What is an example of predictive maintenance?

Predictive maintenance involves methods that allow for the forecasting of when maintenance should be performed on equipment to prevent unexpected failures and unplanned downtime. Vibration monitoring serves as a key example of predictive maintenance because it enables operators to assess the condition of machinery in real-time. By measuring vibrations, operators can identify deviations from normal performance, which often indicate wear or impending failure. This proactive approach allows maintenance to be scheduled based on the actual condition of the equipment rather than a predetermined schedule.

In contrast, routine equipment replacement focuses on replacing parts or equipment at set intervals without consideration of their actual condition, which may lead to unnecessary costs. Emergency repairs are reactive rather than predictive, addressing issues only after equipment has failed, often resulting in unplanned downtime. Last-minute inspections also fall into a reactive category, as they typically occur right before a failure or issue arises rather than monitoring ongoing conditions to predict future failures.