Your maintenance strategies can mean the difference between planned and unplanned downtime (calculate how much downtime could cost you), so it is important that you confidently choose the strategy that will work best for each piece of equipment. 

Whether you choose preventive, predictive, reliability centered, condition-based, or run-to-failure maintenance, you will face downtime when repairs need to be made. Utilizing predictive maintenance (PdM) can help you prepare, which could mean less downtime. 

Predictive maintenance: 

-Uses tactics that help predict when a machine might fail and how. 
-Helps reduce risk: downtime, injury, accident. 
-Reduces unplanned downtime and limits planned downtime. 
-Focuses on reliability rather than repairing failed equipment. 
-Can prevent parts or equipment failures. 
-Can reduce costs associated with labor and materials. 

    Predictive maintenance strategies can include: 

    -Using historical data from maintenance logs to predict when problems could arise. 
    -Installing sensors connected to IoT and using them to monitor conditions. Program them to alert you when certain conditions occur – conditions that commonly lead to failures or downtime. 
    -Completing scheduled maintenance to keep machines running. 
    -Conducting vibration analysis by using sensors to detect vibration in components, helping to identify problems early. 
    -Relying on root cause analysis: using these strategies to discover the root cause of a recurring problem so you can make the appropriate repair right away 

      Predictive Maintenance is a powerful strategy, but it might not be practical for all devices in your facility. For example, if a machine isn’t critical – short periods of downtime are manageable – or repairs can’t be predicted, then it might not be worth maintaining with a predictive model.  

      Learn how your team can start applying predictive maintenance strategies with our instructor-led training course, Predictive Maintenance and Condition Monitoring. 

       

      Definitions 

      Preventive Maintenance: Focuses on scheduled maintenance tasks such as lubrication, cleaning, and inspections to prevent equipment breakdowns and minimize downtime. 

      Predictive Maintenance: Leverages technologies like vibration analysis, oil analysis, and thermal imaging to anticipate potential equipment issues before they occur. Allows for timely intervention to avoid costly breakdowns. 

      Run-to-Failure: Waiting for equipment to break down before repairing it. This can lead to increased potential downtime and safety risks, which may be suitable for certain equipment. 

      Reliability-Centered Maintenance: Focuses on identifying critical equipment components and implementing maintenance strategies to maximize their reliability and minimize downtime. 

      Condition-Based Maintenance: Relies on real-time monitoring of equipment condition through sensors and data analysis to schedule maintenance as needed. Optimizes resource allocation and prevents unnecessary downtime. 

      IoT (Internet of Things):The secure network connecting industrial devices – sensors, software, technology – and the cloud to provide real-time information and communication between them. 

       

      — Jess Schmidt

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