Condition-based maintenance (CBM):

• Condition-based maintenance is a predictive maintenance strategy where various elements of an operating asset are observed and measured over time to identify and prevent deterioration and possible failure at the earliest possible moment.
• Under CBM, maintenance only occurs when data indicates a decline in performance or the early warning signs of failure.
• This differentiates CBM from preventive maintenance, where tasks are performed at regular intervals.

The 4 Basic Maintenance Modes:

Reactive Maintenance:

• A Reactive Maintenance plan is one that essentially operates on the run-to-failure strategy.
• This is a very hands-off approach to machine maintenance and while it keeps routine maintenance costs low, such a program can be costly in the long run.

 
Preventive Maintenance:

• Preventive Maintenance requires more ongoing effort, but when executed properly, it can reduce overall costs in both the short and long term.
• While there is still a risk of machine failure occurring, a plant has a far greater chance of catching and correcting issues before they become major problems when using this strategy.
• This requires more labour to perform tasks that may seem unnecessary, but as previously stated, this extra effort pays off in the long run.

Predictive Maintenance:

• Predictive Maintenance involves routinely inspecting machines with various developments including infrared and ultrasound technology.
• NASA reported that this maintenance mode works to eliminate unexpected breakdowns and scheduled maintenance downtime that would otherwise be used to inspect a machine piece by piece.
• Predictive maintenance operates effectively the same way that a check-up at the doctor does, using sophisticated technologies to gather information on the health of a machine.
• This can help anticipate where possible instances of wear and tear may occur and predict a failure before it happens.
• According to NASA, this maintenance mode alone can reduce maintenance program costs by 50%.
   

Proactive Maintenance:

• Proactive Maintenance differs from the other three maintenance modes because it addresses much more systemic elements of a maintenance program, rather than examining the machine itself.
• This approach is much more diligent and looks to control the problems that can lead to machine wear and tear as opposed to the deterioration itself.