Glossary

What is first-time-fix rate?

Quick answer

First-time-fix rate is the percentage of maintenance jobs completed correctly on the first visit, without a callback or repeat work order. A high rate signals good planning, parts, and skills; a low rate is a direct measure of rework leak.

FormulaFirst-time-fix % = (jobs completed first visit / total jobs) x 100

Benchmark

Benchmark
GoodHigh and rising. The exact target varies by work type, but repeat visits should be the clear exception.
Warning signFrequent callbacks and repeat work orders signal root causes left unaddressed.

Why it matters

Every job that comes back is paid for twice and erodes trust in the maintenance function. A low first-time-fix rate points straight at the rework leak zone and usually traces to weak planning, missing parts, or root causes that were never fixed.

How to improve it

Plan jobs properly, ensure correct parts and procedures, address root causes rather than symptoms, and track repeat work orders as defects to eliminate.

Frequently asked questions

Why is first-time-fix rate important?
Because every repeat visit is double cost plus extra downtime. A low rate is one of the clearest signals of the rework leak zone and of weak planning or unresolved root causes.

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