What is "predictive maintenance"?

Predictive maintenance is defined as the use of analytics and data to anticipate when equipment failures might occur, allowing for timely maintenance that prevents unexpected breakdowns. This proactive approach helps organizations reduce downtime, extend the lifespan of their equipment, and minimize maintenance costs because they can schedule necessary repairs before equipment failure happens. By leveraging historical data, sensor data, and algorithms, businesses can identify patterns and signals that indicate an impending issue, thereby improving operational efficiency and effectiveness.

In contrast to the other options, which focus on different areas such as sales performance, employee work analysis, or hiring needs, predictive maintenance specifically targets the management of equipment reliability and operational readiness. It is a critical practice in industries where equipment downtime can lead to significant financial losses or service disruptions.