Mechanical, information technology, and structural maintenance are the three main categories of maintenance work. Many people believe that maintenance work only refers to the ongoing repair of physical components, but it can refer to any type of ongoing work or effort required to keep current operations running smoothly. Regardless of the work environment, people who are drawn to maintenance work enjoy problem solving, taking on challenges, and applying analytical skills.
The focus of mechanical maintenance is on physical units or systems. In general, the term refers to mechanical systems like automobiles, heating systems, and manufacturing machines. Depending on the type of system, the primary purpose, and the unique challenges posed by the work environment, the level of skill required varies greatly. The replacement of fluids used during the course of car operations, for example, is part of maintenance work on a car. Replacement of key parts worn away by extreme heat or chemical exposure may be part of the maintenance of a manufacturing machine.
Information technology consists of both hardware and software components, both of which need to be maintained on a regular basis. The operating system and physical components of the hardware must be maintained on a regular basis. The operating system is a type of software that is used to control and support other programs and equipment. Electronic components, fans, power sources, and other items that may need to be repaired or replaced are included in the physical hardware unit.
Maintenance work is also required for software programs. To keep large systems running smoothly, upgrades, patches, and fixes are frequently required. All programs must be maintained in addition to these minor, scheduled maintenance tasks. Adjusting existing programs to meet new requirements and fine-tuning programs to meet changing support structures are all part of this work. Software maintenance takes up between 40 percent and 60 percent of the time in software development departments.
Buildings, bridges, and other construction projects all require structural maintenance. In many cases, the asset is so large that maintenance is a continuous process that simply repeats itself once a cycle is completed. Roads, bridges, highways, and traffic systems all need to be maintained on a regular basis. Without these efforts, the entire infrastructure would need to be replaced due to widespread failure. In many cases, this work is planned ahead of time to minimize disruption and to coincide with local weather conditions.