Learn about some of the emerging technologies and tools that can improve your preventive maintenance practice, such as IoT sensors, AR/VR devices, drones, robots, cloud computing, and mobile apps.

Preventive Maintenance has been evolving since it was first conceived. Today, technology easily improves efficiency and accuracy. But, there are still 2 systemic gaps that constrain/impair effectiveness. 1) Owner strategy and commitment 2) Capability to interpret action required based on input from owner and technology. No matter what plan/program you have, from rudimentary to mature, it is constantly adapting to near term business influencers. Being able to recognize those influences/drivers and implement effective, risk based, action from them can only be bridged by experienced collaboration with decision makers.

In my humble experience, Experience of engineering personnel is key. The lack of experience can be very costly. No amount of augmented reality, robots and learning AI will replace feet on the ground and an experienced team.

What are some of the emerging technologies or tools that can enhance preventive maintenance?

Preventive maintenance is the practice of regularly inspecting and servicing equipment and systems to avoid breakdowns, failures, and costly repairs. It can improve safety, efficiency, and performance, as well as extend the lifespan of assets. However, preventive maintenance can also be challenging, especially when dealing with complex, large-scale, or remote operations. Fortunately, there are some emerging technologies and tools that can enhance preventive maintenance and make it easier, smarter, and more cost-effective. Here are some of them:

1 IoT Sensors

Internet of Things (IoT) sensors are devices that can collect and transmit data from equipment and systems over the internet. They can monitor various parameters, such as temperature, pressure, vibration, humidity, and power consumption, and alert maintenance teams of any anomalies or issues. IoT sensors can also enable predictive maintenance, which uses data analysis and machine learning to forecast when equipment needs service or replacement. IoT sensors can help preventive maintenance by reducing manual inspections, increasing accuracy, and optimizing schedules.

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Michael Fisher

Electrical contracting & control solutions in Southern Ontario
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Agreed, wireless IoT sensors will continue to have growing demand as hardware costs come down and capabilities grow. Compiling & trending useful data will add unmatched value to any industrial asset fleet combined with existing devices currently under utilized, simple as drive parameters measuring load on processes captured over time but failing to log and file appropriately. This could show early wear or inadequate service intervals, and perhaps show that some preventative repairs can be safely extended saving already short handed crews time and ultimately budget. Combine this with the ability to properly time orders shortening inventory carrying costs and these devices with the data they provide pay dividends for years going forward.

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Davoud Zare

Reliability Eng. & Condition Monitoring Tech. || Certified RCA Facilitator || Certified CMMS & Maintenance Data Reporting & Analysis ||
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The best benefit of using IoT sensors in preventive maintenance is the ability to collect real-time data on the condition and performance of equipment or assets.

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2 AR/VR Devices

Augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) devices are technologies that can create immersive and interactive experiences for users. AR devices, such as smart glasses or tablets, can overlay digital information or images on the physical environment, while VR devices, such as headsets or gloves, can simulate a realistic or imaginary environment. AR and VR devices can enhance preventive maintenance by providing remote assistance, training, and guidance for maintenance technicians. For example, AR devices can display step-by-step instructions, diagrams, or videos on how to perform a task, while VR devices can create realistic scenarios for practicing skills or testing equipment.

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Roberto Diesta

Director of Facilities at Sheltering Arms Institute
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The thing I like about vr and augmented reality is that helps improve building design by allowing the designers and the maintenance personnel check designs for ease of maintenance performance. Many a time I have had issue with a designer who something somewhere not realizing that it is impossible to do maintenance on without taking other pieces of equipment out just get access.

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3 Drones and Robots

Drones and robots are machines that can perform tasks autonomously or remotely, using sensors, cameras, or other tools. They can access hard-to-reach or hazardous areas, such as rooftops, pipelines, or power lines, and perform inspections, measurements, or repairs. Drones and robots can also collect and transmit data, images, or videos to maintenance teams for analysis and decision making. Drones and robots can improve preventive maintenance by increasing safety, efficiency, and quality, as well as reducing human errors and risks.

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4 Cloud Computing

Cloud computing is the delivery of computing services, such as storage, processing, networking, or software, over the internet. It can enable users to access data and applications from anywhere, anytime, and on any device, as long as they have an internet connection. Cloud computing can also provide scalability, security, and reliability for data and applications. Cloud computing can support preventive maintenance by facilitating data collection, storage, analysis, and sharing among different devices, systems, and stakeholders. It can also provide access to advanced tools and platforms, such as artificial intelligence, big data, or blockchain, that can enhance preventive maintenance.

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5 Mobile Apps

Mobile apps are software applications that can run on smartphones, tablets, or other mobile devices. They can provide users with various functions, features, or services, such as communication, information, entertainment, or education. Mobile apps can also interact with other devices or systems, such as IoT sensors, AR/VR devices, drones, robots, or cloud computing. Mobile apps can boost preventive maintenance by enabling easy and convenient access to data and tools for maintenance technicians and managers. They can also improve communication, collaboration, and feedback among maintenance teams and stakeholders.

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Roberto Diesta

Director of Facilities at Sheltering Arms Institute
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I like Mobil apps especially when they connect directly with my techs in the field. This allows them to recieve and complete work orders, document existing conditions, and collaborate with manufacturer remote support technicians without having to return multiple times to aoffice or workshop to discuss repairs and maintenance solutions, there y saving a significant amount of time, which equates to saved money.

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6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?

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Paul Pittman

Vice President, Engineering and Critical Environments at JLL
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Preventive Maintenance has been evolving since it was first conceived. Today, technology easily improves efficiency and accuracy. But, there are still 2 systemic gaps that constrain/impair effectiveness. 1) Owner strategy and commitment 2) Capability to interpret action required based on input from owner and technology. No matter what plan/program you have, from rudimentary to mature, it is constantly adapting to near term business influencers. Being able to recognize those influences/drivers and implement effective, risk based, action from them can only be bridged by experienced collaboration with decision makers.

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Ian W.

Retired
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In my humble experience, Experience of engineering personnel is key. The lack of experience can be very costly. No amount of augmented reality, robots and learning AI will replace feet on the ground and an experienced team.

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Michael Dwyer, CMRP

Maintenance and Reliability Professional
(edited)
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I would like to add that while the emerging technologies are amazing and benefits can vary based on individual business and application needs, an effective and efficient Maintenance Strategy that encompasses People, Processes, and Continuous Improvement is required for driving success towards Maintenance Excellence.

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What are some of the emerging technologies or tools that can enhance preventive maintenance?

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1 IoT Sensors

2 AR/VR Devices

3 Drones and Robots

4 Cloud Computing

5 Mobile Apps

6 Here’s what else to consider

Preventive Maintenance

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