NEWTON, MASS. —Machine maintenance and janitorial distributors can take part in the automated sales process by helping customers set up scheduled maintenance for everything from tear-downs of major manufacturing systems to cleaning washrooms. Efficiency experts agree that scheduled preventive maintenance saves time and money, especially by preventing breakdowns that cause emergencies.

The Internet not only allows a customer to track his maintenance schedules but the distributor to remotely keep track as well. You may offer this value-added service as a small integrated supply option for your customer, scheduling lubrication changes for machine shop equipment or steam cleaning walls and floors.

A simple Windows operating environment and Web browser accommodate many automated scheduling programs. Schedulers offer a choice of signals when maintenance is due. E-mail messages and pop-up windows are available to alert computer operators.

The software can also be set to alert a tool crib station to begin the maintenance process, and alert management that work is started.

According to opms.net, an Internet-based maintenance programming company, customers can automate nearly all maintenance functions, from scheduling by date or machine hours, to complete reports of results and down time. Automated systems also create work orders and material lists.

Another option is for a distributor salesperson or technician to visit the location that day to make sure supplies and equipment are ready.

According to Maintenance 2000, a full-service maintenance scheduling and software firm, automated scheduling allows workers to inspect critical systems for unforeseen problems as well as repair or replace the scheduled items. In other words, if a machine is broken down to replace belts and pulleys regularly, the operator is more likely to spot worn gears, shafts or switches.