Up-time is the time during which a medical device is operational, up, and functioning as desired or available for operator so they can continue working normally. Up-time is important as a part of a service contract, such as hours that are covered under the contract (e.g. Monday-Friday 8 am to 5 pm) and according to the contract agreement as the time that the hospital needs the equipment to be available for use. Field service engineers are required to provide that service coverage as part of the paid service agreement.