operationmaintenance

Operation maintenance, often abbreviated as O&M, refers to the ongoing activities required to operate and maintain a facility, system, or asset so that it delivers its intended performance. O&M encompasses the daily operation of equipment and the preventive and corrective maintenance actions that keep it functioning safely and reliably. It is a distinct phase in asset lifecycles, following commissioning and preceding decommissioning.

Key activities include running the process or service, routine inspections, preventive maintenance, repair work, and condition-based monitoring. Maintenance strategies range from reactive repairs to preventive, predictive, and proactive maintenance, guided by data on component failure modes, reliability, and criticality.

Asset management and lifecycle considerations are central to O&M. Organizations aim to minimize downtime, extend asset life, and control lifecycle costs. Tools such as Computerized Maintenance Management Systems (CMMS) or Enterprise Asset Management (EAM) systems support scheduling, work orders, spare parts management, and performance tracking. Data analysis and remote monitoring increasingly inform maintenance decisions and enable condition-based planning.

O&M is common in sectors such as utilities, manufacturing, transportation, and energy. In power and water facilities, O&M covers process control, safety, regulatory compliance, energy management, and routine testing. In project finance and procurement, O&M costs are included in operating budgets and may be tied to performance guarantees or service levels.

Standards and practices emphasize asset lifecycle planning, condition monitoring, and data-driven maintenance. ISO 55001 outlines requirements for an asset management system that can guide O&M activities. Challenges include aging infrastructure, skilled workforce shortages, safety and environmental compliance, and ensuring data quality for maintenance decisions.