What is MTBF (Mean Time Between Failures)?
MTBF stands for Mean Time Between Failures and is used to measure the average time between two unplanned stops or equipment failures. It’s a key metric for evaluating the reliability of machines and production assets.
Explanation
MTBF is calculated as the total operating time divided by the number of unplanned failures during a given period.
Formula:
MTBF = Total operating time / Number of failures
A higher MTBF value indicates greater equipment reliability and longer runtime between breakdowns.
Example
If a machine has been running for 1,000 hours and experienced 5 unplanned stops, the calculation is:
MTBF = 1,000 / 5 = 200 hours
This means the machine runs an average of 200 hours between each failure.
MTBF in the system
The system calculates MTBF automatically. To ensure accurate values, all downtime must be reported as they occur.
Make sure:
- Planned operational time is set in system settings.
- All downtimes is reported in fault reports.
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The correct options are selected under Statistics in System Settings to track breakdowns properly.
If you don’t track these figures, you can use a simplified version of the measurement instead.
Read more about MTBF light:
How do I set up the MTBF light version in the system?
Enhanced insights with Maintmaster MI
Maintmaster offers an advanced AI-based feature called Manufacturing Intelligence (MI) that goes beyond the standard MTBF calculation.
MI automatically analyzes unstructured data such as operator notes, shift comments, and work orders to identify recurring issues, root causes, and improvement opportunities.
By combining MTBF data with AI-driven insights, MI provides a more complete picture of equipment performance — helping teams detect patterns earlier, reduce downtime, and improve reliability more effectively than standard MTBF tracking alone.