a method of forecasting when to begin maintenance on a machine or system before a failure occurs.

Practices that seek to prevent unscheduled machine downtime by collecting and analyzing data on equipment conditions. The analysis is then used to predict time-to-failure, plan maintenance, and restore machinery to good operating condition. Predictive maintenance systems typically measure parameters on machine operations, such as vibration, heat, pressure, noise, and lubricant condition. In conjunction with computerized maintenance management systems (CMMS), predictive maintenance enables repair-work orders to be released automatically, repair-parts inventories checked, or routine maintenance scheduled.

A method for forecasting when the maintenance of a machine or system should be done before a failure occurs