What is a critical consideration when conducting built-in testing (like PBIT)?

Preventing equipment malfunction is crucial during built-in testing (PBIT) because this process is designed to identify and isolate faults within the system before the equipment is put into operation. PBIT serves as a proactive measure to ensure that any underlying issues are detected early, which ultimately enhances the reliability of the equipment. By identifying problems at this stage, maintenance can be performed to rectify issues before they lead to failures during actual operation, thereby safeguarding both the functionality of the system and the safety of personnel involved.

While considerations like ensuring equipment longevity, maximizing operational efficiency, and avoiding software updates can be important in their own right, the primary focus of PBIT is on identifying malfunctions. This is essential to maintain operational readiness and avoid potential hazards associated with deploying faulty equipment.