The GUT matrix is a prioritization tool that scores each problem from 1 to 5 for gravity, urgency and tendency, then multiplies the three scores. In maintenance, it ranks the backlog of pending notifications and work orders: the higher the G × U × T result, the sooner the item should enter the schedule.
The tool is simple, and that is exactly why it needs discipline. Without an agreed scale, everyone gives their own problem a 5 and the matrix becomes a vote. Used with a written scale, it gives maintenance planning and control a criterion any planner can explain when someone asks why a work order slipped to next week.
What is the GUT matrix
The GUT matrix is usually credited to Charles Kepner and Benjamin Tregoe, as part of their method for problem analysis and decision making, and it is widely used in Brazil and Latin America. It rates each problem on three criteria:
- Gravity (G): how big the impact is if nothing is done, on safety, environment, production, quality and cost.
- Urgency (U): how much time is left before the impact happens.
- Tendency (T): what happens to the problem if it is left alone: it stays stable, worsens slowly or worsens quickly.
Gravity, urgency and tendency scale for maintenance
A generic scale ("not serious", "slightly serious", "serious") leaves too much room for interpretation. In maintenance, it helps to anchor each score in observable consequences. One possible scale, which each plant should adapt:
| Score | Gravity | Urgency | Tendency |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5 | Safety or environmental risk, or a whole line stopped | Immediate impact, action needed within the shift | Fast deterioration, visible within days |
| 4 | Critical asset stopped or product quality loss | Impact expected within a few days | Deteriorates within weeks |
| 3 | Reduced capacity or asset running without redundancy | Can wait for the next weekly schedule | Deteriorates within months |
| 2 | Higher cost or consumption with no production effect | Can wait for a planned shutdown | Slow, barely noticeable deterioration |
| 1 | Cosmetic or comfort issue | No deadline | Stable, not expected to worsen |
Writing the scale down and keeping it visible in the prioritization meeting cuts the debate over scores and makes results comparable from week to week.
How to calculate the GUT score
For each item, multiply the three scores: GUT = G × U × T. The result ranges from 1 (1 × 1 × 1) to 125 (5 × 5 × 5). Then rank the items from highest to lowest. Multiplying, instead of adding, makes an item that is bad on every criterion stand out clearly from the rest.
When two items tie, the tie-break rule should be defined in advance. A common choice is to favor the item with higher gravity, then the one with higher urgency.
GUT matrix example in maintenance
The example is illustrative. Five pending items in a utilities area compete for space in the weekly schedule:
| Pending item | G | U | T | GUT |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ammonia leak at a cold room valve | 5 | 5 | 4 | 100 |
| Standby air compressor out of service | 4 | 3 | 3 | 36 |
| Rising vibration on a cooling water pump | 4 | 3 | 4 | 48 |
| Burnt-out lighting in the machine room corridor | 2 | 2 | 1 | 4 |
| Damaged thermal insulation on a steam line | 2 | 2 | 2 | 8 |
The resulting order is ammonia leak (100), vibrating pump (48), standby compressor (36), insulation (8) and lighting (4). The pump moved ahead of the compressor because of tendency: a problem that worsens on its own gains priority over one that is serious but stable. The ammonia leak, being a safety issue, would probably be handled as an emergency before the meeting even started, which shows that GUT organizes what can wait and does not replace the immediate response rule.
GUT matrix and asset criticality are different things
An asset criticality matrix classifies equipment (A, B, C) by the impact its failure would have, and it changes little over time. The GUT matrix ranks problems or requests at a specific moment. A criticality A pump can have a low-GUT item, such as painting, and a criticality C asset can have a high-GUT item if it is leaking a chemical.
The two work together: asset criticality is a good reference for the gravity score, and using the same basis keeps the team from rating the impact of the same asset differently every week.
How to use GUT in the backlog and the weekly schedule
- Score on entry. Scoring when the planner reviews the notification avoids long meetings to score dozens of items at once.
- Re-rate tendency. Urgency and tendency change. An item that has waited three weeks may have worsened and needs a new score.
- Separate priority from readiness. A high-GUT item without material or without release from operations cannot be scheduled. Priority says what comes first; readiness says what can be done now.
- Record the reason. When someone asks why their order was pushed back, the score and the criterion need to be at hand.
- Watch the maintenance backlog. If low-GUT items are never executed, the matrix is hiding a capacity shortage.
Once prioritized, the top items can have their action plan detailed with 5W2H.
GUT prioritization in SAP PM and PM Run
In SAP PM, notification and order priority is a field with values configured by the company (for example very high, high, medium and low), and the equipment carries an ABC criticality indicator. Many plants use GUT as the rule for choosing the SAP priority: score ranges map to each level. What matters is that the rule is written down and applied by every planner.
PM Run Planning supports the next step, turning priority into a schedule: a kanban view of the work by status (backlog, open, released and in progress), crew load by work center, a Gantt chart and technician allocation, either manual or suggested by Manu, PM Run's AI assistant, based on skills, capacity and availability. The official schedule goes back integrated with SAP PM. Learn more about PM Run Planning.
Frequently asked questions about the GUT matrix
What does GUT stand for?
GUT stands for gravity, urgency and tendency, the three criteria used to score and prioritize problems.
How do you calculate the GUT matrix?
Give each item a score from 1 to 5 for gravity, urgency and tendency and multiply the three. The result ranges from 1 to 125, and items are ranked from highest to lowest.
What is the difference between a GUT matrix and a criticality matrix?
GUT prioritizes problems and requests at a specific moment. A criticality matrix classifies equipment by the impact of its failure and changes little over time.
Is the GUT matrix the same as an Eisenhower matrix?
No. The Eisenhower matrix sorts tasks into four quadrants by urgency and importance. The GUT matrix adds tendency and produces a numeric score, which makes it easier to rank a long maintenance backlog.