Popular Myths About PPM in Residences: Now Busted!

Most integrated facility management companies today try their best to push for a planned preventive maintenance system across the different areas they manage. This is often a tricky line to walk when it comes to residential complexes, especially since it involves the well-being of hundreds of families. Here are some popular myths residents believe about PPM and here is the truth –

1. Investing in New Systems Like PPM Will Cost More

Verdict: False

While it is often assumed that any upgrades in systems will involve incurring significantly higher costs, this is not the case with planned preventive maintenance. In fact, switching to this facility management system can help monitor equipment better, thereby making it more energy-efficient and preventing untimely breakdowns. In other words, planned maintenance can help reduce the servicing period of machines. In residential areas, this means regular water and electricity supply for all homes, lifts that function well, reliable HVAC systems- which are all driven by good quality equipment. This will ultimately ensure that residents can co-exist within their surroundings.

Research and case studies have found a proven record between the switch to planned preventive maintenance and cost reduction. Organizations and residential areas have managed to reduce upto almost 12-18% of their costs by making this transition. It is clear that the field of facility management stands to benefit from such holistic investments, especially in the long run. 

2. Air Conditioning in Common Areas is Mostly Unreliable

Verdict: False

It is understandable that an impression like this may build up due to repeated incidents wherein residents may have come across faulty air conditioners in places such as community centers or common corridors within housing societies. Ventilation systems that show signs of distress or leakage usually hint at a bigger maintenance problem.

By adopting planned preventive maintenance, however, it is much easier to keep track of the HVAC System in a residential complex. Both AC and central heating systems require constant upkeep, not only because of how crucial they are to healthy indoor environments but also because they are used very frequently. Regular monitoring and timely repairs can massively help increase the useful life of HVAC systems while a maintenance software can help keep a strong check on related equipment, mitigating its malfunction.

3. Lift Maintenance Causes Disruption and Excess Waiting Time for Residents

Verdict: False

Residents of any housing complex know that their building’s elevators are a blessing in disguise, especially if they live on the higher floors of a tower. Which is why, even one day of elevator maintenance causes major disruption to their routines. The increase in the elevator waiting time and the added pressure on the other lifts is naturally likely to test patience.

Such routine inspections however are an essential part and parcel of the planned preventive maintenance process. They help prevent larger, more unexpected lift breakdowns or passenger emergencies. Elevator maintenance and modification in a periodic manner helps ensure a safe, stress-free experience for all residents. 

4. It’s Better to Replace Machines When They Stop Working, Rather Than Keep Checking in on Them Repeatedly

Verdict: False

This is a thought which naturally comes to mind with respect to the equipment used by us. For instance, most household appliances such as microwaves or refrigerators are replaced when they stop working. We don’t check on their functionality every month, and only respond when they are no longer performing optimally. This perfectly sums up the process of reactive maintenance, in a nutshell. In contrast, the idea behind planned preventive maintenance is to perform scheduled checks and maintenance on equipment so as to prevent its degradation.

In general, following planned preventive maintenance can optimize the performance of crucial equipment, help maintain a sense of safety for residents, and ensure compliance with manufacturer warranty requirements for machines. Essentially, the rationale behind preventive maintenance is to continuously focus on adding value to equipment so that they can be preserved well and large scale failures can be avoided. Furthermore, this can even help enhance the overall value of your residential property.

5. It is Always Extremely Time-Consuming to Arrange for On-Call Plumbers

      Verdict: False

Plumbing systems are an important key to keeping bathrooms and kitchens fully functional in houses. However, because of the large number of housing units in a residential complex, plumbing technicians are often occupied with a host of different jobs and not always available on-call. In case of emergencies, this can create unexpected situations for members of the household.

The adoption of planned preventive maintenance can help by keeping a constant check on plumbing and pipelines in households. With regular inspections, quality maintenance and double-checking system functionality, the need for on-call plumbers will very likely reduce over time.

6. Are Routine Building Inspections Really That Important?

Verdict: True

It’s natural to be confused by the multiple rounds of inspections that tend to take place regularly in apartment complexes. One may often find themselves wondering why such periodic checks are even required, especially when most areas and equipment in the surrounding building seem to be functioning well. The primary set-up in a planned preventive maintenance system is the undertaking of regular maintenance checksand inspections of machinery.

This helps the integrated facility management company identify upcoming problem areas, and prevent the unexpected breakdown of machinery, by initiating repair work in a timely manner. Naturally, this also reduces the need for unplanned repair work. Overall, it can significantly help reduce downtime and any disruptions to the normal performance of machines. 

In certain cases, planned maintenance inspections are actually required to take place by law.  For instance, before any tenant is granted a new lease, a gas safety check must be carried out with complete certification. Ignoring the importance of such requirements can land both residents and facility managers into trouble, while also potentially compromising on their safety. In this sense, building inspections play a much larger role in the maintenance process than one may expect.

So there you have it- the full story behind each speculative myth.