# Maintenance Tech Tip: Use Failure Codes to Drive Better Preventive Maintenance

**URL:** <https://forum.cybermetrics.com/t/maintenance-tech-tip-use-failure-codes-to-drive-better-preventive-maintenance/48>\
**Category:** Facility Maintenance\
**Created:** [December 8, 2025, 5:27pm UTC](https://forum.cybermetrics.com/t/maintenance-tech-tip-use-failure-codes-to-drive-better-preventive-maintenance/48 "2025-12-08T17:27:54Z")\
**Posts on this page:** 1\
**Page:** 1

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**Author:** ![rstraube](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex008/user_avatar/forum.cybermetrics.com/rstraube/32/22_2.png) [@rstraube](https://forum.cybermetrics.com/u/rstraube)\
**Post date:** [December 8, 2025, 5:27pm UTC](https://forum.cybermetrics.com/t/maintenance-tech-tip-use-failure-codes-to-drive-better-preventive-maintenance/48/1 "2025-12-08T17:27:54Z")

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One of the easiest ways to improve reliability is to consistently track failure reasons whenever equipment goes down. A simple set of standardized failure codes can reveal patterns that would otherwise go unnoticed.

**Why it matters:**

- Identifies repeat issues tied to specific components

- Helps determine whether PM intervals are effective

- Reduces guesswork during troubleshooting

- Provides actionable data for improving uptime

**Examples of useful failure codes:**

- Electrical failure

- Mechanical wear

- Lubrication issue

- User error

- Contamination

- Misalignment

- Overheating

**Best practice:**  
Start with a short, controlled list of codes so technicians can select the right one quickly. Expand only if the data shows a need for more detail.

Better failure tracking leads directly to more targeted PMs, fewer breakdowns, and stronger justification for repair vs. replace decisions.

If you’d like recommendations on building a standardized failure code list or reporting strategies, feel free to ask here.