Just under 80 firms have taken part in the survey so far, most of them sheetfed SME companies. Although 65% had a maintenance plan, less than half were satisfied with what they have achieved. "This highlights the barriers that companies face in implementing maintenance, particularly the smaller ones," noted ViP.

Encouragingly, fewer firms were relying on a "fix it when it breaks" approach and most recognised that maintenance needs to be planned as an integral part of production.

The online survey will remain open until 10 December. Respondents will also receive an assessment of how their existing maintenance practice shapes up.

Visit www.visioninprint.co.uk