# Defining downtime reasons

To analyze machine downtimes, downtime reasons must first be configured in the ENLYZE App. Setting up reasons early enables consistent classification during [contextualisation](https://docs.enlyze.com/en/production-optimization/downtimes/contextualisation).

{% hint style="info" %}
What the three downtime categories (Planned, Unplanned, No Production Planned) mean and why assignment matters is explained under [Categories & assignment (Concepts)](https://docs.enlyze.com/en/concepts/downtimes/categories-and-assignment).
{% endhint %}

## Prerequisites

Before defining downtime reasons, [downtime detection](https://docs.enlyze.com/en/production-optimization/downtimes/detection) must be configured for the relevant machine.

## Configure reasons

{% stepper %}
{% step %}

#### Open downtime reasons

Navigate to **Settings > Reasons for downtime**.
{% endstep %}

{% step %}

#### Add reasons

Add downtime reasons under the appropriate category (**Planned**, **Unplanned**, **No Production Planned**). Optionally, organize reasons into groups for better manageability.

<figure><img src="https://4261006941-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FSNEuiyRRKwuqtIcaEt45%2Fuploads%2Fbm2Q4mmmyHlVO2TJoRsG%2Fimage.png?alt=media&#x26;token=5970be1f-eced-4617-af59-dd40d23a9220" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>
{% endstep %}

{% step %}

#### Save

Click **Save** to apply your changes.
{% endstep %}
{% endstepper %}

## Related topics

* [Downtime contextualisation](https://docs.enlyze.com/en/production-optimization/downtimes/contextualisation): Assign reasons.
* [Categories & assignment](https://docs.enlyze.com/en/concepts/downtimes/categories-and-assignment): Background on the three downtime categories.