Preventative Maintenance for Software

Matthew Viens

When we think about preventative maintenance, we typically imagine the routine check-up that accompanies mechanical calibrations or replacement parts for equipment. Generally, we do not think about preventative maintenance applying to software because unlike a piece of equipment where the wear and tear is evidenced through daily use, software is intangible and its problems or issues may not be immediately visible. Nonetheless, preventative maintenance for software is just as vital because it is a proactive measure against potential problems that could halt production. Here are some ways that we can apply preventative maintenance to the software that we use on a daily basis:

Software Version Checking/Updating – Regular software version checks and updates can identify and fix potential issues before they become major problems. This reduces the likelihood of system failures, crashes, or data loss, ensuring smooth and uninterrupted operation.

Performance Optimization – Over time, software can accumulate unnecessary data, outdated configurations, or redundant files that impede performance. Routine clean-ups can optimize the system, ensuring it runs efficiently and responds quickly to user commands. Moving those unused files to an external storage device to separate the actively used files from the inactive files allows to clear room for future files and optimize the performance. It also allows us to access those older files in the event that we need to reference again in the future. 

Backup and Recovery Planning – Implementing and regularly testing automated backup systems to protect critical data, ensures they work as expected in case of an emergency. Data loss or system failure can have catastrophic consequences for you and your customer. Just as with optimizing the performance, an external storage device is effectively suited to handle the needs of data backup and recovery.

Hardware Upgrades – As software capabilities evolve, so too do their reliance upon graphics or internal computing performance to effectively power these new features. Upgrading internal components or even full systems to accommodate the change of the software environment is a worthwhile way to keep ahead of the demands.