Which maintenance type is least planned and most reactive?

Emergency or breakdown maintenance is characterized as the type of maintenance that occurs in response to an unexpected failure or breakdown of equipment. This approach is the most reactive, as it does not involve any prior planning or scheduling. Instead, it demands immediate attention when something goes wrong, leading to unplanned downtime and potentially higher costs due to urgent repairs.

In contrast, routine maintenance involves regular checks and services performed on equipment to ensure proper operation without the urgency of breakages. Preventive maintenance is preemptive and planned, intended to reduce the likelihood of equipment failures by addressing potential issues before they arise. Scheduled maintenance is also planned and occurs at intervals based on usage or timeframes, ensuring that systems are serviced on a regular basis to prevent breakdowns. Overall, the reactive nature of emergency maintenance clearly distinguishes it as the least planned and most responsive type of maintenance.