VectoraLab Lab

What is Predictive Maintenance (PdM)? Predictive Maintenance uses condition monitoring to identify changes in machine behavior and support maintenance decisions before severe degradation occurs. Why Vibration for PdM? • Vibration patterns can reveal changes in machine condition • Non-invasive measurement (no machine shutdown) • Can support identification of characteristic fault patterns • Well-established ISO standards (10816, 20816, 13374) Typical PdM Vibration Program: 1. Establish Baseline: measure healthy machine signature 2. Set Alert/Alarm Thresholds: based on baseline + standards 3. Periodic Collection: route-based (monthly/weekly) or continuous 4. Trend Analysis: track RMS, kurtosis, envelope bands over time 5. Spectral Analysis: identify fault type when alarm triggers 6. Decision: continue, increase monitoring frequency, or plan maintenance KPIs for a PdM Program: • Mean Time Between Failures (MTBF): should increase • Planned vs Unplanned Maintenance ratio: planned should dominate • False Positive Rate: must be controlled • Cost savings vs corrective maintenance Common Tools: • Route-based data collectors (portable) • Online continuous monitoring systems • CMMS integration • Statistical or AI/ML-based trend analysis where validated Important: PdM is not just measurement — it requires analysis, engineering judgment, and closed-loop feedback from maintenance actions. A measurement without analysis is not PdM.