What is a Planned Downtime?

In manufacturing, Planned Downtime is essential to ensure that equipment and machinery remain in good condition and function optimally. Regular maintenance and inspection can prevent costly breakdowns and unscheduled downtime that can negatively impact production schedules and customer delivery times. A well-planned maintenance schedule can also help extend the life of equipment and reduce the need for expensive replacements.

During Planned Downtime, companies can also perform changeovers or set-ups to prepare equipment and processes for new product runs. This can involve adjusting machinery settings, installing new tools or molds, or updating software programs. These activities can take a considerable amount of time, but they are necessary to ensure that production runs smoothly and efficiently. By planning for downtime in advance, companies can minimize the impact on productivity and maintain consistent quality standards.

Overall, Planned Downtime is an essential part of any manufacturing process. It allows companies to keep equipment in good condition, make necessary updates and adjustments, and reduce the risk of unscheduled downtime. By incorporating planned downtime into their production schedules, companies can maintain high levels of productivity and ensure that they meet customer demands while minimizing costs and improving overall efficiency.

Planned Downtime refers to any duration of time where the production process is scheduled not to run due to reasons such as equipment maintenance, changeovers, or set-up. Planned Downtime or stops affect Availability in OEE and are one of the Six Big Losses.