What a useful task list includes
- Specific, checkable operations. “Check the motor” is not an operation; “check the bearing temperature and record the value” is.
- Frequency by calendar, by running hours or by output.
- Reference values: what is normal and what is not. Without them, the technician cannot decide.
- Planned materials, so the storeroom has them.
- Estimated time, so the workload can be planned.
Where they come from
From the manufacturer’s manual, from the applicable regulations and from your own breakdown history, which is often forgotten. If a piece of equipment always fails for the same reason, that belongs in the task list even if the manufacturer does not mention it.
The usual mistake
Copying the manufacturer’s task list as is and never reviewing it. A living task list is adjusted every year with what has actually happened to your equipment.