Predictive maintenance techniques and practices are designed specifically to define the state of equipment to calculate when maintenance should be done. This approach is different from preventative maintenance because tasks are performed only when needed.
The benefit of predictive maintenance is that it allows for simple scheduling of corrective maintenance, while preventing equipment failure. The idea is “the right information at the right time”. Other advantages include prolonged equipment life, increased safety, fewer accidents, and optimized equipment operation.
Uses of Predictive Maintenance
There are many uses for predictive maintenance in a wide variety of industries, including:
– Locating potential overloads in electrical panels
– Recording increased temperatures within electrical panels to prevent component failures
– Detecting drops in temperatures that could indicate a pressure leak
Today, advantages of predictive maintenance are accepted in many industries, including:
– Increased component operational life and availability
– Allows for preemptive corrective actions
– Results in decrease in equipment and/or process downtime
– Lowers costs for parts and labor
– Provides better product quality
– Improves worker and environmental safety
– Raises worker morale
– Increases energy savings
Disadvantages
– Increases investment in diagnostic equipment
– Increases investment in staff training
– Money-savings potential is readily seen by management
Though predictive maintenance is an enticing idea for many companies, its implementation isn’t always successful. The main reason for this is usually a general lack of planning and/or management support, which is important to any successful program.
Want to get help for your maintenance programs? Learn about the solution that will make your life easier at MaintenX!
