Mean-Time-Between-Failures-MTBF-Success-Playbook - Level 1

The MTBF Success Playbook – Level 1 is a step-by-step guide to understanding, calculating, and improving Mean Time Between Failures to boost equipment reliability, reduce downtime, and cut maintenance costs.

It explains MTBF as a key reliability KPI measuring the average operating time between failures of repairable systems (excluding planned maintenance). The playbook covers why MTBF matters—from cost savings and safety compliance to meeting industry standards—and details related metrics like MTTR, MDT, and MTTF.

It outlines calculation methods, industry benchmarks (healthcare, aviation, semiconductor), and goal-setting approaches, then walks through a 5-step implementation process:

It also explains interpreting results, trend analysis, benchmarking, and continuous improvement methods, while addressing common pitfalls like data inaccuracy and cultural resistance. Integration with wider reliability strategies such as RCM, risk assessment, and capital planning is emphasized.

A best practices checklist reinforces standardized definitions, data validation, cross-functional reviews, and benchmarking to achieve predictable lifecycle costs, higher ROI, and reduced reactive maintenance.