Run To Failure
Run To Failure (RTF) is a maintenance strategy where equipment or systems are operated until they break down, with no preventive maintenance performed. It is often used in contexts where failure consequences are minimal, repair costs are low, or the system is non-critical. This approach contrasts with preventive maintenance, aiming to minimize upfront costs and labor by only addressing issues when they occur.
Developers should consider Run To Failure for non-essential systems, prototypes, or low-risk components where downtime is acceptable and repair is straightforward. It is useful in agile or lean development environments to avoid over-engineering and reduce maintenance overhead, such as in disposable infrastructure or during rapid experimentation phases. However, it is not recommended for mission-critical applications where reliability is paramount.