A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW OF PREVENTIVE MAINTENANCE STRATEGIES IN ADVANCED MANUFACTURING AND MEDICAL DEVICE INDUSTRIES

Abstract

This study presents a systematic review of preventive maintenance strategies in advanced manufacturing and the medical device industry, two sectors where reliability, safety, and operational continuity are paramount. Guided by the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) framework, a comprehensive search and screening process was conducted, resulting in the inclusion of 126 peer-reviewed articles for final analysis. The review explored conceptual foundations of preventive maintenance, highlighting established frameworks such as reliability-centered maintenance and total productive maintenance, which continue to provide theoretical and practical guidance. Findings from 53 studies focused on advanced manufacturing demonstrated clear evidence of reduced downtime, improved overall equipment effectiveness, cost efficiency, and extended asset lifespans, affirming preventive maintenance as a cornerstone of industrial competitiveness. In parallel, 41 articles on the medical device industry emphasized the role of preventive maintenance in ensuring compliance with regulatory standards, extending device longevity, and safeguarding patient safety, framing maintenance as both a technical necessity and an ethical obligation. Cross-industry synthesis, drawn from 22 comparative works, revealed convergence around common practices such as scheduling, inspections, and documentation, while also identifying opportunities for knowledge transfer between sectors. Emerging technologies, examined in 34 studies, underscored the transformative impact of digital tools, including computerized maintenance management systems, Internet of Things applications, and artificial intelligence-based scheduling, though adoption remains uneven, with healthcare lagging behind manufacturing. Critical gaps were identified, particularly the absence of standardized metrics, the scarcity of cross-sectoral studies, and the underutilization of advanced analytics in medical device maintenance. Overall, this review provides a comprehensive synthesis of preventive maintenance research, confirming its central role in operational excellence and safety while pointing to areas where further innovation, harmonization, and interdisciplinary collaboration are necessary.