What type of maintenance is practiced when simply reacting to machine failures?

The practice characterized by reacting to machine failures is known as breakdown maintenance. This approach involves addressing issues only after a failure has occurred, leading to unplanned downtime and potentially more significant operational disruptions. Organizations typically resort to breakdown maintenance when equipment failures happen without prior warning signs, necessitating immediate repairs to restore functionality.

Breakdown maintenance contrasts with other maintenance strategies that focus on preventing failures from occurring in the first place. Preventive maintenance incorporates regular checks and services at scheduled intervals to reduce the likelihood of a breakdown, while predictive maintenance employs data analysis and monitoring techniques to predict when equipment will need maintenance. Proactive maintenance involves identifying weaknesses in machines and addressing them before they lead to failures, aiming to prevent unscheduled downtime and enhance reliability.

In conclusion, breakdown maintenance is specifically reactive, prioritizing immediate fixes over strategic planning for equipment care, which makes it distinct from the other maintenance types mentioned.