If equipment breaks down, you will have to fix it. It's as simple as that. But how great would it be if you could predict the right time to service your equipment and prevent a breakdown? The benefits for you and your customers would be enormous. From increased equipment uptime to cost savings and better service. How likely is it that your organization will start applying predictive maintenance?
The 4 levels of predictive maintenance
Examination of Mainnovation distinguishes four levels of predictive maintenance:
1. Visual inspection of equipment by mechanic.
2. The mechanic use measuring equipment when inspecting the equipment
3. Real-time monitoring based on predetermined criteria
4. Deploying smart sensors and big data analytics
In the final stage, the digital revolution and maintenance come together. The power of machine learning techniques is used to discover patterns in large amounts of data. This in turn generates new insights to improve equipment availability. Consider, for example, a flat tire; it can potentially be predicted from the tire pressure, thus preventing the puncture and subsequent breakdown of the equipment. Obviously, once at level 4, the possibilities are enormous; what was previously unpredictable becomes predictable.
The benefits of predictive maintenance
The main benefit of predictive maintenance in equipment management is the increased uptime of machinery and equipment. But there are so many more benefits. Think cost savings. Or lower safety, health, environmental and quality risks. And higher customer satisfaction and a longer life of your equipment.
What keeps companies from using predictive maintenance?
If the benefits of predictive maintenance are so obvious, why haven't all equipment dealers implemented a strategy in this area? Many companies do not have the budget for this and/or are unable to define an accurate and relevant business case. Another problem lies in data; you need a lot of data before predictive maintenance strategies can work in your favor. Lack of the right tools for data analysis and lack of commitment from upper management are other important reasons.
Make it part of your business strategy
If you run an equipment dealership, you need to be aware of the potential of predictive maintenance. Perhaps now is the right time to write a business case and figure out if you should invest in predictive maintenance. Be sure to involve your strategic, IT and business partners in this initiative.
April Potts is responsible for Marketing & Sales at Dysel North America and combines experience in marketing, at equipment dealers and with ERP software to help dealers drive their business forward.
