The Critical Role of Field Verification in Maintenance Planning
One of the most underrated steps in maintenance planning is also one of the most essential: field verification.
While planners strive to create accurate and executable job plans, those plans are only as good as the information they’re based on. And if that information comes from outdated documentation or assumptions—rather than real-world conditions—we’re setting ourselves up for delays, rework, and wasted effort.
So, what is field verification?
It’s the process of physically walking down the job site before the work starts—confirming equipment conditions, validating scope, identifying hazards, and making sure the plan is grounded in reality.
It sounds simple, but it’s powerful. And often skipped. Why? Because planners are measured on metrics like “orders planned per week” or “planned hours,” not always on plan quality. The result? Quantity goes up, quality goes down.
Here’s why field verification matters:
- Eliminates Assumptions
Ditch the guesswork—confirm real conditions instead of relying on outdated work orders. - Improves Job Scope
Verify materials, tools, and manpower. Spot pre-work needs like cleaning or rigging ahead of time. - Boosts Safety & Compliance
Identify risks and access issues early. Build in mitigation before boots hit the ground. - Optimizes Resources
Better field knowledge = better sequencing and crew planning, especially when jobs overlap.
Best Practices for Planners:
- Walk the site before finalizing the plan
- Talk to technicians and supervisors
- Snap photos, sketch layouts, take notes
- Confirm part availability
- Combine field time with CI walkdowns when possible
- Spend ~20% of time in the field where practicable, or assign a trusted “boots-on-the-ground” resource
Make It Standard
Field verification shouldn’t be optional—it should be standard planning procedure.
Build it into workflows. Set expectations. Use tools to capture field insights. And most of all, measure what matters: plan effectiveness, not just output.
Final thought
When planners spend time in the field, everyone wins:
✔ Better plans
✔ Safer jobs
✔ Fewer delays
✔ Happier teams
✔ More value delivered
Let’s stop treating field verification as “extra” and start treating it as essential.
👉 What’s your take? Do your planners verify in the field? What’s worked (or not) in your organization?
#MaintenancePlanning #ReliabilityEngineering #FieldVerification #AssetManagement #ContinuousImprovement #MaintenanceExcellence
