SMRP Best Practice Metrics FOR COMMENT

3.5.3 Mean Time Between Maintenance (MTBM)

A. Definition:

Mean Time Between Maintenance (MTBM) is the average length of time between one maintenance
action and another for an asset or component. These actions could be either corrective or preventive
maintenance. The metric is applied only for maintenance actions which require or result in function
interruption.

B. Objectives:

This metric is used to assess maintenance effectiveness. MTBM measures how many times a
maintenance task is being performed on the asset which interrupts the function. It could be a
preventive, corrective or an emergency repair task. The objective is to minimize number of function
interruptions by designing an appropriate maintenance strategy and applying correct tactics.

C. Formula:

MTBM = Operating time (hours) / Number of Maintenance Actions

D. Component Definitions

Maintenance Action One or more tasks necessary to retain and item in

or restore it to a specified condition. A
maintenance action includes corrective and
certain preventive and predictive maintenance
tasks that interrupt the asset function.
Operating Time A particular interval of time during which the
item or asset is performing its required function.

E. Qualification:

1. Indicator type : Leading

2. To be used by: maintenance personnel and reliability engineers
3. Best when used at an asset or component level.

© 2006 SMRP Page 1 of 2 Rev 2-FC

Prepared by: Ramesh Gulati Date: February 2, 2006
SMRP Best Practice Metrics FOR COMMENT

3.5.3 Mean Time Between Maintenance (MTBM)

E. Sample Calculation:

If an asset had 10 corrective maintenance, 6 preventive maintenance and 3 predictive

maintenance repair tasks, each of which resulted in it’s shutdown over 1000 hours of
operation, then

the Operating Time = 1000 hours

the Number of Maintenance Actions = 10 + 6 + 3 = 19

MTBM = Operating time (hours) / Number of Maintenance Actions

MTBM = 1000 hours / 19 maintenance actions = 52.63 hours

© 2006 SMRP Page 2 of 2 Rev 2-FC

Prepared by: Ramesh Gulati Date: February 2, 2006