Predictive Maintenance attempts to detect the onset of a degradation mechanism with the goal of correcting that degradation prior to significant deterioration in the component or equipment.

The diagnostic capabilities of predictive maintenance technologies have increased in recent years with advances made in sensor technologies.

These advances, breakthroughs in component sensitivities, size reductions, and most importantly, cost, have opened up an entirely new area of diagnostics to the O&M practitioner. As with the introduction of any new technology, proper application and TRAINING is of critical importance.

This need is particularly true in the field of predictive maintenance technology that has become increasingly sophisticated and technology-driven. Most industry experts would agree (as well as most reputable equipment vendors) that this equipment should not be purchased for in-house use if there is not a serious commitment to proper implementation, operator training, and equipment monitoring and repair.

If such a commitment cannot be made, a site is well advised to seek other methods of program implementation—a preferable option may be to contract for these services with an outside vendor and rely on their equipment and expertise.