D eferred Corrective Maintenance is the process of delaying the repair of a known equipment fault or issue until a more convenient or cost-effective time. Unlike emergency maintenance, which requires immediate action, deferred corrective maintenance is scheduled for later because the fault is not critical to the safety or immediate operation of the equipment.

• Non-Urgent: The issue does not pose an immediate threat to safety or performance, allowing for the postponement of repairs.
• Scheduled Later: Repairs are planned during periods of downtime or when resources (personnel, parts, etc.) are readily available.
• Cost and Efficiency: It helps reduce operational disruption and avoids the high costs associated with urgent repairs or unplanned shutdowns.
• Risk of Deterioration: Although the issue is manageable short-term, deferred corrective maintenance can carry risks, such as the fault worsening and leading to larger, costlier failures if left unchecked for too long.

This strategy is common when balancing the immediate need for continuous operations with the long-term reliability and cost of maintenance.