This dissertation conducts a quantitative empirical analysis to examine the value contribution of operational maintenance for companies in the continuous process industry and to identify the key elements for the success of maintenance. The starting point of the investigations is the fact that operational maintenance directly influences corporate success and is a significant competitive factor for manufacturing companies. However, the currently prevailing strategy in operational practice of short-term profit optimization requires a paradigm shift, so that maintenance is no longer viewed merely as a cost factor, but is developed into a crucial value driver for the company through a value-oriented approach. Therefore, the aim of this work is to develop a holistic solution approach.