What does the term life-cycle refer to in the context of operations and maintenance?

The term life-cycle in the context of operations and maintenance refers primarily to the usable life span of a system. It encompasses all stages of a system’s existence, from acquisition and installation through to operation, maintenance, and eventual decommissioning or disposal. Understanding the life-cycle of equipment helps facility managers plan for maintenance, replacement, and budgeting accurately. It emphasizes the importance of managing resources effectively over the life of the asset, ensuring that the operations align with the duration that the asset will remain functional and productive. This concept enables better decision-making regarding when to perform maintenance tasks or consider replacements based on an asset's performance and remaining usable life.