# Predictive Maintenance

> Predictive maintenance is using data from equipment to predict when a machine is likely to fail — so you fix it just before it breaks, instead of on a fixed schedule or after a costly breakdown.

_Source: https://plenaura.com/glossary/predictive-maintenance · Last updated: 2026-06-03 · Plenaura_

## Key points

- Replaces two wasteful habits: servicing parts that are still fine, and running machines until they fail unexpectedly.
- Learns each machine's normal behavior from sensor data — vibration, temperature, current — and flags early warning signs.
- The payoff is less unplanned downtime, longer equipment life, and maintenance done when it's actually needed.
- Closely related to anomaly detection: the system watches for the abnormal patterns that precede a failure.

## FAQ

### How is predictive maintenance different from scheduled maintenance?

Scheduled maintenance services equipment at fixed intervals whether or not it needs it. Predictive maintenance watches the actual condition of each machine and recommends service only when the data shows a failure is approaching — avoiding both premature work and surprise breakdowns.

### Do we need to install new sensors everywhere?

Not always. Many machines already produce usable data through existing sensors or controllers. New sensors are added only where a critical failure mode can't be seen with what's already there, so most programs start with the data you have.