By Emma Sturgis

Maintenance is an ongoing concern, one that business owners would do well to take seriously. Having so many different tasks, concerns and responsibilities makes it easy for something important to slip through the cracks. From the layout of the office to the roof overhead, there are some maintenance tasks that should never escape notice. If you are a small business owner, consider making a task list to keep track of the following maintenance items.

Equipment and machinery

Industrial and commercial equipment can be a costly asset. Ensuring that all machinery is maintained in the best state possible can allow businesses to enjoy greater value from their investment. From photocopiers to forklifts, routine maintenance and upkeep can make quite a difference. Poor maintained often means that equipment owners are forced to make a costly replacement purchase much sooner than they might like. As a business owner, this is maintenance you might not be familiar with. Never hesitate to call a professional to handle any tasks you can’t handle yourself.

Software and digital infrastructure

Digital infrastructure may be just as important as a business’s physical environment. Keeping all licensing agreements up to date, installing patches or updating software and taking advantage of any new technology to hit the market can all be essential concerns. Outdated software or network infrastructure can lead to problems that businesses would be wise to avoid. Failing to properly maintain their digital infrastructure could place businesses at an increased risk of a data breach or other cybercrime that may have long-lasting consequences. Take responsibility when it comes to being up to date with the latest technology. Look at what others in your industry are doing and don’t fall behind.

Building maintenance and upkeep

Neglecting to maintain their physical environment is a misstep that businesses may come to sorely regret. Preventative maintenance for plumbing and appliances often play a key role in keeping everything running smoothly. Contacting an electrical contractor, commercial roofer or other specialist at the first sign of trouble can also ensure that any issues that crop up are less likely to evolve into more serious issues.

Layout and workspace

Sometimes it the most basic upkeep efforts that have the greatest impact. Rearranging the layout or floor-plan of the office from time to time can help to ensure a more comfortable and productive workspace. Failing to make changes after hiring new staff or adding new equipment or workstations to the existing environment could be a bigger liability than many businesses might realize.

While routine maintenance may not be glamorous, it often plays a key role in keeping small businesses up and running. Neglecting basic maintenance or overlooking essential tasks could impede productivity or lead to larger problems that businesses may be hard pressed to deal with. Outlining the most crucial maintenance tasks ensures that they will not go overlooked or be forgotten.

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Emma Sturgis is a freelance writer based out of Boston, MA. She writes most often on health and education. When not writing, she enjoys reading and watching film noir. Say hi on Twitter @EmmaSturgis2.