Predictive maintenance: meaning and examples
Predictive maintenance means using data about a machine's condition, such as vibration, temperature or oil analysis, to forecast when a part will need attention, so work is done when the data says it is needed rather than on a fixed calendar.
How it works
Predictive maintenance relies on measurements of a machine's condition, not just the calendar or the hour meter. Examples are oil analysis, vibration readings, temperature checks or sensor data. When the readings drift, the part is serviced.
It is common on large or critical equipment, where a failure is costly and sensors are worth fitting. For most cars, bikes and small machines, the maker's interval is the working rule.
You do not need sensors to learn from your own history. If your logs show a part needing attention earlier than the book says, that is a prompt to shorten the gap.
Using your own records
Illustration: the manual says to replace an air filter every 15,000 km, but your log shows it was clogged at 9,000 km on a dusty route. Several of the maker manuals we use, including Hero's Splendor+ one, say to replace it earlier in dusty areas.
How to track it in Loggy
Loggy is a logbook, not a sensor system. What it gives a predictive approach is the history: dated readings, costs and notes you can look back over to see how often a part really needed work.
- Log every service with the reading, notes and photos, including what condition the old part was in.
- Look back over the history before the next service to see if an item keeps needing work early.
- Adjust your own date or reading target accordingly, and set a date reminder.
Loggy is a free maintenance logbook app for iOS and Android. The free plan has unlimited vehicles, reminders, PDF export and vehicle transfer, and no ads.
Frequently asked questions
Does Loggy do predictive maintenance?
No. Loggy does not read sensors. It keeps the history, which you can use to judge when a part really needs attention.
Is predictive maintenance better than preventive?
It can save unneeded work on large equipment, but it needs data and equipment to collect it. For most owners, a planned schedule from the manual is simpler and enough.
What is the difference between predictive and preventive?
Preventive follows a fixed interval. Predictive acts on the measured condition of the part.