What is the primary purpose of documenting 'as-built' versus 'as-maintained' data?

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Documenting both as-built and as-maintained data creates an accurate, current picture of the aircraft’s configuration for safety and upkeep. As-built records show what was installed at manufacture—the original configuration, equipment, and serials. As-maintained records track all changes since then—modifications, repairs, part substitutions, and SB/AD compliance. Together, they confirm the aircraft still meets its type certification and airworthiness requirements, and they provide essential information for maintenance planning, including what is installed, what needs life-limit checks, and how future tasks should be scheduled. Flight history or a maintenance schedule alone don’t reveal the actual installed configuration, so they don’t serve this purpose as effectively.