This article presents the results of a research study on maintenance management practices in medium and large manufacturing industries in the metropolitan area of Recife, in various branches of activity. The survey was carried out by means of in loco application of questionnaires addressing important issues dealing with the context of maintenance. The 50 industries surveyed were selected by probability sampling, where sampling framework was drawn from the records of the Federation of Industries of the State of Pernambuco, in 2005 and 2006. The interviews were conducted during the second and third quarters of 2007. Among the results, it is possible to state that maintenance has presented some shortcomings, which can be mitigated or even overcome through greater attention to the sector. Moreover, it is possible to note that most industries use experience as a management tool, at the expense of more efficient analytical techniques for solving problems. This behavior limits the positive results that can be obtained from an appropriate treatment to maintenance.
Maintenance management; Maintenance strategy; Maintenance planning
