Zoidii Logo

Nested preventive maintenance with Zoidii CMMS

Jeff O'Brien

Jeff O'Brien | Mar 24, 2022

Last Updated: Jun 20, 2025

Today, we are delighted to announce the launch of Nested Preventive Maintenance (PMs) in Zoidii. We spent a lot of time designing Nested PMs, and we believe we have built something special.

What are Nested PMs?

Nested PMs allow organizations to incorporate preventive maintenance of increasing complexity and duration into one single PM, simplifying maintenance scheduling.

Nested PMs functionality lets minor PMs get bypassed by major PMs when due, at the same time, combining multiple PM cycles. To the end-user, the PM grows and shrinks depending on its position in the schedule based on nesting levels.

Why nested PMs matter for complex equipment

Nested preventive maintenance (nested PMs) is very relevant to organizations with multiple PMs on their equipment, which increases complexity as the interval increases.

This typically starts with a base PM (monthly) that serves as the foundation for more detailed inspections.

Example: Monthly, quarterly, and annual PMs

For example, a laser cutter gets a Monthly PM, Quarterly PM, and Annual PM, with each higher-level PM expanding upon the base frequency's scope. When we complete the quarterly PM, we also simultaneously sign off on the tasks from the monthly PM. The same is true for the annual PM - it incorporates the monthly and quarterly PM tasks.

When to use nested PMs

Nested PMs are ideal when equipment assets have multiple PMs at different intervals, each activated by a distinct PM trigger. This applies to time-based, meter-based, or usage-based PM approaches.

Nested PMs limit the number of PMs and PM work orders to manage and execute within the CMMS system, simplifying maintenance planning. This benefits complex equipment organized within asset hierarchies.

Benefits of nested preventive maintenance

There are several advantages to using nested PM functionality:

Easier PM scheduling

You manage only one PM instead of multiple, thereby decreasing the planning workload.

Simpler work order execution

One PM work order replaces several, reducing administrative tasks and improving resource allocation. 

Fewer maintenance errors

Tasks are clearer, reducing the chance of unplanned downtime and boosting efficiency during shutdowns.

How Zoidii built nested PMs differently

We designed Nested PMs from the ground up to solve common planning issues. Drawing on years of CMMS experience, we addressed typical problems like misaligned schedules and static fields.

Key elements such as job plans, assignments, and task visibility now adapt intelligently based on each PM’s place in the cycle.

How nested PMs work in Zoidii

Nested PMs - What we did differently - arrows

Flexible fields and visibility

Key fields on the nested PM, like description, priority, assigned users, days to complete, and estimated hours, adjust depending on the PM cycle.

This dynamic structure allows maintenance managers to see what’s due without opening the PM or calculating manually.

Nested PM

Dedicated job plans for each level

Each nesting level includes its own job plan or task list, creating a tailored PM template for every interval.

For instance, the quarterly preventive maintenance checklist with its unique labor tasks or maintenance standard operating procedures is added separately. This preserves task order and eliminates irrelevant job steps at higher intervals.

Nested PMs - Parts

Efficient parts handling

Parts management is additive, meaning each level brings in its requirements. For example, a 1,000-hour PM might include a filter replacement, while a 2,000-hour PM includes a fan belt replacement. When the 2,000-hour PM is triggered, the system automatically includes both parts.

Nested PMs - Next Due

System-wide visibility

Across the platform, users can always see the next due component in the nested PM cycle. This clarity supports better planning, fewer missed tasks, and improved maintenance execution.

Nested PMs - How to Access

Start using nested PMs in Zoidii

Nested preventive maintenance gives maintenance teams practical control over task clarity, planning, and admin load.

Whether you're managing a single facility or multiple locations with layered maintenance needs, Zoidii’s Enterprise CMMS equips you with the control and visibility to simplify every step.  To learn how Zoidii’s Enterprise CMMS supports advanced maintenance planning, visit Zoidii. Or book a free demo to see nested preventive maintenance in action.

Jeff O'Brien

About the author

Jeff O'Brien

Jeff O’Brien is the Director of Operations and a co-founder of Zoidii. With 25 years experience in maintenance and CMMS, Jeff has helped implement CMMS software in over 600 of the worlds largest companies. Jeff has also written over 250 industry articles on CMMS, maintenance best practices, leadership, manufacturing, and operational excellence

Zoidii mobile app parts count screen

Empower your employees to work more effectively

Sign Up for Our Newsletter

Get CMMS tips, industry monthly news, and product updates from Zoidii.

Sign up today!

Sign Me Up