The document defines maintenance as a combination of technical and administrative actions aimed at keeping equipment functional, including types such as run-to-failure, preventive, corrective, improvement, and predictive maintenance. It discusses the evolution of maintenance practices from the pre-World War II era, where it was seen as an added cost, to modern times where it plays a crucial role in operational efficiency and cost reduction. The document also highlights the objectives of maintenance, aiming to maximize production, reduce breakdowns, and improve overall equipment efficiency.