What is a potential drawback of reactive maintenance?

Reactive maintenance, often referred to as "breakdown maintenance," is a strategy where repairs are made only after equipment has failed. One significant drawback of this approach is the potential for higher overall maintenance costs. This can occur for several reasons:

1. Unplanned Repairs: Reactive maintenance typically involves unplanned equipment failures, which can lead to emergency repairs that are often more costly than scheduled maintenance. The urgent nature of these repairs can require premium labor costs and may involve expedited shipping for parts, further increasing expenses.

2. Production Loss: When equipment fails unexpectedly, it can halt production processes, leading to downtime. This downtime not only impacts immediate productivity but can also create a ripple effect throughout the supply chain, ultimately leading to lost revenue and higher costs associated with delays.

3. Escalated Damage: If maintenance is not performed until parts fail, it can lead to further damage to the equipment. For example, a minor issue left unaddressed might escalate into a major problem that requires replacing entire systems rather than simple repairs.

4. Increased Inspection and Monitoring: Reactive maintenance may necessitate more frequent inspections to catch potential issues before they cause a failure, further driving up labor and operational costs.

Overall, while reactive maintenance