How does preventive maintenance differ from predictive maintenance?

Preventive maintenance involves scheduled maintenance tasks that are carried out at regular intervals to prevent equipment failure and extend its lifespan. This type of maintenance is systematic and follows a predetermined plan, which can include inspections, adjustments, cleaning, and replacements based on established time frames or operating cycles. By performing these scheduled activities, organizations can minimize downtime and avoid unforeseen breakdowns.

On the other hand, predictive maintenance is centered around the analysis of data collected from equipment and systems to predict when maintenance should be performed. This approach relies on technology and data analytics, often utilizing sensors and condition monitoring tools to evaluate the actual condition of equipment in real time. This allows maintenance to be performed only when necessary, based on indicators that suggest when a component might fail, rather than at predefined intervals.

The key differentiator between preventive and predictive maintenance lies in the approach to scheduling and the use of data. Preventive maintenance follows a fixed schedule irrespective of the actual condition of the asset, while predictive maintenance dynamically adjusts the timing of maintenance interventions based on data-driven insights regarding equipment condition and performance. This makes predictive maintenance potentially more efficient and cost-effective, as it aims to optimize maintenance resources and minimize unnecessary interventions.