📅 vs 📊

Predictive vs Preventive

Choosing the Right Maintenance Strategy

Two Approaches, Same Goal

📅 Preventive Maintenance Time-Based

Actions based on fixed schedules, regardless of actual condition

  • Change oil every 3 months
  • Replace filter every 1,000 hours
  • Inspect belt every week

📊 Predictive Maintenance Condition-Based

Actions triggered by measurements indicating degradation

  • Replace bearing when vibration trends up
  • Change oil when analysis shows contamination
  • Service motor when temperature rises

Preventive: The Workhorse

✓ Strengths

  • Easy to plan and schedule
  • Doesn't require expensive equipment
  • Everyone understands it
  • Decades of proven results
  • Works for regulatory compliance

✗ Weaknesses

  • May replace parts too early (waste)
  • May act too late (failures)
  • Ignores actual operating conditions
  • Fixed intervals don't fit all situations
  • Can cause unnecessary downtime

Predictive: The Precision Tool

📳

Vibration Analysis

Detects bearing wear, imbalance, misalignment before failure

🌡️

Thermography

Finds hot spots from electrical or mechanical issues

🛢️

Oil Analysis

Reveals contamination, wear particles, lubricant breakdown

🔊

Ultrasound

Catches leaks, electrical discharge, early bearing faults

The Decision Framework

1
Can the failure be predicted? Is there a measurable warning sign?
No → Use PM or RTF
2
Is the asset critical? High safety/production/cost impact?
Yes → Invest in PdM
3
Do you have the capability? Skills, tools, and processes?
No → Start with PM
4
Is monitoring cost-effective? Worth it for this asset value?
Often → Use both

Real Example: Cooling Water Pump

⚙️
Critical Cooling Pump
Mixed strategy by component
Bearings PdM Vibration analysis monthly
Mech. Seal PM Replace every 18 months
Impeller Inspect Visual check during seal work
Motor PdM IR scan quarterly

Start Small with Predictive

📳

Vibration Meter

< €2,000

Handheld device for bearing condition checks

🌡️

IR Thermometer

< €500

Find hot spots on electrical and mechanical equipment

🧪

Oil Sampling

Per sample

External lab analysis for detailed oil condition

Pick your 10 most critical assets → Establish baselines → Learn the data → Expand

Find Your Strategy Mix

Not sure which assets need which strategy?

Take our Maintenance Maturity Assessment

reliox.org

15 minutes to evaluate your current approach and identify improvement opportunities

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