MTBF (Mean Time Between Failures)
MTBF is the average operating time between failures of a repairable asset. A higher MTBF means a more reliable machine. It is a core reliability metric used to compare assets, target maintenance and justify predictive-maintenance investment.
MTBF is calculated as total operating time divided by the number of failures over that period. It applies to repairable equipment (a pump that fails, is fixed and runs again), unlike MTTF which is used for non-repairable items. MTBF is most useful as a trend and a comparison — rising MTBF shows reliability improvements working.
Related terms
MTTR (Mean Time To Repair) · Unplanned Downtime · Predictive Maintenance (PdM) · RCM (Reliability-Centred Maintenance)
Related guides
Software
IBM Maximo Application Suite
Enterprise asset management with built-in monitoring and AI.
Fiix (Rockwell Automation)
Cloud CMMS with an AI assistant, now part of Rockwell.
Where this applies
Establishing a lubrication management programme · Establishing a precision alignment and balancing programme · Running a bearing reliability programme · Establishing a laser shaft alignment programme