Preventive vs Predictive Maintenance: What You Need to Know

A common question among those wanting to simplify their maintenance operations is, "what are the differences between preventive and predictive maintenance?" In this article, we will be sharing just that to help you weigh down your decisions for the most suitable maintenance strategy for your business.

Preventive and predictive maintenance are intended to improve asset dependability and minimise the number of equipment failures and downtime. Simply put, the distinction between PM and PdM is that preventive maintenance is planned regularly, whereas predictive maintenance is based on asset conditions. Let's explore their contrasts in greater detail.

What is preventive maintenance?

Preventive maintenance (PM) is the process of regularly maintaining assets and equipment regardless of whether or not maintenance is genuinely required to keep them functioning and avoid downtime due to unexpected breakdowns.

An easy way to understand preventive maintenance is through a human health analogy. Think of it as someone going in for regular doctor's check-ups to ensure no underlying diseases. Simply put, from the name itself, preventive maintenance aims to prevent equipment failures and extend asset life.

PM is suitable for: businesses that do not have a significant maintenance budget but would like to reduce unexpected downtime and can implement preventive maintenance for certain assets as a solution.

Pros of preventive maintenance:

• Implementation is relatively simple

• Reduced risk factor

• Extends equipment lifespan

• Lesser energy consumption

Cons of preventive maintenance:

• Labour intensive

• Over maintenance may damage equipment

What is predictive maintenance?

Predictive maintenance (PdM) is the process of maintenance by deciding on the state of the equipment through close monitoring during regular operations. The process is to monitor the condition of the assets, which will essentially forecast downtime and failures before they occur. The role of predictive maintenance in the human health analogy is an individual with a higher risk of a disease going for medical screenings. That said, when a piece of equipment is not in tip-top condition, this is where a facilities manager schedules predictive maintenance to avoid future breakdowns.

PdM is suitable for: businesses that deal with frequent equipment failure despite preventive maintenance and want to employ thorough asset analysis for precision and better performance.

Pros of predictive maintenance

• Decreased downtime of assets

• Less labour intensive

• Maintenance is only carried out if needed

• Identifies issues early on

Cons of predictive maintenance

• Requires close monitoring

• Costly-needed technology

Conclusion

Choosing the right maintenance strategy depends on your specific needs and resources. Both preventive and predictive maintenance offer distinct advantages:

• Preventive maintenance is a simpler and more affordable approach, ideal for reducing downtime and extending equipment life for assets with predictable wear patterns.

• Predictive maintenance provides a more precise and data-driven approach, minimizing unnecessary maintenance and maximizing uptime for critical equipment.

The most effective strategy often combines elements of both. Carefully consider your budget, equipment types, and risk tolerance to determine the optimal approach for your organization. Consulting with a qualified maintenance professional can also be highly beneficial.