What is the difference between preventive and predictive maintenance?
Preventive maintenance is performed on a fixed time or usage schedule regardless of condition. Predictive maintenance uses condition monitoring to act only when data indicates a developing fault. Predictive can avoid both unnecessary work and unexpected failures, but it suits critical assets with detectable failure modes.
Both are proactive strategies, but they differ in what triggers the work. Preventive uses the calendar or run hours; predictive uses the actual condition of the asset. The right choice depends on criticality and whether the failure mode can be detected in advance.
| Dimension | Preventive | Predictive |
|---|---|---|
| Trigger | Fixed time or usage interval | Condition data showing a developing fault |
| Strength | Simple, predictable, easy to plan | Catches failures early, avoids unnecessary work |
| Weakness | Can over- or under-maintain | Needs monitoring and someone to act on it |
| Best for | Predictable wear, lower criticality | Critical assets with detectable failure modes |
Use both. Right-size preventive maintenance with criticality, and layer predictive monitoring onto the critical assets where early warning pays for itself.
Frequently asked questions
Should we replace all preventive maintenance with predictive?
See where your plant is leaking profit.
Score your operation across five leak zones in 3 minutes, or book a free 30-minute Fit Call to confirm whether a Diagnostic is the right next step.
15 questions. 3 minutes. Instant grade. No email required.