What is the Difference Between Preventive and Predictive Maintenance?

🆚 Go to Comparative Table 🆚

The main difference between preventive and predictive maintenance lies in how maintenance work is triggered and scheduled. Here are the key differences between the two:

Preventive Maintenance:

  • Scheduled regularly based on triggers like time and usage.
  • Performed on assets at regular intervals to ensure they continue to function properly.
  • Costs less to implement but may require more regular maintenance tasks.
  • Focuses on machine reliability and extending the functional life of assets.

Predictive Maintenance:

  • Scheduled based on machine data that measures the asset's condition.
  • Focuses on providing the right information about specific assets to determine when maintenance is needed.
  • Reduces labor and material costs, as it is performed only when needed.
  • Requires a substantial amount of money, training, and resources upfront to implement.

Both preventive and predictive maintenance strategies aim to increase the reliability of assets and reduce the likelihood of equipment failure and downtime. However, the choice between the two approaches depends on factors such as cost, resources, and the specific needs of the organization.

Comparative Table: Preventive vs Predictive Maintenance

The main difference between preventive and predictive maintenance lies in their approach and timing. Here is a table comparing the two:

Aspect Preventive Maintenance (PM) Predictive Maintenance (PdM)
Definition Work scheduled based on calendar time, asset runtime, or other periods. Work determined by the actual condition of the equipment, monitoring real-time data against established baselines.
Goal Prevent downtime, based on predetermined intervals. Prevent downtime, driven by machine conditions.
Strategy Less advanced, relies on best practices and historical data. More complex and efficient, takes measurements from machine operations.
Implementation Regular cleaning, lubrication, part removal or replacement, and equipment repair. Real-time monitoring of equipment conditions, using thresholds to determine maintenance needs.
Cost Lower implementation cost, may result in unnecessary maintenance tasks. Higher implementation cost, reduces labor and material costs.
Monitoring Scheduled in advance. Continuous, real-time monitoring.
Decision-making Experienced maintenance managers determine which machines require maintenance and how often. Data-driven, informed by equipment condition and performance.
Data collection Limited to scheduled maintenance tasks. Extensive, using condition monitoring solutions and real-time data.

While both preventive and predictive maintenance aim to increase asset reliability and reduce reactivity, predictive maintenance is more focused on the actual condition of the equipment and relies on real-time data for decision-making. This results in reduced labor and material costs, but requires a more substantial initial investment in resources and training.