Chapter 6

Modification

Modification refers to the transformation of a unit's required function into a new one, and is not considered a maintenance measure. It is important to note that modification does not mean replacing a unit with an equivalent one.

The maintenance organisation is often responsible for completing modification tasks to ensure that a unit is able to fulfill its new function. Keep your operations running smoothly by ensuring that any necessary modifications are properly implemented

Modification According to Standard

According to the European Standard, Modification is defined as:

The combination of all technical, administrative actions, intended to change one or more functions of an object.

For maintenance, this means all measures designed to improve product quality or speed. This also applies when a piece of equipment is modified to suit a new product or packaging. Such measures should be separated in terms of cost from the maintenance budget and they are usually expensed as investments.

The standard states that:

Modification is not a maintenance measure but refers to the modification of a unit’s required function into a new one.
Modification does not mean replacement with an equivalent unit.
Modifying a unit can be a task for the maintenance organisation.

DECISION SUPPORT DATA

OVERHEAD COSTS OR INVESTMENT?

Sometimes it can be difficult to determine if a scheduled activity should be expensed as an investment (modification) or as an overhead cost. The chart below is intended to serve as an aid in the face of similar issue.