & Technology Group's merger in March with Digital World Acquisition Corporation, Mitchell Standley exercised a few call options – contracts that allow an investor to buy a stock at a predetermined price – to make a 1,500% return on his investment.

"It was basically just a pump and dump," Standley told ABC News. "I knew that once they merged, all of his supporters were going to dump a bunch of money into it and buy it up."

Since March, Standley has avoided the company, he said, attributing its volatile stock performance to a lack of business fundamentals.

"I made my money and am staying away from it," Standley said.

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New parents could get $6,000 for the first year of their child's life and a restored child tax credit under Kamala Harris' economic plan

• Vice President Kamala Harris released economic proposals ahead of a North Carolina campaign speech.
• They include a $6,000 credit for new parents in their child's first year.
• She also proposed restoring the child tax credit, which has faced GOP opposition in Congress.

Vice President Kamala Harris has a new plan to cut taxes for parents and working families.

Ahead of Harris' speech in North Carolina on Friday, her campaign released details of her economic policy platform going into the election. The proposals are aimed at lowering housing and renting costs, helping states cancel medical debt , implementing a federal ban on price gouging , and cutting taxes for Americans.

They include restoring the enhanced child tax credit — which was hiked to $3,600 per child under the American Rescue Plan in 2021 — and instituting a new credit for young families.

Per Harris-Walz campaign officials, Harris' proposal includes a $6,000 credit for middle- and lower-income families with children in their first year of life; a fact sheet says this period may be costly for families who have to forfeit pay to take time off to care for newborns.

As a campaign official noted, Harris has also expressed support for paid leave in campaign remarks . The US is the sole country in the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development with no paid leave.

The fact sheet said Harris and her vice-presidential pick, Tim Walz, "fulfill their commitment to fiscal responsibility, including by asking the wealthiest Americans and largest corporations to pay their fair share—steps that will allow us to make necessary investments in the middle class, while also reducing the deficit and strengthening our fiscal health."

Related stories

The campaign is also proposing a slew of tax cuts for working-class Americans. One measure would enhance the earned-income tax credit for child-free adults, which the campaign says could cut their taxes by up to $1,500. Another proposal says it would shave $700 off health-insurance premiums for Americans using the Affordable Care Act marketplace.

The Harris-Walz campaign is signaling its economic priorities in the newly reinvigorated race. Other policy frameworks include a plan to ban price gouging on groceries and offer $25,000 in down-payment support for first-time homebuyers .

These tax proposals would require congressional approval, setting the stage for a tax fight with Republican lawmakers should Harris win the election. President Joe Biden has also called for a restoration of the child tax credit, but it stalled in Congress following GOP opposition to related legislation.

Harris and former President Donald Trump are set to debate in September, and they're likely to clash over economic issues. In recent media appearances and on social media, Trump has accused Harris of causing inflation and said she copied his call to eliminate taxes on tips. Harris is likely to continue to build on Biden's key economic policies, and her latest proposals indicate she'll champion lowering costs for Americans.

Would an enhanced child tax credit substantially change your finances? Contact these reporters at [email protected] and [email protected] .

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Statement from Vice President Kamala   Harris on Lower Prescription Drug   Prices

Every American should be able to access the health care they need no matter their income or wealth. That is why President Biden and I fought to lower the costs of health care with our Inflation Reduction Act, transformational legislation that I was proud to cast the tie-breaking vote on in the Senate. During the two years since President Biden signed this landmark bill into law, we have cut prescription drug costs, capped the cost of insulin at $35 a month, and lowered premiums for seniors and people with disabilities on Medicare – helping millions of families get the care they deserve. Today, we are building on our work to lower costs and increase access to affordable prescription drugs by announcing that the Biden-Harris Administration has reached agreements with all participating manufacturers to lower prices for the first 10 drugs selected for the Medicare price negotiation program – from those that treat cancer to those that treat diabetes, heart disease, and blood clots. Thanks to our historic work to allow Medicare to negotiate lower drug prices, millions of Americans who rely on these drugs will save on their out-of-pocket costs. While people enrolled in Medicare are expected to save $1.5 billion in 2026 alone, American taxpayers will also save an estimated $6 billion. Today’s announcement will be lifechanging for so many of our loved ones across the nation, and we are not stopping here. Additional prescription drugs will be selected each year as part of our Medicare drug price negotiation program. This includes up to 15 additional drugs covered under Medicare Part D for negotiation in 2025, up to an additional 15 Part B and Part D drugs in 2026, and up to 20 drugs every year after that. From my time as Attorney General of California and a U.S. Senator, I have consistently worked to lower the costs of prescription drugs and fought to protect patients. As Attorney General, I held Big Pharma accountable for their deceptive and illegal practices. The record-breaking settlements that I won – for the people – amounted to more than $7 billion against pharmaceutical companies for their unsafe and unfair tactics. President Biden and I will never stop fighting for the health, wellbeing, and financial stability of the American people.

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