What is Predictive Maintenance Software?

What is predictive maintenance software, and how does it work?

Predictive maintenance (PdM) is a maintenance program that uses sensor data and condition monitoring tools to help improve asset performance. Data generated by these sensors supplies near real-time insights that signal when an asset will require maintenance. With this type of predictive modeling, an organization can establish a maintenance management strategy that keeps equipment in the field for as long as possible while also helping to prevent equipment failure. 

For fleet-based organizations, taking even one vehicle out of service comes at a steep price to their overall productivity and, by extension, the bottom line. At the same time, keeping up with regular vehicle upkeep can be a full-time job for fleet managers. Deploying a PdM strategy through the use of a GPS vehicle tracking solution makes it simple and easy to predict when a vehicle needs to be pulled from operation for repairs or maintenance. Sensors connected to the fleet tracking solution monitor vehicle diagnostics and signal when certain maintenance-needed conditions have been met. 

Let’s explore how a predictive maintenance solution helps reduce unplanned downtime and helps cut costs associated with equipment failure and labor. 

Predictive versus preventive maintenance

Predictive and preventive maintenance are both critical elements of a vehicle maintenance operations strategy—and while they are similar, each delivers unique benefits.  

• Predictive maintenance relies on predicting when equipment or assets will need maintenance based on a set of predetermined parameters. These parameters are continuously monitored via sensors. Near real-time data provided by the sensors triggers an alert that maintenance is needed when a specific parameter, or condition, has been met. 
• Preventative maintenance is a regularly-scheduled process for routine updates, such as tire rotations and oil changes, as well as bigger fixes. This type of maintenance is critical to manage the health of all fleet vehicles and is performed on regular intervals—however, it often requires the additional burden of keeping track of maintenance schedules. 

In both the case of predictive and preventative maintenance, a GPS tracking solution can help reduce maintenance related pressures on fleet managers and maintenance teams to help them focus on other productive activities.  

Find out how telematics can help improve fleet maintenance. Download this in-depth guide.

The advantages of PdM

A PdM software solution strategy delivers many benefits, including reduced costs and improved vehicle uptime. Here are the top five advantages of PdM program: 

1. Cut costs. Help predict service issues before they escalate into more costly repairs or extended vehicle downtime. Potentially reduce labor costs by only calling on service technicians when needed and/or for specific tasks. 
2. Reduce risk. Proactively monitor for safety related vehicle maintenance issues that could endanger drivers, workers or anyone else near the vehicle or on the road. 
3. Reduce unexpected failures. Proactively monitor equipment diagnostics and identify issues like a machine failure before they result in major breakdowns.
4. Reduce vehicle downtime. Reduce premature maintenance and unnecessary downtime by performing maintenance tasks only when certain conditions are met. 
5. Extend vehicle lifecycle. Help keep all vehicles in safe operating condition through continuous condition monitoring and detect behaviors that can lead to unnecessary wear and tear.  

Your predictive maintenance strategy

It’s clear that PdM has distinct advantages for fleet-dependent businesses, but in order to reap the full benefits of PdM, it’s critical to put a comprehensive strategy in place. 

A successful PdM strategy should include these five components: 

1. Identify assets. It may not be necessary to include every vehicle in a PdM strategy. Identify which make the most sense based on utilization, critical nature to the business, high repair costs or other parameters. 
2. Data measurement. PdM relies on data from vehicle-connected sensors. To deliver the right data, it’s imperative to set up specific condition monitoring. This data can then be measured to determine its impact on vehicle performance and maintenance needs. 
3. Track asset performance for failures. Establish and track “failure modes” for each vehicle or asset that is part of the PdM.
4. Make predictions. Vehicle-installed sensors constantly monitor specific conditions and failure modes and report data back to fleet managers. With this information, you can simplify decision making on when maintenance will be needed and proactively schedule repairs and downtime to reduce the impact on the business. 
5. Measure results. A PdM strategy must be constantly measured and updated to achieve accuracy and success. As new vehicles or assets are added, it may be necessary to reconfigure or adjust the strategy.          

Predictive maintenance applications in multiple industries

Predictive maintenance has applications and use cases across multiple industries, from transportation to construction and oil and gas. Fleet managers have realized that PdM supported by the right GPS fleet tracking solution makes it easy to stay on top of maintenance issues before they happen and help keep vehicles in premium condition. This, in turn, enables them to deliver the performance their business counts on.  

Interested in the benefits of GPS fleet tracking and predictive maintenance software? Download this free ebook to learn more.