Predictive maintenance is a growing field with options for connectivity and data collection continuing to be developed. While preventive maintenance relies on best practices and historical data, predictive maintenance takes measurements from machine operations as they are occurring and uses this data to raise red flags when indications of a problem are noted.
Predictive maintenance is revolutionizing the industrial maintenance landscape by leveraging advanced technologies and data analytics to optimize equipment performance and minimize downtime. By continuously monitoring machine operations in real time, predictive maintenance can detect subtle changes and patterns that indicate potential issues before they escalate into costly failures.
The aviation sector is one area where predictive maintenance is used. Sensors in aircraft engines gather information on several characteristics like temperature, pressure, and vibration. Predictive maintenance algorithms can analyze the data and find early indications of engine deterioration or approaching component failures by continuously monitoring these parameters while in flight. This lowers the possibility of unforeseen malfunctions and ensures the safety of the aircraft and its occupants by enabling maintenance teams to schedule inspections and carry out required repairs or replacements during scheduled maintenance events.
The manufacturing industry is another illustration. Predictive maintenance can be used on crucial equipment in a manufacturing setting, such as motors, pumps, elevators, and conveyor systems. Especially with old pulley systems and elevators, predictive maintenance can play a big role in informing manufacturers that it is time for the entire system to be sent for successful machine overhauling at a specialized facility. This is made possible due to the sensor data that is collected and can be analyzed to find trends that point to degeneration, abnormal wear, or impending failure. In order to avoid malfunctions and improve machine performance, maintenance staff can then take preventive steps like lubrication, component replacements, or modifications. This method lowers total maintenance costs, increases production effectiveness, and decreases unscheduled downtime.
In summary, predictive maintenance:
• Is proactive
• Can be performed as the machines are running in their normal production modes
• Identifies and addresses potential problems, allowing maintenance to occur before a failure happens
• Relies on interconnected measurement and data collection systems as well as tools and personnel to analyze that data
You probably have some type of maintenance plan in place already, and it’s likely a preventive approach. Preventive or predictive maintenance is how most companies do industrial maintenance – and both are vastly superior to the third alternative – reactive maintenance, which essentially is addressing a piece of machinery only after it breaks down. For more on predictive maintenance and its advantages, continue reading below.
